Deakin Business School emerging leaders – apply for the University Scholars Leadership Symposium
If you’re a high-achieving business student, passionate humanitarian projects and looking for the chance to demonstrate and expand your leadership skills, the Deakin Business School is offering an amazing conference opportunity in 2026.
Applications are now open for the University Scholars Leadership Symposium (USLS), to be held 4–7 August 2026, Bangkok, Thailand.
Do you desire to make and lead change?
The University Scholars Leadership Symposium (USLS) is an international development and social impact program for emerging youth leaders aged 18 and 30, attended by change makers from across the globe, making it one of the world’s largest annual youth leadership gatherings. The symposium provides opportunities to explore global humanitarian and social challenges, exchange ideas, and deepen cross‑cultural understanding through a diverse range of sessions, reflective learning experiences and collaborative engagement.
USLS nurtures emerging world leaders by giving them the confidence to lead sustainable development projects in their own communities. It is where ideas grow, collaborations take place and diverse voices unite for a better world.
‘The speakers’ journeys left a lasting imprint on me. Their stories reminded me that leadership is not about having all the answers, but about finding the courage to begin and to remain steadfast in the pursuit of a cause that matters.’ Radhini, 2025
Who can apply?
To be one of the four students selected to represent the Deakin Business School in Bangkok, Thailand, you must:
- be currently enrolled in a Deakin Business School course (undergraduate or postgraduate).
- have completed at least 25% of your course with a minimum WAM of 65.
- be aged 18–30 years in line with conference requirements.
- be available to attend a Zoom selection interview, if required.
- not have attended a USLS before (to ensure equitable access to opportunities).
Key dates
| Date | Task |
|---|---|
| Monday 18 May | EOI close 5pm |
| Wednesday 20 May | Team shortlisting 5pm - Zoom interview if required |
| Friday 22 May | Team announcement |
| Wednesday 27 May | Team to submit valid passports for flight bookings |
| 2–9 August | Dates when team must be available to travel to and from the conference |
Apply today
If you’re keen to meet amazing people, hear from motivational speakers, and spend time with like-minded peers who want to build a peaceful, inclusive and sustainable world, submit your expression of interest or scan the QR code below.
Applications close at 5pm Monday 18 May 2026. If you have any questions, contact the Business and Law Peer Support and Transition Team on bl-se@deakin.edu.au.
We look forward to receiving your application, good luck!
Insights from USLS 2025
Deakin delegates 2025, Radhini, Goldie, Michelle, Taha
In 2025, our students participated in community projects, hands-on service initiatives, networked and listened to inspirational speakers.
Read their reflections on their USLS experience and how they hope to be part of meaningful change in the future.
‘For me, USLS was not just a gathering of scholars but an urgent call to action. A reminder that hope is a discipline, silence is dangerous, and building a just and inclusive world begins with each of us, with the courage to care, to speak, and to act’. Michelle, 2025
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