A Guide to University Open Days in 2026

Attending university open days is a great way for you to get a glimpse of what your student experience may look like. But when do they usually take place and how can they help you decide which course to study and where to pursue it?

In this article, we explore open day dates across Australian universities, the benefits of attending and what you can expect from the experience. We also offer practical tips on how to prepare and make the most of your visit.

When are university open days in 2026?

What is a university open day?

A university open day is an event where prospective students can visit a higher education institution to explore courses, facilities, student life and overall environment. It provides you with an opportunity to tour the campus in person and engage with academic staff, current students and other members of the university’s community to help give you a better idea of where and what you want to study.

Why go to a university open day?

Attending a university open day is valuable for anyone who is considering pursuing higher education, whether you’re planning to study on campus or online. It gives you firsthand experience of the university you’re interested in and helps you determine whether it could be a good fit for you. Open days are especially helpful for school leavers, parents supporting their children, mature-age learners and working professionals looking to switch careers.

Below are several reasons why you should attend:

• Get all your university-related questions answered in one place
• Learn more about specific courses during information sessions
• Obtain information about student support services
• Find out what course fee options and scholarships you’re eligible for
• Understand how the university supports online study
• Explore the campus environment in person
• Network with future lecturers and current students
• Discover student experiences like clubs, volunteering programs and events on campus
• Compare universities to find which one aligns best with your academic preferences and professional goals

What happens at a university open day?

At a university open day, you have the opportunity to discover the campus grounds, obtain information about academic programs and get a glimpse of your future university life. It usually includes campus tours, course information sessions and various information stalls. Below are some of the highlights you can expect at most university open days:

Campus tours: Typically led by student representatives, you can explore student accommodations and diverse facilities available on campus, such as computer labs, lecture halls, libraries and sports gymnasiums.

Course information sessions: In these sessions, academic staff members provide in-depth explanations about programs, course structures and career outcomes.

Meet-and-greet opportunities: You can meet lecturers and current students to get clarification on matters related to academic and student life. Admission advisors can also help you understand entry requirements, scholarship eligibility and admission pathways.

Information stalls: University open days usually have booths where you can find insights into different aspects of university life, including student clubs and societies, course-specific information, student exchange programs and extracurricular activities.

Interactive activities: You can often find activities and games on campus designed to engage visitors and create a fun experience. Participants usually receive prizes like university merchandise as a reward for joining or winning these activities.

Some universities enhance their open days by offering other unique events. For example, the University of Melbourne organises sample lectures that allow you to engage directly with various subject areas and experience what it feels like to study at the institution. This can help you identify new interests or solidify your decision to study in a specific field.

Meanwhile, the Monash University open day includes alumni panel discussions, offering valuable perspectives from former students who share their career journeys and how their education contributed to their professional success. The open day also highlights international study opportunities, as you can listen to current students reflecting on their learning experiences abroad in different countries like Italy and Malaysia.

You even have the opportunity to apply for a course directly during the Victoria University open day. The staff members can examine your course application, assist with credit transfers and even issue you a conditional offer. This offer requires you to meet any relevant criteria before your place in a program is confirmed.

These experiences demonstrate how university open days help you explore your learning options, connect with the university’s community and make informed decisions about your future.

How to prepare for a university open day

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To make the most of a university open day, start by researching universities and courses you’re interested in. Be sure to check if you need to register for the event. Take time to prepare any questions you may have and plan your visit so you can maximise your experience. Find out how to get ready for your university open day in the step-by-step guide below:

1. Research universities and courses

Start by exploring universities and their open days online to see which events align with your interests. Delve into the academic programs that catch your interest and download course guides for detailed information. This research can help you decide which open day you want to go to and prepare thoughtful questions to ask staff members and current students.

2. Find information about the university’s open day

After choosing which university open day to attend, visit the university’s website to gather details about what you can do before arriving. While these events are free, many usually involve registration to keep you in the loop. Registering often lets you access event schedules, create a personalised itinerary and get directions to the university. To encourage participation, some institutions organise lucky draws with prizes like tech gadgets and gift cards with your registration as an entry ticket. Be sure not to miss out by checking whether you need to register for your university’s open day.

3. Prepare your questions

Prepare yourself to connect with the institution’s community by creating a checklist of questions covering all aspects of the university experience. For course-specific enquiries, consider asking which programs align with your career goals, how assessments are structured and what entry requirements you need to fulfil. When it comes to campus life, you may want to learn about social clubs, recreational facilities and accommodation options. If you’re considering remote study, be sure to ask about the university’s support for online learning and whether it’s available for the course you’re interested in.

4. Bring your essentials

Being well-prepared can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience at the university open day. Some items you should consider bringing include:

• A notebook and pen to jot down important information
• A bag to hold brochures, flyers and other materials you collect
• A water bottle to stay hydrated
• An umbrella if it might rain on the day
• Comfortable shoes since you’ll be walking a lot on campus grounds

5. Plan your route and schedule

If you’ve never visited the university before, research how to get there, especially if you’re using public transport. If you’re driving, check available parking options to avoid any delays on the day. Be sure to review the open day schedule beforehand and take note of the events you want to attend, along with their locations and times. Creating an itinerary can help you make the most of your visit.

What if I can’t make it to the open day I want to attend?

If you’re unable to attend a university’s open day, you can check out alternatives offered by the institution. Many universities have multiple open days throughout the year. Some also provide virtual open days if you’re not able to be there in person. These virtual events may be scheduled on specific days or available throughout the year, depending on the university. A virtual open day may include live or pre-recorded information sessions, video chats with academic staff members and virtual campus tours.

Some universities also offer campus tours outside of their open days. Contact the university you’re interested in for more information and answers to any other questions you have.

Find more information on postgraduate business courses

A great way to prepare for a university open day is by researching courses you're interested in ahead of time. Our course catalogue offers key details such as what you’ll study, entry requirements and fee information. Get a head start and explore a wide range of postgraduate business courses provided by leading Australian universities today.