The University of Canberra (UC) is busy preparing for families from across Canberra and regional NSW to attend its 2026 UC Open Day Fest on Saturday, 12 September 2026.
After a record-breaking crowd last year, it is expected that this Open Day Fest will be bigger than ever with registrations steadily climbing past previous levels currently sitting 30 per cent higher than this time last year at more than 4,500 registrations. This is expected to hit 6,000 by the end of the week.
UC Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor The Honourable Bill Shorten is looking forward to his second Open Day Fest and the opportunity to showcase the University as an accessible and welcoming space for school leavers, adults returning to study, equity students, and Canberrans more broadly.
“It’s a day of festivities intentionally designed to welcome thousands of people to our campus, giving them the opportunity to explore our facilities, discover what they can study at UC and start planning their next chapter,” Professor Shorten said.
“It reflects the essence of our UC values where students have a true sense of belonging because we meet them where they are – aligning with their goals, at their pace, on a path they choose.
“So, whether you are a school leaver; an adult learner returning to study; or UC alumni looking to reconnect, you are warmly invited to come along to our Open Day Fest.”
More than 40 Faculty Hubs will give future students the chance to ask questions and gain firsthand insight into the University’s course offerings and what it is like to study at UC.
Open Day visitors will be able to explore a retro film studio in a 90s style film set; simulated nursing and midwifery wards; fun games that tie into our Education degrees; learn the science behind the preparation of drugs and medicines to treat illness and injuries hands-on at our Pharmacy Hub; explore medical and biomedical science instruments and learn how practical experience supports learning in the Mega Lab Hub; and so much more.
Industry Information Sessions will provide adult learners with insight into recognition of prior learning and how it is applied at UC to reduce study time, open doors to qualifications, and gain entry to university.
As part of the UC-CIT Guaranteed Pathways partnership, a team from CIT will be available to chat to students considering alternative study pathway options that could help them seamlessly move on to study at UC.
For the first time, the University is also showcasing the best of Canberra, with free shuttles from the Bruce campus to Floriade.
“There is so much Canberra has to offer students, and we know that many people will be travelling interstate with their families to explore what their next stage of life could look like at UC, and we want them to be able to make a day or weekend out of it,” Professor Shorten said.
But there will be no shortage of entertainment on campus to keep them busy with The Rubens, Drax Project and Holly Hebe bringing free live music to campus, a Capital Brewing beer garden, a passenger train so attendees can enjoy a ride around UC Open Day Fest in style and so much more!
What’s on offer:
- Entertainment: Live music by The Rubens, Drax Project and Holly Hebe; SLAM! Pro Wrestling; SLAM! Pro Wrestling; woodchopping exhibition; interactive animal experiences, food and beverage zone; family passenger train, jumping castle and more.
- Adult Learner Hub: For UC Alumni and working professionals looking to return to study the Adult Learner Hub is offering a free professional LinkedIn headshot and 15-minute career advice session, with a complimentary lunch.
- Admissions and Pathways Hub: Helping future students understand admission requirements, pathways and their journey to becoming a UC student.
- Faculty hubs: There will be 40+ Faculty Hubs to showcase expertise and answer any questions about degrees and career pathways. These faculty hubs will offer immersive experiences to explore some of the state-of-the-art facilities at UC.
- Food: Capital Brewing Beer Garden, Big Box Barbecue, MXTOLOGY, Teddy’s Matcha, Ambrosia Distillery, Tornado Potato, Fairy Floss Kingdom.
For more details and to register for the UC Open Day Fest 2026, visit the UC Open Day Fest official website.