23 May 2025: The University of Canberra’s Bruce campus has seen an influx of high school and college students this week, as over 60 school groups visited for Explore UC 2025.
Held for the first time back in 2023, Explore UC quickly became one of the most popular events on the University calendar. This year the University saw over 1,500 students from Canberra and regional NSW attend the event in its biggest turnout to date.
Students built their personalised timetable from over 200 sessions on offer across disciplines like health, education, and creative industries, using real equipment and spaces.
One popular workshop, A Day in the Life of a Physiotherapy Student, saw students visit the University’s specialised Health Hub to test their anatomy knowledge and balance, and learn how to tape an ankle.
Now U C It, hosted at the UC Mega Lab, was also a hit, as students where guided in using scientific methods applied in biomedical, medical and environmental science to crack a mysterious death.
University of Canberra’s Vice-Chancellor, the Honourable Bill Shorten, said the initiative filled a clear need for school students who wanted the opportunity to explore different career pathways to find the right fit for them.
“This is a great opportunity for senior high school and college students; they’re at a critical point in their schooling, when they’re expected to begin deciding on a career or study pathway for the future,” Mr Shorten said.
“Early Offer applications have grown year-on-year alongside Explore UC participation—suggesting students are engaging earlier and more confidently in their post-school planning.”
As the first-choice university for many students from regional areas, Mr Shorten said ensuring these students had the opportunity to attend was a major focus for the University.
“For many regional students, events like Explore UC open pathways to return home as qualified professionals—particularly in fields like teaching, nursing, and allied health where local workforce shortages are common,” Mr Shorten said.
“That’s why the University subsidised buses for regional and rural schools, ensuring that postcode and travel costs weren’t barriers to accessing this opportunity.”
This year’s event coincides with the launch of UC’s new Snow Foundation scholarships—among the largest equity-based scholarships in Australia.
While the fun has officially concluded for 2025, schools are encouraged to register their interest for 2026.
Students can now explore Early Offer pathways and scholarships for 2025.
