Join colleagues from across Australia and beyond for three days of presentations, panels, and networking at the APSA Conference 2025.
📅 Conference Dates:
- PhD Conference: Monday, 24 November 2025
- APSA Conference: Tuesday–Thursday, 25–27 November 2025
📍 Location: University of Melbourne
Register Now
We are pleased to announce that registration for the APSA Conference 2025 is now open!
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Member | $450 |
| Non-Member | $600 |
| Student/Unwaged – Member | $250 |
| Student/Unwaged – Non-Member | $350 |
| Conference Dinner Ticket (optional) | $105 |
Speaker Details
Keynote Speaker: The Honourable Bill Shorten
We are delighted to welcome The Hon. Bill Shorten, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Canberra and Former Leader of the Labor Party, as our keynote speaker.
The Hon. Bill Shorten became Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Canberra in January 2025, after a career that included leadership roles with the Australian Workers’ Union and 18 years serving federal politics, including six as Leader of the Opposition. Bill’s belief in the transformative power of education drew him to UC and the role, arriving at a time of significant change for the University and the broader higher education sector. The Vice-Chancellor is working with students and staff to develop a modern Australian university that does not just react to society’s demands but anticipates them.
His keynote will explore Challenges for Australia and Beyond in a Changing World. Join us as he shares insights drawn from his journey—from rebuilding vital social services and shaping national policy, to leading transformative change in higher education. His keynote promises to inspire and challenge us
Conference Program
The APSA 2025 Conference Program is now available, featuring an extensive lineup of panels, roundtables, plenary sessions, and research group meetings. Highlights include the PhD Symposium, keynote events, and the APSA Annual General Meeting.
📄 Download the Full APSA 2025 Conference Program (copy also below)
Funding Opportunities (Applications are now Closed)
✈️ Travel Bursary
Up to $400 to assist with return economy airfare and accommodation. Priority given to APSA members who meet the criteria.
Key details: if the scheme is oversubscribed, bursaries will be prioritised and awarded in the following order:
- Unwaged members (post-PhD or thesis under examination)
- PhD students in their third year or later (including under examination)
- Early Career Researcher members (post-PhD)
- PhD students in their second year or later
- PhD students in their first year or later
- Successful applicants will be reimbursed after the conference, upon submission of all relevant receipts to the APSA National Office.
Successful applicants will be reimbursed after the conference, upon submission of all relevant receipts to the APSA National Office.
👩👧 Carer Support
This grant provides up to $600 to support APSA members with additional caring responsibilities arising from conference attendance. Funding may be used for expenses such as short-term childcare or professional carers for elderly relatives.
For details and application process, please visit:
Carer Support Funding Scheme
🕒 Application deadline for both programs: Friday 12 September 2025, 5.00 pm (Melbourne time).
🏆 APSA Awards 2025 – Nominations Now Open
We are now accepting nominations for the 2025 APSA Awards.
📌 Click here for full details on the awards and the nomination process.
We look forward to seeing you in Melbourne for a stimulating and insightful event. If you have any questions, please contact us at apsa-2025@unimelb.edu.au or info@auspsa.org.au
In Partnership With
