# University Scholars Leadership Symposium

**Source**: https://employability.uq.edu.au/university-scholars-leadership-symposium
**Parent**: https://employability.uq.edu.au/global-enrichment-experiences

Join the [14th University Scholars Leadership Symposium (USLS)](https://www.humanitarianaffairs.org/UniversityScholarsLeadershipSymposium/Overview), organized by Humanitarian Affairs at the United Nations Conference Center in Bangkok, Thailand. This immersive experience brings together emerging leaders for focused workshops, inspiring lectures, hands on service learning, and meaningful cultural exchange. Designed to build practical skills and global awareness, the program offers a unique opportunity to learn from experts, collaborate with peers, and strengthen your capacity to drive positive social impact.

The Symposium will serve as a dynamic platform where emerging leaders gather to explore urgent humanitarian challenges, strengthen their leadership potential, and collaborate on meaningful global change. Designed to equip future changemakers with the tools, insights, networks, and resources needed to engage deeply with worldwide issues, the event also features inspiring keynote speakers whose expertise and vision will guide and motivate participants. Together, these elements nurture the next generation of leaders committed to building a more just, compassionate, and sustainable future.

See full details on the official [14th University Scholars Leadership Symposium (USLS)](https://www.humanitarianaffairs.org/UniversityScholarsLeadershipSymposium/Overview/) website.

**Up to three students from The University of Queensland will be selected for the 14th University Scholars Leadership Symposium (USLS) .**

- [Application](https://employability.uq.edu.au/university-scholars-leadership-symposium?qt-field_uq_structured_content=0#qt-field_uq_structured_content "Application")
- [Eligibility Criteria](https://employability.uq.edu.au/university-scholars-leadership-symposium?qt-field_uq_structured_content=1#qt-field_uq_structured_content "Eligibility Criteria")
- [Costs and Funding](https://employability.uq.edu.au/university-scholars-leadership-symposium?qt-field_uq_structured_content=2#qt-field_uq_structured_content "Costs and Funding")

#### Application Requirements:

1. Complete the Global Enrichment Experiences application
2. Fill out the 14th University Scholars Leadership Symposium (USLS) [application form](https://employability.uq.edu.au/files/208372/Application%20Form%20%E2%80%93%20HUMANITARIAN%20AFFAIRS.pdf) and include this in the UQ Global Enrichment Experienecs application.
3. Passport sized photo (inserted in Delegate form above).
4. A short statement outlining strong leadership potential, a genuine commitment to serving others, and reason of interest to particiapte in USLS (maximum 3 paragraphs).
5. UQ studies report (downloaded from [mySI-net](https://sinet.uq.edu.au/)).

#### Application Timeline:

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| 23 March 2026 | UQ Application Deadline |
| 24  March  2026 | Shortlisting |
| 26  March 2026 | Successful candidate notified and nominated to Humanitarian Affairs Asia |
| TBC 2026 | Formal Acceptance from Humanitarian Affairs Asia |
| 14 July 2026 | Pre-departure requirements to be completed |
| 4 - 7 Aug 2026 | 14th University Scholars Leadership Symposium (USLS) participation |
| 10 - 30 Aug 2026 | Participants to submit post-program feedback to UQ |

Applications will only be accepted through the submission link below.

[Apply to UQ](https://studenthub.uq.edu.au/form.aspx?id=5683279)

#### Experience Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible to participate in this global enrichment experience, you must:

- be a current:
  - Undergraduate student
  - Graduate student (Master)
  - PhD candidate
- be aged 18-35 years
- Show a genuine dedication to peace, social change, and addressing global issues
- be selected by UQ and nominated
- not due to graduate before the completion of the experience

#### Exams and assessments

It is your responsibility to ensure that participation in a Global Enrichment Experience does not impact your exams or assessments at UQ. Please be aware that you may not be eligible for deferred or supplementary exams or assessments if there is a conflict.

