Empowering every student through inclusive mentoring
Connect with supportive professionals across Europe and grow your confidence, skills and career vision— through mentoring rooted in diversity, equity and inclusion.
Recruitment for the first cycle from 1 to 15 December 2025. Open to students from ChallengeEU universities and professionals from academia, business, NGOs and public institutions.
Mentoring Programme – Rules
At a glance
Benefits for mentees and mentors
Mentoring supports your personal and professional growth in a safe, inclusive space.
- Build confidence and a sense of belonging in academia and beyond.
- Clarify your career direction and next steps.
- Strengthen personal and intercultural skills.
- Receive guidance tailored to your needs and situation.
- Join a supportive international ChallengeEU community.
Mentoring offers meaningful impact while developing your skills in an international context.
- Enhance your mentoring and communication skills across cultures.
- Shape the growth of students and future talent.
- Network with colleagues across the ChallengeEU alliance.
- Increase your visibility within ChallengeEU activities.
- Experience the satisfaction of supporting students’ journeys.
Both mentors and mentees receive a certificate of participation after completing the programme.
How the programme works
Each edition runs for 5–6 months and combines 1:1 mentoring with optional group activities. Pairs meet regularly, set goals together and are supported by programme coordinators.
- 5–6 months of structured mentoring per edition.
- Minimum 5 individual mentor–mentee meetings.
- Optional group events, workshops and networking.
- Mentors and mentees share responsibility for goals and follow-up.
- Coordinators offer training, check-ins and ongoing support.
The programme is open to students and professionals who value inclusive, international mentoring.
- Mentees: students enrolled at ChallengeEU universities.
- Mentors: experienced professionals from academia, business, NGOs or public institutions.
- Priority for applicants from underrepresented or disadvantaged groups.
- Matching depends on programme capacity and best fit between mentors and mentees.
- Participation is fully free for all participants.
Short FAQ
Who can join the programme?
Students from ChallengeEU universities can apply as mentees. Professionals from academia, business, NGOs and public institutions can apply as mentors. Priority is given to people who may benefit most from inclusive mentoring, such as those facing additional barriers.
How often do we meet and in what format?
Mentor–mentee pairs meet at least five times during 5–6 months. Most meetings are held online, using tools that are accessible to both sides. If possible and convenient, you can also meet on campus at a ChallengeEU university.
Is it free?
Yes. Participation is free of charge for both mentees and mentors. The programme is funded within the ChallengeEU alliance, so there are no tuition or application fees for joining the mentoring activities.
Will I get a certificate?
Yes. After completing the required mentoring meetings and basic programme activities, both mentors and mentees receive a ChallengeEU Mentoring Programme certificate confirming their participation and commitment to development.
Contact
Do you have questions about the ChallengeEU Mentoring Programme, the application process or matching pairs? Get in touch with the coordination team.
