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Hi 2026 NYSF Year 12 Program Participants,
We're back with even more STEM visit announcements! Dive into these new announcements below and don't forget to book your travel and complete the student travel details form so you don't miss out on all the action in January.
Please ensure you read this update carefully and complete the actions listed to ensure a smooth arrival at the 2026 NYSF Year 12 Program in January.
In this update:
- Book your travel and complete the student travel details form - Due 19 November
- Meet your Staffies
- Dive into the latest STEM Visit announcements
- Read our recap of the latest NYSF Governors' receptions
- Register your interest for other NYSF opportunities
Book your travel and complete the student travel details form
Once your place in the program is confirmed we encourage you to book your travel. We encourage families to consider taking out travel insurance to cover any unexpected emergencies or changes to your plans due to illness/personal events. Please note, the NYSF is unable to provide any recommendations or advice on travel insurance.
You should arrive on the first day of your session between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. and depart on the last day between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. If you will need to arrive or depart outside of these times, please contact the NYSF to discuss at nysf@nysf.edu.au.
If you are planning to drive yourself to and from the Program, please note that no parking is available at the residences for participants. You will need to arrange your own (likely paid) parking elsewhere. NYSF takes no responsibility for private vehicles during the Program.
Once your travel is confirmed, please complete the Student Travels Details form. This will let us know when to expect you, and for students not travelling via car, it allows us to coordinate shuttle buses to meet and transport you from Brisbane International and Canberra Airports, and major train and bus stations to your accommodation.
Please complete this form by 19 November 2025.
Meet your Staffies
Introducing your Student Staff Leaders, aka Staffies! The Staffies pictured here (and the many more yet to be revealed) are volunteers and alumni of the Year 12 Program. They will be there to make sure you get the most out of your NYSF experience . They'll accompany you on visits, make sure that everyone gets to where they need to go safely and on time, and be on hand to debrief and nerd-out at the end of the day.
Fresh STEM Visit announcements have landed!
STEM Visits are a core part of the NYSF Year 12 Program and are a fantastic way for you to explore groundbreaking STEM and meet the professionals making it happen. Check out some of the STEM Visits you might attend during the program below 👇
UC Centre for Applied Water Science
Students will visit Lake Ginninderra for a hands-on fieldwork experience in biomonitoring and ecosystem assessment. They will assume the role of environmental scientists and collect and identify a range of macroinvertebrates, key indicator species used to assess water quality and ecosystem health. Through this practical investigation, students will explore species–area relationships, examining how habitat size influences biodiversity and ecosystem balance.
ARC Training Centre in Bioplastics and Biocomposites
Plastics are part of everyday life but pose major environmental challenges. The Centre for Bioplastics and Biocomposites at UQ’s School of Chemical Engineering is working on a solution: bioplastics and biocomposites made from natural materials that break down more easily. In partnership with industry, the centre creates sustainable plastics and trains future scientists. Students will explore this innovative research firsthand trying out key techniques with the help of UQ PhD students.
Governors celebrate this year's NYSFers
We were thrilled to hear NYSFers in Western Australia, Tasmania and Queensland had such a sensational time celebrating their selection to the NYSF Year 12 Program at this year's Governors reception events.
NYSFers in Victoria and New South Wales also received congratulations from their state Governors, which you can read here!
Explore even more NYSF opportunities
Got your first taste of the NYSF experience and feeling hungry for more?
Dive into even more incredible STEM opportunities at an NYSF STEM Hub in 2026! Hosted in Sydney and Melbourne, NYSF STEM Hubs give you the opportunity to learn more about groundbreaking, national STEM research and projects - not to mention giving you the opportunity to connect with the STEM professionals, education and training providers, and organisations making it all possible.
Do you have a question for the NYSF?
If you have a question in the lead up to the 2026 NYSF Year 12 Program or missed previous updates please read the frequently asked questions on our website.
Can't find the answer you're looking in the FAQs? Get in touch by emailing us at nysf@nysf.edu.au.
