Competitions, activities and events

What: ACU VCE Revision Sessions

More info: Free, online sessions with handy resources

What: Discover ACU School Holiday Workshops

Who/When/More info:

Tailored to your course of interest, Discover ACU is designed to give you an exciting first taste of specific disciplines, with an opportunity to speak with current ACU students to find out what life is like in your study area.  Discover our state-of-the-art facilities, all located close to cafes, restaurants and outdoor experiences.Students should register soon at Discover ACU Workshops. 

What: ADFA Open Day

Who: Any student keen on exploring ADF Careers which are connected with further study at university level.

When: Saturday 17 August 2024 – In person at ADFA (ACT) or Virtual (on-demand)

More info: 

• Explore world-class UNSW degrees, with Information Sessions on Business, Arts, Science Engineering, Computing and Cyber Security.

• Meet current Training Officers and learn about life on campus and how your military training and study fit together at ADFA.
• See a variety of exciting and interactive military and educational displays from Navy, Army, and Air Force.
• Take a tour of the campus, and much more.

What: ADF Opportunities

Who: Students interested in Defence Force opportunities please see and apply via the ADF website - Jobs List - Defence Work Experience (nga.net.au)

Army Familiarisation September (Hawthorn Training Depot)

• A program designed specifically for students with an interest in the Army 
• Location: Hawthorn Depot, Victoria 
• Placement Dates: 23-24 September 2024 or 25-26 September 2024 
• Application closes: Sunday 30 June 2024 11:30pm
• Link to apply: Army Familiarisation September 23-24 (Hawthorn Training Depot)
• Link to apply: Army Familiarisation September 25-26 (Hawthorn Training Depot)

Air Force – Indigenous Youth Program: RAAF Point Cook & RAAF Williams (Laverton)

• A program designed specifically for students with an interest in the Air force (Indigenous students only) 
• Location: Point Cook and Laverton
• Placement Dates: 22 August 2024
• Application closes: Sunday 30 June 2024 11:30pm
• Link to apply: Air Force - Indigenous Youth Program: RAAF Point Cook & RAAF Williams (Laverton)

Army Familiarisation Simpson Barracks (Macleod)

• A program designed specifically for students with an interest in the Army 
• Location: Simpson Barracks, Macleod
• Placement Dates: 27-28 August 2024 
• Application closes: Sunday 14 July 2024 11:30pm
• Link to apply: Army Familiarisation Simpson Barracks (Macleod) 

STEM Immersion Week

• Showcasing various STEM careers
• Location: Fisherman’s Bend (Port Melbourne)
• Placement Dates: 11-15 November 2024
• Application closes: Sunday 21 July  2024 11:30pm
• Link to apply: STEM Immersion Week: Fishermen's Bend (Port Melbourne) November 2024

Exercise First Look – Indigenous Youth Program- Soldier: Army Logistics Training Centre 

• A program designed specifically for students with an interest in the Army(Indigenous students only) 
• Location: Bandiana 
• Placement Dates: 07 – 11 October 2024 
• Application closes: Sunday 28 July 2024 11:30pm
• Link to apply: Exercise First Look - Indigenous Youth Program - Bandiana 

Army Familiarisation Puckapunyal

• A program designed specifically for students with an interest in the Army
• Location: Puckapunyal, Victoria 
• Placement Date: 14 – 17 October 2024
• Application closes: Sunday 18 August  2024 11:30pm
• Link to apply: Army Familiarisation: Puckapunyal

Exercise First Look – Indigenous Youth Program- Soldier: Army Logistics Training Centre 

• A program designed specifically for students with an interest in the Army(Indigenous students only) 
• Location: Simpson Barracks, MacLeod 
• Placement Dates: 25 – 29 November 2024 
• Application closes: Sunday 18 August 2024 11:30pm
• Link to apply: Exercise First Look - Indigenous Youth Program - Simpson Barracks 

What: ADF Recruiting 2024

Who: Students interested in roles within the Defence Force.

When: Various dates and sessions with current members of the Army, Air force and Navy, using both in person and online options.

