University open days: your complete guide

Uni open day season is upon us, and you may be feeling a little overwhelmed considering your future study options, not to mention all those questions about visiting universities. But there’s no need to be panic – we've got you.

Here's everything you need to know about university open days in Australia – when they are, where they are and what you can expect to get out of them.

From what to ask, to what to wear, we’ll guide you through frequently asked questions to ensure every uni open day you attend helps you make that all-important decision: which university is right for you?

• What do you do at university open days?
• When should you go to university open days?
• University open days 2024
• Questions to ask at uni open days
• What to bring to a uni open day

What happens at university open days?

Uni open days are all about helping you get a feel for what it would be like to study at a particular university. As such, they’re often a combination of general information sessions, more specific subject area presentations, and a showcase of all the uni has to offer by way of facilities and recreational or lifestyle programs.

What to expect at an open day

At most university open days, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• take a tour of the campus (sometimes you can also check out accommodation options)
• attend discussions or presentations on study areas or courses of interest
• ask questions
• explore the facilities
• find out more about clubs and societies
• participate in fun pop-up activities
• collect freebies!

There’s often a lot to fit into a day, so we recommend prioritising and planning what you want to do ahead of time. This way, you can ensure you get the absolute most out of the event. 

When should you go to university open days?

The primary audience for uni open days is undoubtedly Year 12 students, so most attend open days halfway through their final year of high school, as they’re considering which universities they want to study at the following year (or the year after, if they plan to defer and take a gap year).

However, it’s never too early to start considering what uni you want to attend. If you’re in Year 10 or 11 and would like to begin exploring your options, most universities welcome younger high school students to open day too.

University open days typically take place annually on a weekend day. August tends to be the most popular month for open days in Australia, as Tertiary Admissions Centres (QTAC in Queensland) generally begin taking university applications from August/September. For example, if you’re a Queensland student in Year 12 in 2024, you would attend most of your open days from June to September 2024, and then lodge your university preferences through QTAC from August, to begin study in Semester 1 (generally February/March) of 2025.

In short, you should be thinking about attending university open days at least 6 months before you plan to begin your tertiary education.

University open days 2024

So, when exactly are 2024 uni open days?

For a full list of uni open days in your state, visit your local Tertiary Admissions Centre website:

• QTAC for Queensland
• UAC for New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory
• VTAC for Victoria
• SATAC for South Australia
• TISC for Western Australia

Only select universities operate in Tasmania and the Northern Territory – visit their websites for more information on their open days:

• Charles Darwin University 
• University of Tasmania

What if I can’t make it to open day in person?

There are online options for attending open days across many universities, with some holding online-only events. While this is beneficial for students living in remote areas who may find it difficult to get to a physical event, we'd encourage you to make the trip to attend uni open days in person when possible. Part of choosing the right university is feeling at home on campus, and it can be difficult to get an idea of this through a computer screen (though a virtual tour can certainly help).

Are uni open days free?

Yes! You don’t have to pay to attend a university open day in Australia, but you will need to register. You can register via the university’s website. This is so the university can communicate with you in the lead up to the event and ensure you get the absolute most out of the day.

Questions to ask at uni open days

It’s always a good idea to arrive at university open days with a list of questions you want to find answers to. Don’t be afraid to speak up in information sessions or seek out current students and teaching staff to chat with – this is what open days are all about! The questions you ask will depend on what’s most important to you when it comes to choosing a university. We’ve put together a list to help you determine what you want to know more about.

Program-specific questions

• What facilities are available to students studying this program?
• How many students are typically in each tutorial or workshop?
• Are the lecturers and tutors in this program currently working in the industry?
• What organisations and companies have graduates gone on to work for?
• What kinds of practical experiences or placements can I gain from studying this program?

Uni life questions

• What sporting programs and facilities do you have on campus?
• What recreational programs and facilities do you have on campus?
• What types of student-run clubs and societies are there?
• How do you help new students with the transition to university life?
• What are your accommodation options?

Inclusion and diversity questions

• How is the university community inclusive of different cultures and religions?
• Is there a LGBTQIA+ community here?
• Is there a First Nations community here?
• How does the university provide an inclusive environment for people with a disability?

Support and assistance questions

• What support do you have for students who are struggling with their studies?
• What mental wellbeing support and mental health networks exist around the university?
• What financial assistance programs and scholarships are available to students?
• Do you offer careers support and resources for current students?
• What type of discounts can students get on public transport and at food outlets?

What to bring to a uni open day

There are a few things you can bring to a university open day that will help make the experience even more enjoyable and worthwhile. Here’s your open day packing list sorted:

• sunglasses, hat and sunscreen (if it’s forecast to be a gorgeous sunny day)
• umbrella or weatherproof jacket (if it’s forecast to rain)
• drink bottle
• reusable coffee cup (for those who like to stay caffeinated)
• something to take notes with (a tablet, laptop or old-fashioned notebook will do)
• a map of the campus (some universities will provide this on arrival, but if you want to save paper, you can download it onto a device or use an app, if the university has one)
• a list of questions
• a plan of what you want to do and see on the day
• a sidekick (you might like to bring a parent or guardian, or perhaps a close friend to provide a second opinion and keep you company throughout the day – though this isn’t a must if you prefer to fly solo)
• plenty of enthusiasm!

Most campuses will have food outlets where you can purchase snacks and meals on the day, though you can also bring your own food to stave off any hangry moments.

Lastly, if you’re wondering what to wear to a uni open day, you aren’t the only one, and it isn’t a silly question – see our notes above about packing for the weather. You’ll most likely be walking a lot, and for many campuses this involves being outside, so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. You don’t have to wear your school uniform unless specified and the unofficial everyday university dress code is quite casual. Just wear what makes you comfortable and what feels most like you.