Applications are now open for the 2026 NUI Certificate in European Youth Mobility Project Management, a Level 8 Special Purpose Award delivered by Léargas in partnership with Maynooth University.
This programme is an excellent practice and professional development opportunity for youth workers and practitioners in the youth sector who are ready to delve into the dynamic world of European and International Youth Work. It is also an excellent strategic opportunity for organisations to embed an international approach into their work. Essentially, this programme aims to support capacity building that creates life changing experiences for young people.
Applications close on Wed 22 October at 5pm. If you are interested, please apply through the Salto website on this link http://trainings.salto-youth.net/13955
To find out more, join our online Q&A session: Oct 13th 1 p.m. – 1.30 p.m.
Who is this programme for?
It’s aimed at youth service managers and youth workers and those working in non-formal youth-led contexts.
It is particularly relevant for people who are currently designing and delivering youth work programmes with young people and are ready to strategically embed a European dimension to their work.
Programme Structure
This Level 8 certificate programme adopts a blended approach over 100 hours contact, plus personal study. It is designed around four blocks – see below and consists of three mandatory residential seminars in Maynooth University and regular weekly online learning which take place on Thursday 10.00-13.00. There is an 80% attendance requirement, which will be monitored.
The programme includes an International Study Visit to Slovenia May 5th – 8th, 2026. This is a compulsory element of the programme.
How is the programme assessed?
Please note, students will be expected to undertake individual study and complete assignments outside of contact hours.
It will be assessed through a range of continuous assessment methods including essays, presentations, learning journals and project proposals.
What QQI level is the Certificate?
The NUI Certificate is awarded at Level 8 on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications and carries 20 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
Fee and Payment
The course fee is €480 per participant. This fee is heavily subsidised by Erasmus+ and includes accommodation and meals costs for residential elements and all costs associated with the study visit.
Payment in instalments can be facilitated.
Eligibility
Please note that applicants for the Certificate
- must be aged at least 21 years old on 1st January 2026.
- Resident and working in Republic of Ireland
- Be currently working with young people and have organisational support to engage in European Funding Programmes.
- Available to participate in all aspects of the programme
How do I apply?
Apply online via Salto by Wednesday 22 October 2025 at 5pm. Your application must include a letter of support from senior management in your organisation.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend a short online interview week beginning Nov 3rd and successful applicants will be informed by Nov 21st.
The start date of the programme is Friday 23rd January in Maynooth University.
Meet the Team
The Certificate team is led by Programme Coordinator and Lecturer Nora Furlong, Léargas, and Ciara Bradley, Academic Director, Maynooth University. The programme will also include case study inputs from practitioners in the field, Léargas staff, European Researchers and Maynooth University Academics.
Further queries
If you have any further queries at this stage, we would love to hear from you, contact Nora: nfurlong@leargas.ie
Course Content
Block One: National and European contexts
Explores the frameworks for youth work and non-formal learning; the opportunities and challenges of European youth mobility; and the history and development of National and European Policy and European Funding Programme specifically Erasmus + & European Solidarity Corps.
Block Two: Principles and practice skills
European Competence Models for Youth Workers, strategically embedding a European approach as per needs of young people and organisational capacity. Developing a quality funding application as per funding and policy objectives.
Block Three: International study visit
Experiential learning and peer exchange in an international environment.
Block Four: Mobility project management
This guides students through each stage of the project cycle, building on the learning and relevance of content in previous modules and application of learning to the practicality of formulating a quality funding application form.
How is the course assessed?
It will be assessed through a range of continuous assessment methods including essays, presentations, learning journals and project proposals. The assignments will be validated by Maynooth University.
What QQI level is the Certificate?
The NUI Certificate is awarded at Level 8 on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications and carries 20 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
Testimonials
For the funding application, I never had experience of doing one before., I learned so much from this assignment as well as the inputs online and in person. I feel confident and capable of completing any Funding Application to a high standard, I am hoping to submit a Discover EU inclusion FA in October.
There were many key learnings for me… Understanding of how to write a funding application in an Erasmus+ context. Understanding of how policy impacts and aids our work with young people. The value of reflective practice in our work. Making reflective practice my own understanding of ways to engage in a way that works for me. Reassess this skill to facilitate to various reflective style for young people
…if you are a complete novice to European youth work or a seasoned pro, this course has a place for all. The connections and experience’s you get can’t be got anywhere else.
I have learned about the importance of European Youth work, gained great knowledge of project management and gained new digital skills. I no longer see Erasmus projects as numbers on the screen and budgets I have to work on, but as a life changing opportunity for young people and important part of the programme of our organisation.
I feel all youth workers, administrations and managers should have access to and avail of the course. It is a comprehensive experiential learning experience, with a strong peer education element and like EU youth work with young people, it immerses us in a learning and is an amazing opportunity.
My advice to anyone interested in applying for the NUI Certificate in European Youth Mobility Project Management this September is to go for it. You won’t look back! It will be an amazing experience and will take your professional development to a new level – as well as providing amazing new opportunities for the young people you work with.