Student representatives play a critical role in the governance of the University of Sydney. As an elected representative you sit alongside senior University leaders and academic staff, bringing the student perspective to the decisions that shape teaching, research, student experience and the University's strategic direction.

Elections are being held in 2026 for a number of student positions, including:

• student members of the Academic Board
• student representatives on faculty boards and University school boards.

The Declaration of 2026 Senate election results (pdf, 3MB) is now available.

Key dates

Eligibility

Candidates, nominators and voters must all meet the eligibility requirements that apply to the relevant election.

These elections are conducted under the relevant University legislation and rules, including the University of Sydney Act 1989, the University of Sydney By-law 1999, the University of Sydney (Academic Board) Rule 2017 and the University of Sydney (Governance of Faculties and University Schools) Rule 2016  and the Elections Policy 2022.

Eligibility is generally assessed as at the close of nominations (12 pm AEST, Monday 14 September 2026), and depends on your enrolment appearing on the relevant roll of students. Students whose names appear on the roll of academic or non-academic staff are not eligible.

Detailed eligibility requirements are set out in the election notices and nomination materials. Please read them carefully before you nominate.

Senate candidate requirements

Senate nominations are managed directly through the Returning Officer. They are not submitted through the online nomination form used for other positions. Prospective Senate candidates must contact secretariat.elections@sydney.edu.au to obtain the nomination documentation.

After nominations close and before any ballot is conducted, Senate candidates are required to meet with the Chief Governance Officer and Returning Officer to confirm their candidacy and discuss candidate obligations. This meeting is a mandatory step in the Senate election process, a nominee cannot proceed to become a candidate, campaign, or ballot without it.

Senate nominations also require supporting declarations (including fit and proper person and gender-based violence declarations), a 100-word information statement and a photograph. Full details are provided with the nomination documentation.

Positions and election information