More info: www.adfcareers.gov.au/events 

What: BBLLLEN Apprenticeship and Traineeship Information Evenings

Who: Any student (especially Year 10 to 12) interested in exploring apprenticeship and/or traineeships as a post-school option. This session is also really beneficial to parents, guardians, employers new to apprenticeships/traineeships and career influencers. 

When:   Baw Baw Night Wednesday 26 June https://www.trybooking.com/CRWWQ 

More info: These events have traditionally been an information sharing event as well as a networking and recruitment session, so it is very valuable for students considering applying for apprenticeships/traineeships. 

What: Box Hill Magnify Winter Music Camp

Who: High-school students keen to explore musical careers and opportunities.

When: Monday 8 to Friday 12 July 2024, 9:30am – 4:30pm each day (with a concert on Friday night from 6pm – 7pm).

More info: Magnify is a high-level music intensive for students wanting to fast track their careers and boost their skills.  Meet other high school musicians (aged 14-18) and take part in this unique music camp where you will develop the real-world skills you’ll need in your music career. During this week-long camp, students will get to participate in daily tutorials, workshops and collaborative sessions, getting the opportunity to develop skills in song writing and composition, improvisation and arranging.  Students will also record a real studio session in Sing Sing East and take part in workshops in social media and online marketing to promote their music.  Cost is $450, numbers are restricted to 30 participants, and entry is by audition (video, submitted by email).

To find out more and to submit an application of interest, visit Magnify Winter Music Camp 2024. 

What: Camp Seek

Who: Year 9 and 10 Girls and Non-binary young people

When and more info: Camp Seek is a STEM focussed learning and immersion program for Year 9 and 10 girls and non-binary young people taking place during the September school holidays. Participants will spend four days at SEEK HQ in Melbourne. 

Participants will learn from subject matter experts about their career journeys in tech, develop their coding, learn about real-world problem solving and put it all to use in a Create-a-Thon project with fellow Camp SEEKers. For information and to register your place, visit www.seek.com.au/camp-seek 

What: Collarts Creative Futures 2024 Design Competition

Who/When/More info: Collarts once again invites budding young creatives in High School Years 10, 11 and 12 to enter our annual design competition.

This year there are four categories’ students can submit for:

• Media: Photography & Film
• Fashion
• Visual Communications & Animation and
• Interior/Product or Environmental Design

Students will have the chance to win amazing prizes – these include an overall prize winner receiving an iPad Pro and category prize winners - JB Hi-Fi Vouchers and Dean’s Art vouchers.

This year the competition is inspired by the UN Sustainable Development Goal No. 11 (Sustainable cities and communities). Collarts invites young designers and creatives to find ways that help make local communities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. Submission deadlines dates - Sunday 21st July 2024. Registrations will be end of February! Further information and category details can be found here.

What: Collarts Winter Workshops

Who: Year 10 – 12 students with an interest in practical, hands-on creative workshops connected with Collarts course offerings.

When: 6 and 7 July, Collarts Melbourne Campus

More info: 15 workshops covering fashion, interior design, digital design, animation, photography, music, audio engineering, screen and media, event management and entertainment management across the two days. $15 half day (includes snacks) or $30 full day (includes lunch), discount for 2+ workshops, limited spots www.collarts.edu.au/holidayworkshops 

What: Federation Uni Walk and Talk July Campus Tours

Who: Students and their families interested in exploring Fed offerings and the campuses.

When and More info: Bookings are open for July campus tours in the school holidays.  These will be led by current Fed Uni students, meaning that visitors get the opportunity to hear firsthand about the study experience at Federation University. The tours will depart every 30 minutes from 10.00am – 1.00pm on Thursday 11 July 2024 at each of the Berwick, Gippsland, and Mt Helen campuses.

• Book for the Berwick Campus here. 
• Book for the Gippsland Campus here.
• Book for the Mt Helen Campus here.

What: Federation Uni Visual Arts Workshop

Who/When/More info: 

Registrations are open for our visual arts folio workshop at the Arts Academy. The workshop is tailored to aspiring art students who aim to apply for the Bachelor of Visual Arts in 2025.

July 3, 2024, 9.30 am – 4 pm, Fed Uni Camp Street Visual Art StudiosCost is $30.00. Register Here.

