Do you yearn to make a difference? Feel like you could have a real impact on humanity, but unsure where to start? Apply for a University grant to attend the annual University Scholars Leadership Symposium (USLS) and join a community of passionate young leaders dedicated to creating a more inclusive and sustainable world.
About USLS
The 14th University Scholars Leadership Symposium (USLS) will be held at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand from 4–7 August 2026. Delegates will travel from 3–9 August 2026.
The USLS aims to equip the next generation of leaders with the tools, confidence, network, and resources to act on the most pressing global issues of our time. Delegates will experience an unforgettable week, meeting hundreds of like-minded peers and participating in a program featuring inspiring speakers and humanitarian leaders. These heroes of hope and resilience demonstrate the strength of the human spirit and show how, even in the darkest of times, survival, sacrifice, and selfless service can amplify the voices of those who go unheard.
Highlights of the 2026 symposium include:
- Build Real Skills - Join interactive, hands-on workshops led by United Nations agencies and gain practical tools to tackle real-world global challenges.
- Discover How the UN Works - Explore a curated UN exhibition and get a behind-the-scenes look at global initiatives, multilateral systems, and sustainable solutions in action.
- Connect with Global Leaders - Engage with inspiring speakers, humanitarian professionals, and driven peers from around the world in a diverse, inclusive space.
- Turn Empathy into Action - Be part of Kindness Day, a community service experience where compassion becomes a real, measurable social impact.
For more information, please refer to the Symposium brochure and 2025 USLS Recap Video.
Eligibility
The University of Sydney is offering a grant to support up to 16 students to attend the 14th USLS in Bangkok. Applications will first be reviewed by the relevant Faculty or School. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to attend an interview coordinated by Student Life. Final delegates will be selected following the interview process.
To be eligible to apply for this grant, you must:
- Be an Australian citizen (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa Holders), New Zealand citizen, Australian permanent resident, or an international student with a valid visa as determined by the Department of Home Affairs.
- Be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework or research degree at the University of Sydney, and at minimum, be continuing your studies until the end of 2027.
- Have completed:
- 24 credit points if you're a coursework student
- 1 research period if you're studying a research course.
- Be available to travel from 3-9 August 2026.
- Hold a valid passport with at least six months’ validity from your date of entry into Thailand and ensure you are eligible to obtain a visa if required.
- Be available to contribute to an interdisciplinary co-curricular initiative upon returning from USLS (known as a Project on Return), to be delivered by Semester 1, 2027.
University Grant Inclusions
Successful grant applicants will be delegates representing the University of Sydney at the 14th USLS. The grant will cover:
- Return flight from Sydney to Bangkok, Thailand.
- Registration (includes: 5-night accommodation on a sharing basis, local transport during official activities, meals including 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 5 coffee breaks, one souvenir T-shirt, an electronic certificate of participation).
- Stipend for expenses and meals outside of registration inclusions.
Upon return, University of Sydney delegates will come together as a group to harness their experience and education from USLS to generate an interdisciplinary co-curricular initiative that benefits the University community, supported by Student Life.
Need a hand?
Attend our information session to discover how you can represent the University of Sydney at USLS. Hear from our team as we share the qualities of a successful application and gain insights from a former attendee of the Symposium. The session will also provide an opportunity to address any questions you have about the application process.
Wednesday, 15th April 2026, 12:00 – 14:00
Online via Zoom
Applications close Wednesday 22 April 2026, 9:00am (AEST)
University Scholars Leadership Symposium Grant
Do you yearn to make a difference? Feel like you could have a real impact on humanity, but unsure where to start? Apply for a University grant to attend the annual University Scholars Leadership Symposium (USLS) and join a community of passionate young leaders dedicated to creating a more inclusive and sustainable world.
About USLS
The 14th University Scholars Leadership Symposium (USLS) will be held at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand from 4–7 August 2026. Delegates will travel from 3–9 August 2026.
The USLS aims to equip the next generation of leaders with the tools, confidence, network, and resources to act on the most pressing global issues of our time. Delegates will experience an unforgettable week, meeting hundreds of like-minded peers and participating in a program featuring inspiring speakers and humanitarian leaders. These heroes of hope and resilience demonstrate the strength of the human spirit and show how, even in the darkest of times, survival, sacrifice, and selfless service can amplify the voices of those who go unheard.
Highlights of the 2026 symposium include:
- Build Real Skills - Join interactive, hands-on workshops led by United Nations agencies and gain practical tools to tackle real-world global challenges.
- Discover How the UN Works - Explore a curated UN exhibition and get a behind-the-scenes look at global initiatives, multilateral systems, and sustainable solutions in action.
- Connect with Global Leaders - Engage with inspiring speakers, humanitarian professionals, and driven peers from around the world in a diverse, inclusive space.
- Turn Empathy into Action - Be part of Kindness Day, a community service experience where compassion becomes a real, measurable social impact.
For more information, please refer to the Symposium brochure and 2025 USLS Recap Video.
Eligibility
The University of Sydney is offering a grant to support up to 16 students to attend the 14th USLS in Bangkok. Applications will first be reviewed by the relevant Faculty or School. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to attend an interview coordinated by Student Life. Final delegates will be selected following the interview process.
To be eligible to apply for this grant, you must:
- Be an Australian citizen (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa Holders), New Zealand citizen, Australian permanent resident, or an international student with a valid visa as determined by the Department of Home Affairs.
- Be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework or research degree at the University of Sydney, and at minimum, be continuing your studies until the end of 2027.
- Have completed:
- 24 credit points if you're a coursework student
- 1 research period if you're studying a research course.
- Be available to travel from 3-9 August 2026.
- Hold a valid passport with at least six months’ validity from your date of entry into Thailand and ensure you are eligible to obtain a visa if required.
- Be available to contribute to an interdisciplinary co-curricular initiative upon returning from USLS (known as a Project on Return), to be delivered by Semester 1, 2027.
University Grant Inclusions
Successful grant applicants will be delegates representing the University of Sydney at the 14th USLS. The grant will cover:
- Return flight from Sydney to Bangkok, Thailand.
- Registration (includes: 5-night accommodation on a sharing basis, local transport during official activities, meals including 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 5 coffee breaks, one souvenir T-shirt, an electronic certificate of participation).
- Stipend for expenses and meals outside of registration inclusions.
Upon return, University of Sydney delegates will come together as a group to harness their experience and education from USLS to generate an interdisciplinary co-curricular initiative that benefits the University community, supported by Student Life.
Need a hand?
Attend our information session to discover how you can represent the University of Sydney at USLS. Hear from our team as we share the qualities of a successful application and gain insights from a former attendee of the Symposium. The session will also provide an opportunity to address any questions you have about the application process.
Wednesday, 15th April 2026, 12:00 – 14:00
Online via Zoom
Applications close Wednesday 22 April 2026, 9:00am (AEST)