Future students explore possibilities at ANU Open Day 2026

On Saturday 28 March, The Australian National University (ANU) opened its doors to prospective students, inviting them to explore possibilities and opportunities.  

We welcomed more than 7,000 future students, parents, and families to our Acton campus for a day of tours, talks and hands-on activities featuring rockets, robots, puzzles, art, technology, science shows and stories.

Launching Open Day (literally)

Dr Graham Walker from the Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science kicked off Open Day with his famous science demonstrations, including the marshmallow cannon. This was followed by a welcome from ANU College of Systems and Society Dean, Professor Aaron Quigley.

The Lowitja O’Donoghue Cultural Centre hosted a full program of information sessions throughout the day, with program conveners and key School contacts sharing insights into the degrees, career pathways and the real-world skills our students develop.

Study options at Marie Reay

The Marie Reay Teaching Centre #155 hosted the study options expo, where visitors explored disciplines, connected with academics and spoke with current students.  

On Level 5, representatives from computing, engineering, cybernetics, environment, mathematics and science communication showcased their areas through interactive displays and conversations. 

Visitors explored a wide range of student projects and tested their skills with maths puzzles including KenKen, Sudoku, Bytemaps, Hidato and Broken KenKen – some designed by our own students.

For something different, ‘Escape to Slumberland’, a science communication experience, offered a playful way to learn about sleep hygiene.

A selection of computing artefacts was also on display, including the Addimult Sumax (a 1960 mechanical calculator), an Apple //e personal computer from 1983 programmed with an ANU Open Day display, and a 1980 Commodore PET 4032.

Robotics proved a crowd favourite, with demonstrations from a cybernetics Kitronik robot kit and our teleoperated robot dog, ‘Tappy’, entertaining audiences.

Visitors also examined Australian alpine insects and native flowers under microscopes, offering a closer look at the natural world.

Attendees could also speak with College teams, including Student Services, for enrolment advice, as well as industry partners such as the Coexistence Lab (who conduct research at Mulligans Flat) and Engineers Australia.

Meeting more students  

Along University Avenue, visitors encountered an impressive line-up of student-built cars and rockets from College clubs and societies, including ANU Rocketry, ANU Solar Racing, ANU Robotics (RCM) and ANU Formula Sport.

Dr Graham Walker returned with his Spectacular STEM science show, drawing crowds with a series of engaging demonstrations.

Exploring beyond

College leaders and student ambassadors led program-specific tours across our precinct, giving visitors a deeper look into teaching spaces, facilities and student life.

The Mathematical Sciences Institute showcased its Mathematics in Art exhibition, featuring more than 20 installations on display in the Hanna Neumann Building #145 until 8 May 2026. The works span visual art, poetry and even knitted pieces.

At the Skaidrite Darius Building #108, visitors heard from School of Computing experts about how the discipline extends beyond coding, with applications across health, social media, textiles and games. At The Hive, visitors could even test their problem-solving skills in our ANU computing escape room, racing to complete the challenge in under 20 minutes.

A massive thank you

A huge thank you to all our staff, students and volunteers for their incredible effort and dedication. ANU Open Day would not have been such a success without your contributions.

Same time next year?

The date is set: ANU Open Day will return on Saturday 20 March 2027.

In the meantime, you can explore your study options at the ANU College of Systems and Society. If you have questions, call 1800 620 032, submit an online enquiry or book a campus tour.  

To all the students beginning their journey with us – welcome.