What: Girl Geek Academy Microsoft Mondays

Who: Open to any secondary student but it is designed for high school girls interested in coding and technology.

When: Every Monday from 5 – 6:30pm

More info:  Girl Geek Academy and Microsoft have teamed up to present weekly online workshops to high school girls interested in coding and technology.

Designed specifically for high school girls, you’ll hang out, meet new mates, and learn a new tech skill every Monday afternoon from 5:00-6:30pm (AEST), totally free.

Keen on making your own video game? Let’s do it. Got code questions? We’ve got you covered. Curious about Artificial Intelligence? So are we.

All the classes are beginner friendly, and are set up so you can go at your own pace – no need to worry about getting left behind. And if you’re tech talented, you can move ahead as fast as you like.

Find out more and register here: https://girlgeekacademy.com/microsoft/

What: Japanese Short Film Competition – Video Matsuri Contest

Who: Students with an interest in Japanese culture and media creation.

When: Open now until 27 September

More info: You will produce a video (3mins or new 60Sec category) that the signature item for 2024, bicycle (じてんしゃ) https://bit.ly/2BaMqWY 

What: JMC Creative Arts Competitions

Who/When/More info: The Mocktail Film Award (filmmaking & animation competition), Canvas Art Award (2D/3D drawing competition) and the Songwriting Competition (lyric and recording comp). Open now until 30 June, 2024. See details at https://www.jmcacademy.edu.au/teachers-resources/competitions-for-your-students/ 

What: Latrobe Uni Outdoor Ed Camp

Who: Year 10 to 12 students keen on an outdoor and bushwalking adventure in the Grampians

When and More info: Year 10–12s that love the outdoors can join La Trobe’s Outdoor and Sustainability Education team for 5 days of bushwalking in the Grampians from 30 September–4 October. See the linked flyer.

What: LCI Finesse Ahead of the Seam – Design, Illustrate, Create Workshop

Who: High school students interest in fashion and design

When: 1 July 2024, 9:30am – 4pm at LCI in Melbourne. 

More info: Free, interactive workshop that will help you explore your creative potential and gain valuable insights from industry experts. and register here

Le Cordon Bleu Three-day Residential Holiday ProgramYear 11 and 12 students who may be considering a career as a top chef or in a management role in hotels and restaurants are invited to participate in the Le Cordon Bleu 3-day Residential Program.

Held in the June holidays, students will –

• Create cuisine and pâtisserie delights in our commercial kitchens

• Learn about the art of Food and Beverage service to ignite your hospitality passion
• Exclusive private tours of Melbourne's leading hospitality venues.
• Intimate workshops with industry professionals
• Chat with our Industry Engagement team about how they will guide you to your perfect career
• Learn more about the subjects you’ll study like Marketing, International Hospitality Experience, and Leadership Management
• Meet our world-class lecturers and chefs, successful alumni an

The Residential is strictly limited to a maximum of 14 participants.  For more information regarding costs ($650 redeemable on tuition fees), dates (July and September school holidays), etc. visit Enter the World of Le Cordon Bleu Melbourne Career Residential.

What: Macquarie University Online Information Sessions

Who: Open to any student, especially those interested in learning more about possible courses and offerings at Macquarie.

When/More info: 

Year 12 Webinar Series

This series will give Year 12 students the inside scoop on everything they need to know about university - from choosing a degree, navigating entry programs, and applying to study, to tips and tricks for reducing their stress levels and boosting wellbeing

• 4 June, 6 – 7pm Early Entry Info Session
• 11 September, 6 – 7pm Transitioning from school to university

What: Melbourne Careers Expo

Who: Anyone interested in exploring career options and ideas

When and more info: This is Australia’s largest careers expo. You will have the opportunity to: attend information seminars, speak directly with organisations, watch demonstrations, receive career advice, participate in hands-on activities, speak to course advisers from universities and TAFEs, speak to industry experts and learn about apprenticeships, and learn about international exchange and gap year programs. The Expo will run between Friday 26 - Sunday 28 July at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre and is free for participants, www.careerexpo.com.au 

What: Monash Science Precinct Tours

Who: Students, especially those in senior years, with an interest in pursuing Science at Monash. This is an opportunity to find out more and check out the facilities in which you might be studying in the future.

