More than 320 high school students from across the state have converged on QUT’s Gardens Point and Kelvin Grove campuses over the school holidays for the 13th QUT Future You Summit, which was opened by Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie.
The prestigious annual event for high-achieving Year 11s and 12s saw them take on workshops in diverse fields ranging from pharmacy and fashion to animation and astrophysics, with the guidance of QUT researchers and current university students.
During the four-day event (July 1-4), the young visitors also heard from industry professionals and QUT alumni.
Those guests included Mr Bleijie, who discussed his extensive career in public service since graduating with his QUT law degree.
QUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Sheil said it had been a wonderful week.
“This has been our 13th Future You Summit and our biggest yet, with 325 students from 164 high schools across Queensland, Northern NSW, and even Norfolk Island,” she said.
Professor Sheil farewelled the high schoolers on Friday and told them the university would love to welcome them back one day – just as it had welcomed 105 new QUT students this year who attended the summit back when they were in Year 11 or 12.
“As the university for the real world, we’re here to help you build the skills, confidence, and creativity to thrive in a future that’s changing fast,” she said.
“I hope this week has sparked something in you – I hope you’ve seen what’s possible. And I hope we’ll see many of you back here in the not-too-distant future as QUT students.
“For others, we hope this has helped you shape your choices when you finish school.
“For now, thank you for being part of this incredible week and enjoy the rest of your holidays.”
Professor Sheil also thanked the many people who contributed to the summit’s success, including QUT staff and alumni, industry partners, and summit organiser Simone Long.
Goondiwindi State High School 2025 school captain Lucy Hallett (pictured above) travelled to Brisbane for the Future You Summit and was one of 97 regional students who boarded at Sommerville House during the event.
She did the ‘health innovators’ stream, which covered potential career pathways including exercise physiology, sport and exercise science, biomedical sciences and health clinical skills.
“The Future You Summit has been an incredible experience for regional and remote students,” she said.
“It allows us to get a short taste of uni life and shows us how many opportunities and different pathways there are available.
“We also have the opportunity to make lifelong friends that are interested in going to the same university or same study field as us.”
Senara Wasalthilaka from Whitsunday Anglican School in Mackay also came to Brisbane for the summit and did the program’s ‘experimentalists’ stream, which covered chemistry, astrophysics, biology and earth and climate science.
“I think the QUT Future You Summit was an extremely engaging and interesting experience,” she said.
“It was a very valuable program that helped me to consider QUT as an option for my future by seeing the facilities and engaging in lessons.”
- Year 12 students and other people interested in studying at university next year will get another opportunity to check out QUT’s campuses and talk to lecturers and current uni students on July 27 at the 2025 QUT Open Day.
- Check out this year’s QUT Open Day program and plan your day in advance with the personalised Open Day Planner. You can also try QUT’s Match My Skills online quiz if you are looking for inspiration before the day.
- People can also visit the QUT stand at TSXPO on July 19-20 at the Brisbane Showgrounds to learn more about courses and careers.
Photo at top of page: Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie and QUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Sheil at the opening of the Future You Summit.
QUT Media contacts:
- Mechelle McMahon, media@qut.edu.au
- After hours, 0407 585 901 or media@qut.edu.au
