UC Open Day Fest 2026

Saturday 12 September, 10am to 3pm

Register now
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UC Open Day Fest 2026

Open Day Fest is back and it’s bigger than ever!

Come for the courses, the festival or both

You can explore courses and campus, have your burning questions answered and see what student life could feel like for you.

While you’re there, you can enjoy free live music, entertainment and great food and drinks from local icons. There’s something for everyone, so bring the whole family and make a day of it!

Whether you’re planning your next move, helping someone else make theirs or coming for the festival, you’ll find plenty worth staying for.

  • Saturday 12 September 2026
  • 10am to 3pm
  • University of Canberra, Bruce campus
  • Free, registration required

Register now and we'll see you there!

Something for everyone

High school students

Adult learners

Families and community

Music and entertainment

40+ Faculty hubs

20+ Student life & support teams

5,000+ Donuts to give away

40+ Faculty hubs

20+ Student life & support teams

5,000+ Donuts to give away

High school students

See what uni could look like for you

You don’t need to have your future all figured out.

UC Open Day Fest is your opportunity to explore the courses that interest you, meet current students and academics and see the spaces where you could study. Whether you’re curious about applications, entry requirements, scholarships, pathways and support, you can have all your questions answered.

You can bring your parents, carers or anyone helping you decide, so they can have their questions answered too.

What you can do:

  • Explore courses and future career options
  • Meet academics and current students
  • Visit labs, workshops and teaching spaces
  • Ask about entry, applications and pathways
  • Learn about scholarships and student support
  • Join a campus tour
  • Stay for the live music, food and entertainment

Adult learners

Thinking about what comes next?

Starting university as an adult can feel exciting, but it can also come with a lot of questions.

How will study fit around work and family? Does my previous experience count? Am I ready to start again? What course will actually help me get where I want to go?

UC Open Day Fest is your chance to get clear answers and explore what’s possible.

Meet with our Adult Learner team, chat through your goals and find out how your work, life and previous study experiences could help you take your next step.

Make the most of your visit:

  • Book a free 15-minute career advice session
  • Get a free professional LinkedIn headshot
  • Attend presentations on applying work and prior study experience
  • Explore flexible study options, entry pathways and career outcomes
  • Meet the people who will support you

You don’t need to have every detail worked out before you arrive. Bring your questions, your experience and your ideas about what comes next.

Families and community

A free day out for the whole family

UC Open Day Fest is not just for future students. It’s a chance for the whole Canberra community to come together, explore the UC campus and enjoy a day packed with activities.

Bring the kids, bring your friends and make a day of it.

Kids can jump, create, explore and discover with a full Kids Zone featuring a jumping castle, face painting, balloons and creative activities delivered by our Primary Education students.

There’s plenty for adults to enjoy too, with food, drinks, community stalls, live entertainment and interactive experiences happening throughout the day.

What’s on:

Music festival and entertainment

We’re bringing big festival energy to Open Day

Spend the day with friends and family, enjoy live music from morning to afternoon and soak up the atmosphere across campus. Headline acts to be announced soon, alongside other live performances, entertainment and plenty happening throughout the day.

Catch the action of SLAM! Pro Wrestling, watch world championship axemen take on the Woodchopping Exhibition, and explore the unexpected experiences happening around campus.

Food, drinks and community markets are available throughout the day.

Explore more on the day

Across dedicated course, admissions, pathways, student life and adult learner spaces, you'll be able to ask questions, explore your options and meet the people who can help.

Date: Saturday 12 September 2026
Time: 10am to 3pm
Location: University of Canberra, Bruce campus
Entry: Free, registration required

Come with questions about study. Come to enjoy the entertainment. Choose what matters to you and enjoy the day your way.

Register now

FAQs

UC Open Day Fest is on Saturday 12 September 2026 from 10am to 3pm at the University of Canberra, Bruce campus.

Whether you're exploring study options, supporting someone making their next move, or just coming along for the festival atmosphere, there's plenty to see and do throughout the day. Registration is free and required.

Yes. Entry to UC Open Day Fest is free, but registration is required. Registering ahead of time helps you plan your visit and make the most of everything happening across campus.

Once registered, you'll receive event updates and information to help you prepare for the day. 

Register now

UC Open Day Fest is for everyone.

Whether you're a high school student, parent, adult learner, career changer, international student, UC alumnus or simply looking for a great day out, UC Open Day Fest has something for you.

