2026 Program

Start your summit experience with Higher Education in Focus — a day designed for people working in the sector to unpack the big issues shaping Australian universities today.

This dedicated prelude to the main event delivers practical insights, peer exchange and discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing higher education right now.

Across the following two days, the Solutions Summit brings together leaders from universities, government and industry for dynamic keynotes, deep-dive sessions and award celebrations - exploring how universities, in partnership with government and industry, can help Australia meet the challenges ahead and seize the opportunities of the future.

Expect sharp policy dialogue, sector-leading insights and exceptional networking as we showcase the best of Australian higher education.

Please note: Monday is reserved for closed Vice-Chancellor and Chancellor meetings.

All scheduling is provisional and subject to change.

Organisations or partners interested in hosting satellite events or meetings alongside the summit are encouraged to get in touch with our team at events@uniaus.edu.au

Tuesday, February 24, 2026
8:30 AM - 4:00 PMHigher Education in Focus
4:00 PM - 5:00 PMKeynote address on learning and teaching innovation
4:00 PM - 7:30 PMWelcome reception
5:00 PM - 5:30 PMAustralian Awards for University Teaching
7:00 PM - 9:30 PMSponsors Dinner
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
7:30 AM - 8:30 AMWednesday breakfast address
8:30 AM - 10:00 AMSummit sessions
10:00 AM - 10:30 AMMorning tea
10:30 AM - 11:30 AMSummit sessions
12:00 PM - 1:30 PMNational Press Club address lunch
2:00 PM - 3:30 PMSummit sessions
3:30 PM - 4:00 PMAfternoon tea
4:00 PM - 5:00 PMSummit sessions
6:00 PM - 9:30 PMSummit dinner and Shaping Australia Awards presentations
Thursday, February 26, 2026
7:30 AM - 8:30 AMThursday breakfast address
8:30 AM - 10:00 AMSummit sessions
10:00 AM - 10:30 AMMorning tea
10:30 AM - 12:00 PMSummit sessions
12:00 PM - 1:00 PMLunch
1:00 PM - 1:45 PMSummit sessions
1:45 PM - 2:00 PMSummit close

Voices from the summit: what our 2025 Summit speakers had to say