Future You Summit

Program details

QUT aims to make this program as accessible as possible.

What to expect

• A multi-discipline, real-world program where students choose streams that connect directly to undergraduate degrees and future workforce skills.
• Hands-on challenges and interactive workshops co-designed with academics, industry partners and alumni.
• Guided reflection and personal growth - students use an Inspired Success workbook to set goals, clarify motivations and build future competence.
• Peer, alumni and professional networks that support ongoing engagement beyond the summit experience.

How to apply

Eligibility

To apply, you must:

• be in Year 11 or 12, studying an ATAR or IB program
  • be at least 16 years old by the start date of the summit
  • be of typical secondary school age (16-19 years old)
• plan to attend university after Year 12
• based on your most recent school report, you have achieved:
  • at least one A grade in a subject, or
  • one 7 in an IB subject
• be available to attend all summit dates
• reside in Queensland or Northern NSW
• not have attended a previous Future You Summit.

Year 11 students: refer to Year 10 results. Year 12 students: refer to Year 11 results. Applied subjects may be used where the student is enrolled in 4-5 general subjects.

If you have any special circumstances or questions, contact the team confidentially at highschool.engage@qut.edu.au. We welcome applications from students from underrepresented backgrounds.

Application process

Students are required to submit an online application form before the closing date.

Your application must include the following:

• proof of academic achievement (upload your previous year's report card)
• responses to all application questions
• your top three preferred summit streams (summit streams confirmed in February 2026)
• parental consent
• a teacher recommendation:
  • students will need to provide their teacher’s email address in the application form
  • the teacher will receive a confidential recommendation request directly from QUT.

Selection criteria

Applications are reviewed by a QUT panel, based on:

• your responses to the application questions
• academic performance
• involvement in extracurricular and community activities
• your teacher recommendation.

Acceptance of offer

• All students will be notified on the outcome of their application in Week 4, Term 2.
• Successful applicants will receive a letter of offer and must accept their place within the specified deadline.
• A $50 non-refundable registration fee will be required to secure their place at the summit.

Support available

Limited financial support may be available to help eligible students attend the Future You Summit. This support is designed to increase participation in post-school and tertiary study among students who may face additional barriers to access.

Priority is given to students from schools where access to educational opportunities and resources may be limited. This includes schools in Queensland and Northern NSW with an ICSEA score under 1,000, as well as students from rural or regional communities, low socio-economic backgrounds, First Nations or Pasifika backgrounds, or students living with disability.

• Travel bursary: partial contribution towards travel costs.
• Accommodation bursary: four nights in shared boarding facilities in Brisbane.

You do not need to apply separately for this funding. Eligible students are identified through their Future You Summit application and contacted with further details. Availability is limited and not all students who meet eligibility criteria will receive support.

To check your school’s ICSEA value, refer to your school's profile on MySchool.

If you have any questions about the support available, feel free to reach out: highschool.engage@qut.edu.au.

Benefits of participation

Step into the shoes of a QUT undergraduate student. Access world-class facilities, explore vibrant campuses at Gardens Point and Kelvin Grove, and experience the energy of university life first-hand.

Choose a stream that matches your interests - science, engineering, business, health, law, creative industries, and more. Dive into hands-on workshops and interactive activities that build knowledge and practical skills for the future.

Meet QUT academics, current students, alumni, and professionals. Gain insider insights into career pathways, emerging trends, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Develop essential capabilities beyond the classroom - leadership, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and innovation. These are the skills employers value most.

Discover your strengths, refine your goals, and visualise your future. Many participants leave with renewed confidence, clear university pathways, and inspired career ambitions.

2025 Future You Summit – that’s a wrap 

The 13th Future You Summit brought together motivated Year 11 and 12 students from across Queensland and northern NSW for four inspiring days on campus, exploring possibilities, building confidence, and discovering the pathways that could shape their future.

By the numbers

• 325 students from 164 high schools.
• Strong participation from regional communities and equity-priority schools.
• 100+ alumni, academics and industry partners supporting learning and mentoring.
• Activities spanning all QUT study areas.
• Four days of hands-on exploration, collaboration and personal growth.

What students gained

The summit helps students turn curiosity into clarity.

Based on 2025 participant feedback:

• 93.7% reported greater confidence in their career direction.
• 84.8% felt clearer about their preferred study area.

Students leave with stronger self-belief, clearer decision-making skills, and a sense of belonging in a university environment.

A glimpse into the experience

Across the week, participants:

• explored future-focused study pathways across health, science, engineering, technology, business, law and the creative industries
• connected with academics and alumni who shared real-world journeys and advice
• worked in teams to solve authentic challenges and present their ideas
• developed skills in communication, collaboration and critical thinking.

The result is an immersive experience that feels both energising and purposeful, and often becomes a turning point in students’ post-school planning.

View the 2025 summit gallery

Watch the 2025 summit wrap up reels