Come to explore study options, discover the campus, enjoy live entertainment, visit community stalls, or spend the day with family and friends.  

Bring your curiosity and your questions.

Whether you want to learn more about courses, pathways, scholarships, student support or career opportunities, our academics, current students and support teams will be available to chat throughout the day.

You'll be spending time both indoors and outdoors, so dress comfortably for the Canberra weather and wear shoes suitable for exploring campus.

Choosing what comes after school can feel overwhelming. UC Open Day Fest gives you and your young person the opportunity to explore options together and have conversations with the people who can help.

Some useful questions to ask include:

  • What subjects or activities do you enjoy most?
  • What kind of work or career interests you?
  • What would you like your future to look like?
  • What support, opportunities and experiences are important to you during university?

You can also speak directly with academics at our Faculty Hubs as well as current students and support teams at our Future Student Hub. They will have answers to all your questions about pathways, scholarships, student wellbeing, industry connections, campus life and more.

This year's UC Open Day Fest is bigger than ever.

Alongside course and study information, you'll find live music, entertainment including woodchopping and (crowd favourite) Slam! Pro Wrestling. There’ll also be food vendors, community stalls, family-friendly activities, a Kids Zone, photo opportunities and plenty of festival energy across campus.

Bring your family, bring your friends and make a day of it.

Of course – please do!

Whether you’re exploring study options, planning a family day out or just curious about what happens at a uni open day, there’s something for everyone at UC Open Day Fest.

The event is designed for future students, families and the wider Canberra community. With food vendors, entertainment, Kids Zone activities and plenty happening across campus, there is something for everyone to enjoy. 

Due to the busy and loud nature of the event, we ask that you leave your furry friends at home this time.

Certified service animals displaying proper identification are welcome.

UC Open Day Fest brings together everything you need to experience UC in one day.

You can:

  • Explore courses and career options
  • Meet academics and current students
  • Join a campus tour
  • Learn about scholarships, pathways and student support
  • Visit labs, workshops and teaching facilities
  • Speak with admissions and future student advisers
  • Enjoy live music, entertainment, food and family activities

Whether you're planning your next step or just curious about what UC has to offer, it's the best way to experience campus for yourself. 

You're not alone.

UC Open Day Fest is the perfect place to explore what's possible without having your future completely figured out.

Take a campus tour, visit faculty hubs, meet academics and current students, and try hands-on experiences. You can learn about courses, pathways, scholarships, applications and careers, all in one place.

The best way to start is simply by showing up, asking questions and keeping an open mind. You might discover opportunities you hadn't considered before.

UC Open Day Fest is for everyone interested in studying, including postgraduate courses and adult learners (mature aged students). If you’re considering a career change, want to start a bachelor's degree later in life, returning to study after a gap year or long break – UC Open Day Fest is the perfect time to explore your options and get answers to your questions.

Meet our Adult Learner team, learn about flexible study options and pathways, find out how previous study or work experience may count towards a qualification, and discover support services designed to help you succeed.

UC Open Day Fest is a great opportunity to connect with our International Recruitment team in our future student hub and learn more about studying at UC.

You can ask questions about courses, entry requirements, support services, student life and what it's like to study and live in Canberra.

There are plenty of ways to get to UC’s beautiful Bruce campus.

Parking is free across campus on the day and there will be plenty of signs to show you where to go.

Overflow parking will also be available at CIT Bruce (just up the road) and our free shuttle travelling between UC and Floriade will go via CIT to help you get to and from both events.

We recommend you use the UC campus maps to plan your visit.

If you're travelling by public transport, you can use the Transport Canberra Journey Planner.

We want everyone to have a positive experience at UC Open Day Fest.

The Bruce campus includes accessible free parking, lifts, accessible toilets and a range of accessibility support.

If you'd like to discuss your individual requirements before the event, please contact the Inclusion Support Office: inclusion@canberra.edu.au

12 September is the perfect time to see why Canberra is worth visiting. Whether you're thinking of a day trip to Canberra or a weekend getaway, UC Open Day Fest is on at the same time as Floriade, Canberra's iconic spring festival. A free shuttle bus will run between the two events, making it easy to see both. 

With major events, cultural attractions and stunning spring displays across the city, there's no better time to experience Canberra and discover why it's recognised as one of the world's most liveable cities. You'll get a feel for what makes Canberra not just a great place to visit, but a great place to study!

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