When: July School Holidays

More info: Registration is important - Monash Science Precinct Tours 2024 - Multiple Dates.

What: Monash Virtual VCE Revision Sessions 2024 

Who: Year 11 and 12 students studying Unit 3&4 Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Psychology and Software Development, as well as General, Methods and Specialist Mathematics.

When: Register for sessions commencing soon and covering Year 11 and 12 subject content.

More info: Monash Virtual VCE Revision Sessions 

What: Monash Art, Design and Architecture School Holiday Workshops

Who/When/More info: Senior students interested in Monash University’s Art, Design and Architecture offerings. Gain a better understanding of different art mediums, design thinking approaches, and architecture studios through our hands-on experience days right here at the Monash Caulfield campus.  Students will get to find out what it is like to be a student for a day, meet the Monash staff and explore the workshop spaces Monash students have access to.

What: Monash Business Explorer Program

Who: Open to VCE students, interested in pursuing university study for business/commerce and wanting to obtain more information about the campus, courses and opportunities available at Monash.

When: Tuesday 2 July or Wednesday 3 July, 9:45am – 3:30pm, Monash University, Caulfield Campus

More info: This free event is open to VCE students who are considering studying business/commerce at university and is a great way to explore the diverse world of commerce through a choice of taster sessions in accounting, economics, banking and finance, management, marketing, entrepreneurship and analytics, statistics and actuarial studies.  Lunch will also be provided.

Registration is essential and places are limited and will close on 26 June 2024.  Register at Home - Business Explorer | Monash Business School | Monash University.

What: Monash Design Prize

Who: Budding designers from Year 10 – 12

When: Open now until 30 August 2024

More info: submit your entry to the Monash Design Prize for a chance to win an AUD$1000 VISA voucher and a paid internship with one of our design research labs. Focus is on the mission ‘Design for good’. See the competition webpage for further details. 

What: Monash Discover Business Webinar 

Who: Open to VCE students, interested in pursuing university study for business/commerce and wanting to obtain more information about the campus, courses and opportunities available at Monash.

When: 10 July, 1 – 2pm, online

More info: Registration is essential so register at Discover Business: A World Of Possibilities

What: Access Monash Webinars

Who: Open to any student, especially Year 10 to 12, interested in obtaining more information about the campuses, courses and opportunities available at Monash.

When/More info: The Access Monash Online Seminars (via Zoom) are led by experienced Access Monash mentors, giving students valuable first-hand insight into the university. Mentors provide handy tips and tricks and insider knowledge to assist students in their decision-making for the future. More info here.

What: Music Careers Expo

Who: Music career enthusiasts

When and more info: The Push is running an exciting Music Careers Expo on Tuesday 13 August at the Corner Hotel, Richmond. The Expo will be a fun and interactive way to learn about the various professions within the music industry. It is free to attend but registration is essential. www.thepush.com.au/mce 

What: NDIS Preparing a Pathway to Employment and Post School

Who: Students with a disability in Years 9-12, families, carers and education professionals

When/More info: Online

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) would like to invite you to a webinar about building skills and paving a pathway to post school life. 

We will discuss the NDIS-funded supports and assistance available to help young people build skills to prepare for their transition. The webinar will cover: 

• NDIS supports available to help you achieve your education and employment goals. 
• Preparing for your planning meeting. 
• Finding a suitable provider. 
• Case studies and scenarios. 

Further sessions will be made available, please visit our events page: Latest events | NDIS

What: National Youth Science Forum

Who: Year 11 students with an interest in science

When and more info: Love STEM? Want to engage in a life changing experience? You should consider applying for the NYSF. This is a two-week on-site and digital program where students are immersed in hands-on science activities, lab experiments, field trips and meet researchers who are leaders in their field. The program will be held during January 2025. Applications close 15 July. For more information and to apply, go to www.nysf.edu.au 

What: Photography Studies College – Winter Holiday Workshops

Who: Year 11 & 12 students  

When and More Info: These free workshops sessions will provide you with practical and hands on experience of either studio photography or photographing on location and getting a sense of the wonders of street photography. There’ll be tips and tricks on using light and much more and we’ll finish with image reviews. You can use your smartphone or bring your DLSR camera if you have one.

