Global Leaders Programme
Excellence in global reputation, advocacy and advancement
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“I came away with important insights for my own institution as well as UK HE. For busy senior leaders, this week is very much worth your time!”
Professor Jennifer Hudson, Vice-Provost (Faculties), University College London
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“The hurricane blowing through US higher education has similar winds to those we face. The CASE study tour has reminded us that we must speak together, for the sector, to weather our storm.”
Professor John Woodward, Pro-Vice-Chancellor International, Northumbria University
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“The CASE Global Leaders Programme was a great learning experience. It provided invaluable insights and access to key individuals and institutions, as well as the opportunity to build relationships with senior leaders in the sector.”
Professor Jane Robinson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Engagement and Place, Newcastle University
CASE Global Leaders Programme 2026
Australia Study Tour
15 - 20 February 2026
A global leaders programme like no other
The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Global Leaders Programme is designed to give senior executives in higher education an unparalleled opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, inspiration and connections required to navigate the complexities of an increasingly turbulent climate for universities across the world.
Anchored by an exceptional international study tour to some of the world’s most innovative institutions, Global Leaders Programme delegates will have a truly international experience, underpinned by CASE’s unique worldwide network of university leaders and practitioners.
"To university leadership, the world is almost unrecognisable from just five years ago. The CASE Global Leaders Programme will provide delegates with a genuinely global appreciation of best practice, leadership and strategy across all aspects of university reputation, advocacy and advancement.
This unique executive development opportunity is a prudent investment for any university leader seeking to navigate their institution through challenging times."
Sue Cunningham, President and CEO, CASE
Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, President, Royal Society of Edinburgh and Former Vice-Chancellor and Principal, University of Glasgow
Professor Mark Scott AO, Vice-Chancellor and President, The University of Sydney
Global Leaders Programme Faculty
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Sue Cunningham
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Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli
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Professor Mark Scott AO
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Paul Andrew
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Kirsten Andrews
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Marina Cooper
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Emma Darwin
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Dan Dillon
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Liesl Elder
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Andrea Farquhar
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Alex Favier
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Professor Verity Firth AM
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Dr Jess Gallagher
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Jennifer Karlson
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Erik Lithander
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Andrew Monk
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Richard Nicholl
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Professor Rachel Sandison OBE
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Nathalie Trott
About the Global Leaders Programme
Across the world, university leaders are facing unprecedented external turbulence. Individually, the impact of geopolitical ructions, cultural polarisation and the rapid advances in technology all represent extraordinary challenges to the way global higher education operates. Cumulatively, they present a fundamental, if not existential moment of change for universities.
In this context, how should university leaders approach the stewardship of their institutions’ reputation? How do they develop new models of engagement, advancement and advocacy that help their institutes navigate turbulent times? And at a time where the issues facing higher education seem to be replicated across different international systems, how are they learning from the experiences of their global peers – both in terms of what works – and what doesn’t?
The CASE Global Leaders Programme has been developed specifically to provide university leaders and their institutions with this international perspective at the time it is needed most. Across the UK and Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand; each cohort of University Executive Board/ Cabinet members participating in the programme will have a unique international professional development opportunity to forge connections, share challenges and facilitate greater exchange with other university leaders and experts from beyond the sector.
The programme will arm its delegates with the insight, best practice and practical tools to help their institutions develop a more integrated approach to reputation, advancement and advocacy at a time where universities around the world are under unprecedented external pressures.
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Each CASE Global Leaders Programme Cohort will consist of:
an exceptional international study tour to some of the world’s most innovative institutions and organisations beyond the sector, led by a President or Vice-Chancellor from an internationally renowned institution;
a carefully curated cohort of University Executive Board (Cabinet) members with a variety of institutional responsibilities who share an interest in leadership development, insights and networks relating to reputation, advancement and advocacy.
two “Reputation, Advocacy and Advancement in Action” sessions – either in-person/ hybrid/ virtual, with the opportunity attend VIP dinners with leading guest speakers from outside higher education;
an invitation to a ‘Cohorts Collide’ workshop of facilitated exchange and engagement with another incoming CASE Global Leaders Programme Cohort, followed by a networking reception;
a ‘Global Peer’ brokerage service for each delegate that will facilitate an introduction to a global senior leader based on development goals;
an invitation to attend the CASE Summit for Leaders in Advancement conference in New York City for the July following completion of your programme;
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Delegates will:
o develop an outstanding and internationally-informed appreciation of reputation, advocacy and advancement strategy and practice.
o experience an international study tour like no other, gaining insight, inspiration and ideas from some of the world's most prestigious and innovative institutions in the company of expert facilitators.
o forge strong, long-lasting networks, connections and peer-to-peer relationships both domestically and globally.
o be informed, empowered and better prepared with the skills and knowledge needed to help their institutions navigate an unprecedented external environment.
o have a clear understanding of how to develop institutional strategies, identify and grow talent, deliver success and manage challenges related to all things reputation, advocacy and advancement.
o have a greater appreciation of how to build an integrated approach across these areas of strategy and practice.
o hear from outstanding leaders in government, industry and the third sector.
o be part of open and honest discussions with global senior leaders.
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The Global Leaders Programme is open to;
o Executive Board members
o Cabinet members
o Vice-Chancellors
o Presidents
o Pro Vice-Chancellors
o Provosts
o Chief Marketing Officers
o Chief Operating Officers
o Deans of Faculty/School
initially from the UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States or by invitation.
If you are interested in the programme but not sure if you are eligible, contact us and let us know your job title and remit and we will be able to advise.
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Step 1: Submit your application to join the CASE Global Leaders Programme.
Register your details and choose your cohort and international study tour.
Applicants will need to briefly define their reasons for applying and demonstrate the endorsement from the head of their institution (if required).
Step 2: Applications considered and approved.
The faculty will consider applications on a rolling basis. If an application is successful, prospective delegates will then be asked to secure their place on the cohort with the payment of a deposit.
Each cohort will be carefully curated to incorporate a diversity of delegate roles and institutions, there is an advantage to completing an application early.
