Applications are open for the HEY Tutored Online Course on Environment, a free online learning opportunity from the Council of Europe for young people interested in climate change, environmental protection, sustainability and human rights.

The course is designed for young people from the Council of Europe Member States, Africa and the Middle East, particularly those already involved in youth work, civil society, environmental advocacy, journalism, community action or human rights. Participants will explore the links between environmental challenges and human rights while developing practical knowledge for advocacy and youth-led action.

About the Course

The course is organised by the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe as part of iLEGEND III – Intercultural Learning Exchange through Global Education, Networking and Dialogue, a joint programme of the European Union and the Council of Europe.

It responds to the growing links between the environmental crisis and human rights. Climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss increasingly affect health, human dignity and fundamental freedoms, with marginalised communities often facing disproportionate impacts.

Through a youth-friendly human rights-based approach, the course introduces participants to the major environmental challenges facing communities and examines how young people can contribute to solutions and advocacy.

Key Details

• Programme: HEY Tutored Online Course on Environment
• Organiser: Council of Europe North-South Centre
• Format: Fully online
• Duration: 4 weeks
• Dates: October 28 to November 24, 2026
• Modules: 4
• Workload: Approximately 30 hours
• Learning format: Mainly asynchronous
• Participants: 50
• Cost: Free of charge
• Certificate: Certificate of participation awarded upon completion
• Application deadline: October 18, 2026
• Selection results: October 23, 2026

What Participants Will Learn

The course introduces participants to the environmental and human rights dimensions of the triple planetary crisis, covering:

• Climate change
• Pollution
• Biodiversity loss
• Environmental human rights
• Climate justice
• Environmental advocacy
• Youth leadership and action
• Sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals
• Community-based approaches to environmental challenges
• Human rights-based approaches to environmental protection
• Rights of nature and ecological approaches
• Environmental impacts on marginalised communities
• Advocacy related to environmental and human rights issues

The opening module also explores ecological footprints, mental health resilience, global education and the role of young people in responding to environmental challenges.

Course Structure

The programme consists of four modules delivered over four weeks, with an estimated total workload of approximately 30 hours.

The main learning format is asynchronous, allowing participants to study at their own pace and according to their schedules.

Participants will also take part in:

• Group activities
• Collaborative learning exercises
• Self-organised group work
• A limited number of live tutoring sessions
• Discussions and activities supporting the learning process

A certificate of participation will be awarded to participants who successfully complete the course.

Selection Process

A total of 50 participants will be selected.

Selection will be based on the information provided in the application. The North-South Centre of the Council of Europe and its partner organisations will seek to maintain geographical and gender balance among the selected participants.

The Council of Europe welcomes applications from candidates who meet the profile regardless of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief or sexual orientation.

Why Apply?

The course offers young environmental and climate advocates an opportunity to strengthen their understanding of the relationship between environmental protection and human rights.

Participants can also gain knowledge that can be applied to community initiatives, environmental campaigns, youth programmes, advocacy work and efforts to address climate and environmental challenges.

The international cohort provides an opportunity to exchange experiences with other young people working on environmental and human rights issues across different regions.

Cost

The HEY Tutored Online Course on Environment is fully free of charge for selected participants.

Applications must be submitted by October 18, 2026 at 23:59 UTC/GMT +1 (Lisbon time).

Selection results are expected to be announced on October 23, 2026.

The course will be hosted online through the HEY Programme e-learning platform, based on Moodle Workplace.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached to apply for this opportunity.