Details and register here 2024 School Holidays Workshops (psc.edu.au)

• Tuesday 2 July 10pm-1pm - SCREEN MEDIA: FILM MAKING " Lights, Camera, action!"
• Thursday 4 July 10am-1pm - STUDIO EXPERIENCE "Portrait, Fashion Photography"
• Thursday 4 July 2pm-5pm - STUDIO EXPERIENCE "Still Life and Product Photography"

What: Plan Your Own Enterprise Competition

Who: Australian students of any age

When: Open now until 13 September 2024

More info: 2024 Plan Your Own Enterprise (PYOE) – Business Educators Australasia Inc. (bea.asn.au)

What: RMIT Tech and Trades Experience Day

Who/When/More info: RMIT is hosting a free Tech and Trades Experience Day for Years 10, 11 and 12 students and their parents / guardians on 4 July at the Melbourne campus. Students can experience hands-on workshops from various fields in Future Technologies and Trades to gain practical knowledge, tour facilities, and interact with teachers, current students and industry. Register for the event via www.rmit.edu.au/events

What: SAE Create For a Day Holiday Workshop

When: 6 July 2024, 10am – 4pm, 235 Normanby Road in South Melbourne

More info: SAE College is opening its doors this July for a one-day program, designed to expand a student’s skills and get them working on inspiring creative projects in the fields of Animation, Audio, Design, Film, Games or Electronic Music Production. Cost is $25 (includes lunch). Book a spot at Create for a Day at SAE - SAE Australia

What: SEDA Sports and Business Programs Info Sessions

Who: Students and parents/carers interested in offerings of SEDA

When and More Info: https://seda.edu.au/programs/your-studies/information-sessions/  

What: The Science Experience 

Who: Year 9 and 10 students with an interest in science related careers.

When/More Info:

Each program is designed to provide students who have an interest in science with an opportunity to engage in a wide range of fascinating science activities under the guidance of scientists who love their work. The following two programs in Victoria still have spots available:

University of Melbourne: 27-29 November (Dookie) and 20-22 January 2025 

For information on the programs and how to register, visit www.scienceexperience.com.au 

What: STEM Zone VCE Revision Workshops

Who: Open to any student, especially Year 10 to 12, who is studying Unit 3&4 Chemistry, Biology, Psychology, Physics, Math Methods.

When: 12-14 July and September, Drouin.

More info: Bookings required and numbers are limited. Check VCE Revision | STEM Zone

What: Swinburne: A day in the life of a TAFE Swinburne student

Who/When/More Info: Swinburne University will be hosting two events showcasing its Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs. Whether students are interested in animation or nursing, this immersive event is for any high school student who wishes to experience VET for themselves.

• Wantirna Campus on Tuesday 2 July 2024 from 9.00am – 4.30-pm
  There will be taster sessions in Screen and Media, Art and Design, and Health, Community and Early Childhood. Register at A Day in the Life of a Swinburne TAFE Student | Wantirna
• Croydon Campus on Thursday 11 July 2024 from 9.00am – 4.30-pm
  There will be taster sessions in Plumbing and Carpentry, Business and Finance, Advanced Construction, Engineering Technology, Cyber Security, and Games Development. Register at  A Day in the Life of a Swinburne TAFE Student | Croydon

What: University of Melbourne – Murrup Barak

Who: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students interested in higher education and opportunities with University of Melbourne.

When: Varies

More info:

• University of Melbourne Open Day    

During Open Day, Murrup Barak will be hosting a number of activities both in-person and online for community interested in studying at the University.  Attending Open Day is a great way to get a feel for the University campus, to meet University staff and students, and to yarn with a Murrup Barak staff member to discuss your aspirations and options in detail.  

Please register your interest to receive updates about Open Day in the coming months.    

• Victorian Indigenous Engineering Winter School (Year 10, Year 11 & Year 12)  

The Victorian Indigenous Engineering Winter School (VIEWS) is a great opportunity for students in any state/territory who are interested in engineering and information technology.   