#### Costs and Accommodation

The participation mode of this experience is [Study Abroad](https://employability.uq.edu.au/get-edge/global-experiences/short-term-experiences/short-term-experiences-explained), meaning you are responsible for paying all associated fees directly to the host or via a payment method communicated to you by Global Experiences.

The participation costs/registration fee:

- Application Fee to host oganization for nominated student: AUD$28.00 (USD$20)
- Registration Fee (*with* accommodation): AUD$1,900 - 2,100 (USD$1,350–1,500)
- Registration Fee (*without* accommodation): AUD$1,400 - 1,700) (USD$1,000–1,200)
- Note: All registration fees exclude the 7% VAT.
- Includes: 
  - 5-night shared accommodation
  - Breakfast, lunch, and coffee breaks during the program
  - Souvenir T-shirt
  - Participation in Service Learning
  - Access to all lectures, plenary sessions, and networking events
  - Local transportation during official activities
  - Electronic Certificate of Participation

See a full breakdown of all items covered under the registration fee on the [host website](https://www.humanitarianaffairs.org/UniversityScholarsLeadershipSymposium/RegistrationFee/).

All other costs, including flights, visa/entry permit (if required), vaccinations/medical clearance (if required) and discretionary spending, are the responsibility of the participants.

Students will be covered by [UQ's Corporate Travel Insurance](https://governance-risk.uq.edu.au/functions-and-services/insurance/policies-and-certificates-currency/travel-insurance) for the duration of the experience. If you plan to travel for a longer duration that the experience covers, or outside the country of the experience, you are liable for the cost of additional travel and health insurance.

#### Funding

*Global Experiences Grants:*

Eligible students may be considered for Global Experiences funding when they submit an application. However, funding is limited and highly competitive.

Submission of an application does not guarantee that funding will be awarded — even if all eligibility and selection criteria are met.

Students should plan and budget on the assumption that they will not receive funding. Any grant awarded should be considered supplementary financial support only.

Please refer to the [Short-Term Experiences Funding](https://employability.uq.edu.au/financial-support/costs-and-funding-short-term-experiences) page for full details and eligibility requirements.

[Visit the University Scholars Leadership Symposium website](https://www.humanitarianaffairs.org/UniversityScholarsLeadershipSymposium/Overview)

#### Key Dates

###### Application Deadlines

23 March 2026

###### Program Dates

Start: 4 August 2026\
End:  7 Augsut 2026

#### Fast Facts

**Type**: Conference\
**Mode**: [Study Abroad](https://employability.uq.edu.au/get-edge/global-experiences/short-term-study/short-term-experiences-explained)​\
**Location**: Bangkok, Thailand (In-person)\
**Credit**: Not-for-credit\*\
**Cohort**: Undergraduate, Postgraduate & HDR\
\
\* Students may seek credit from their faculty directly if it meets the faculty requirements for credit.

#### OS-HELP Loan

If you participate in a short-term program you may also be eligible to submit an application for an [OS-HELP loan](https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/fees-payments-and-refunds/fees-and-loans-domestic-students/os-help) **if your program is for-credit** and you are enrolled as a Commonwealth supported student.

###### Application Deadlines

**15 January** for overseas study commencing March to August\
**15 March** for overseas study commencing May to October\
**15 June** for overseas study commencing August to January\
**15 September** for overseas study commencing November to April

*OS-HELP Loan application deadlines may not align with the experience application deadline. Please visit the [OS-HELP Loan website](https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/fees-payments-and-refunds/fees-and-loans-domestic-students/os-help) for deadline dates as late applications will not be accepted.*

Refer to the funding page for more information on [eligibility requirements](https://my.uq.edu.au/node/633/2#2) and [loan amounts.](https://my.uq.edu.au/node/633/1#1)

#### Need more information

Contact UQ's **Global Experiences** by [email](mailto:gex@uq.edu.au?subject=Mitsui%20Education%20Foundation%20Study%20Tour%202024) or phone ([+61 7 3443 8649](tel:+61 7 3443 8649)) for more information.