Calling all ambitious students!
Are you in your 3rd or final year of a bachelor’s, or pursuing a master’s in Risk Management, Finance, Law, Business, or related fields? Join us in Rotterdam for the 2026 FERMA Forum, completely for free! Discover new professions, expand your network, and gain insights from global experts. Your future in risk management starts here!
This FERMA Programme is in collaboration with EucA, sponsored by Howden.
Who are our partner and sponsor?
WHO IS EUCA: EucA gathers a network of about 100 University Halls of Residence in 15 European countries hosting about 25,000 students.
EucA projects on employability aim to help students explore the endless possibilities opened up in their academic path through a personalised approach in our career coaching courses. Offering a unique mix of 360° academic and experiential learning EucA supports the transition of students from University into the job market.
WHO IS HOWDEN: Howden is a leading global insurance broker and risk management specialist, founded in 1994. With 24,000+ employees across 57 countries, it manages $51 billion in premiums annually, offering tailored solutions and local expertise across more than 100 countries. As an employee‑owned company, Howden is driven by agility, innovation, and a strong client focus, delivering bespoke advice, claims advocacy, and access to specialist insurance markets. Employee ownership empowers its people to think bigger, challenge convention, and work together towards a shared mission: making business safer and more resilient.
What is the FERMA Forum?
The FERMA Forum is Europe’s biggest gathering for risk management and insurance, where the future of risk is explored, debated, and reimagined!
This year’s theme, ‘Widening the Lens: From Risk Insight to Strategic Foresight’, is all about thinking beyond the obvious. It’s not just about crunching numbers or reacting to problems: it’s about seeing the bigger picture, uncovering hidden connections, and turning risk into opportunity.
If you’re a student curious about how risk shapes industries, or a future professional eager to learn, this is your chance to discover new perspectives, challenge assumptions, and explore how risk management can drive innovation. Let’s rethink risk: not just as a safety net, but as a tool for creating a smarter, more resilient future!
Why is this a unique opportunity for you?
- Discover new professions: The forum provides a unique opportunity to explore the professions within the field of risk management and insurance. Students can gain insights into various career paths, from risk manager to risk analyst or insurance specialist.
- Networking opportunities: Students can connect with professionals and experts from around the world, expanding their professional network and potentially opening doors to internships or job opportunities.
- Knowledge expansion: The forum offers a platform to learn from industry leaders and experts through keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops. Students can gain valuable insights into emerging trends, best practices, and innovative strategies in risk management.
- Cultural immersion: Traveling to Rotterdam, Europe’s largest port city, a groundbreaking blend of architecture and an almost limitless cultural scene that is sure to inspire. Students can explore its innovative urban landscape, savor its diverse culinary offerings, and dive into its dynamic arts and entertainment culture.
- Personal & professional growth: Attending the forum allows students to step out of their comfort zones, broaden their perspectives, and develop essential skills such as critical thinking, communication, and adaptability. It’s an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery.
Forum program:
The conference program is currently being finalised but stay tuned and check out the FERMA FORUM website for more updates!
While all sessions are open to students, we’ve curated a special program just for you, featuring exclusive professional workshops led by EucA and our sponsor, Howden. This is your chance to gain unique insights, network with industry leaders, and take your skills to the next level. The full program will be shared to the chosen participants.
Students profile:
We welcome applications from students who meet the following criteria:
- Academic background: currently enrolled in Risk Management, Finance, Law, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.
- Academic level: 3rd-year bachelor’s students through to final-year master’s students at the time of application.
- Language skills: English proficiency at B2–C1 level or higher.
- Personal qualities: open-minded, proactive, eager to learn, and motivated to network and engage with peers and professionals.
What should be in the application?
A letter of recommendation by the Dean of the Faculty or Professor where the student has obtained his diploma or certificate.
- The student’s letter of motivation.
- The student’s CV.
What is covered?
- Flights: Economy and up to 350€
- Accommodation 2 night/s from the 4 to 6 October in a 3* hotel in Rotterdam
- Meals:
- Sunday 04 Reception party cocktail
- Breakfast 5 & 6
- Lunches: 5 & 6 October
- Workshops and trainings from EucA and Howden
- Social activities: young professional activity, welcome reception, sponsors night…
- Certificate of completion by FERMA, EucA, Howden
By sending your application to this programme, you agree that your contact information (name and email address) will be shared with the sponsor of this programme, Howden, and to be contacted by them, FERMA and EucA, before, during and after the programme.
National Associations can send up to two applications. Deadline is May 31st.
Concerning the use of Artificial Intelligence in applications
We value your unique perspective, skills, and experiences which AI cannot replicate. While you may use AI tools for refining or reformulating your application, we encourage you to prioritize authenticity. If you do use AI, please disclose it and briefly explain how and why you used it. We also invite you to consider the environmental impact of these tools.