There is no cost to participate. All expenses are covered including accommodation, food, and flights.  

Learn more: go.unimelb.edu.au/8f7s   

• Residential Indigenous Science Experience (Year 9 & Year 10)   

The Residential Indigenous Science Experience (RISE) is a deadly opportunity for students in any state/territory who are interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM).   

There is no cost to participate. All expenses are covered including accommodation, food, and flights.  

Learn more: go.unimelb.edu.au/t8hi   

What: University of Melbourne – A Day at Melbourne

Who: Year 11 and 12 students interested in the course offerings and opportunities at University of Melbourne

When: Wednesday 10 July 2024, UoM Parkville Campus

More info: View Event Details Here.

Throughout the day students will have the opportunity to: 

• Participate in two workshops
• Hear from a panel of current students on their experiences of choosing a degree and what they love about Melbourne
• Chat to our staff one-on-one about course eligibility, scholarships, Access Melbourne, student societies and more
• Explore our residential colleges or University-owned student accommodation on a guided tour

Please note: For students who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, there will be a lunch provided by Murrup Barak, the University’s Indigenous Student Centre. Interested students are encouraged to identify when creating their login profile in the registration process for catering purposes. 

What: University of Melbourne – Meet Melbourne Traralgon

Who: Students (and parent/carers) interested in the course offerings and opportunities at University of Melbourne

When: Thursday 25 July, 6pm – 8pm, Traralgon Golf Club

More info:

UoM is heading down to Gippsland to host our annual Meet Melbourne Traralgon event at the end of July. This is a fantastic event for students who are interested in studying with us. Parents and guardians are also welcome to join. Registration: https://study.unimelb.edu.au/student-life/events/meet-melbourne-traralgon 

We will be talking all things University of Melbourne on the night, which will be a lecture style presentation and an informal Q&A with some light refreshments. Some of the topics covered will include:

• Access Melbourne - our Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) designed to support students who have faced unique circumstances throughout their schooling to gain entry into their preferred undergraduate degree at Melbourne. These circumstances include being a resident of a regional area (including Bendigo).
• The new Narrm Scholarship Program
• The Melbourne curriculum
• Meet a current UniMelb student and hear what it’s really like relocating to Melbourne and hear about their student experience.
• A representative from our Murrup Barak team will highlight how we support the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student community. https://murrupbarak.unimelb.edu.au/ 
• Accommodation options - including a presentation by John Paul Collins, our residential colleges representative, who will provide valuable information about college life and scholarships.

What: University of Melbourne – SWOT Week

Who: Students studying U3&4 studies

When: Winter school holidays

More info: SWOT Week is a not-for-profit VCE revision program (supported by UoM MDHS) where high-achieving past graduates provide quality VCE revision to high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds, 1 - 5 July (July holidays) for Unit 3&4 studies of Biology, Chemistry, English, Further Mathematics, Mathematical Methods, Psychology, Specialist Mathematics, Legal Studies and Japanese. It costs $2 per session. Year 12 students interested in this opportunity How to register: Click here or go to https://events.humanitix.com/mid-year-swot-week-2024 or If you cannot attend SWOT Week, you can still receive our revision resources — please subscribe with this here or go to https://forms.gle/GHvbfthpT72Umt6S8. The resources will be sent to you for free approximately the week after the conclusion of SWOT Week. 

What: UNSW Bragg School Science Writing Competition

Who and More info: Don't miss your chance to enter the UNSW Bragg Student Science Writing Competition by writing an 800word essay on 'working together to protect the environment'. Explore topics, get tips and read past entries here, and win great prizes for yourself and your school. Entries close 23 August. Enter now.

What: Victorian Police Info Sessions 

Who: Open to all students, especially those considering pursuing a role with Victoria Police

When: School Leavers Session on 13 June at the Victorian Police Centre, and Online Sessions 24 and 27 June.

More info: www.police.vic.gov.au/police-information-sessions

What: VTAC Student Information Webinars

Who: Senior students, especially Year 12s and their parent/carer

When/More Info: