Be part of a community that inspires growth, connection and opportunity
The Student Academy of Excellence is a vibrant community of more than 500 curious and motivated students who support, inspire and challenge one another to achieve their goals.
Whether you're looking for collaborators, friends, mentors or future professional connections, you'll find a network of people who are invested in your success. You will also have access to free, specially curated extra-curricular experiences that will help you grow beyond the classroom, something that matters more than ever in today's graduate market.
Our students say it's the SAE community and experiences that will motivate you to grow personally and professionally throughout your university journey and beyond.
The Student Academy of Excellence is a community of high-achieving students who come from different backgrounds, different passions, different career aspirations, but together we all try and push each other to our limits.
— Lucinda Wojtaszak, Bachelor of Biomedical Science
The Student Academy of Excellence experience
Find your people and be inspired
Thrive in a supportive community of thinkers and doers where effort is valued, ideas are shared and success is celebrated. The connections you make along the way will grow into a network of future leaders and change makers, creating opportunities throughout your career.
Grow your skills through collaboration
Develop leadership, communication and teamwork skills through curated extra-curricular experiences that will help you make an impact both in and out of the classroom.
Build your future network
Explore career pathways, make industry connections, be part of a worldwide SAE alumni community, and engage and access networking opportunities that will help you achieve your professional goals.
Student Academy of Excellence
Discover what it means to be a Student Academy of Excellence student.
Explore experiences and opportunities that high-achieving undergraduate students can tap into that help pave the way to a promising future.
What you’ll get out of joining
A community that will help you reach your potential
Throughout the year, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in a range of experiences designed to challenge you to critically think and broaden your perspective. From leadership and skills workshops to volunteering and networking events, you’ll learn alongside like-minded peers while exploring your interests and goals.
Here’s what you can look forward to:
- prestigious membership at no cost to join
- a network of 500+ motivated students across every study areaone-on-one mentoring with a Griffith academic, researcher or industry professional
- networking events and an annual symposium with students, academics and alumni across disciplines
- accredited leadership and skills workshops that build the skills employers value
- the chance to take on a short research project
- opportunities to join international leadership and cultural capability experiences
- bespoke scholarship application support for prestigious scholarships such as the New Colombo Plan
- participation in global student networks for social impact like ENACTUS and Millennium Fellowship
- community volunteering projects
- an alumni network that stays open to you after you graduate.

These experiences can help you build confidence, develop your skills and create connections that can expand your professional network.
Learn from people who want to see you succeed
You’ll be matched with academic, research, or industry mentors who will support you through the different stages of your degree.
Through one-on-one conversations, your mentor can help you identify opportunities to expand your potential and enrich your uni experience.
Get out and have fun, too!
You’ll meet your fellow members and make lasting connections through a variety of activities. As part of our new Culture & Connection series, you’ll also attend dinner and a cultural event with a member of our SAE team.
Collaboration
Share ideas and work with leading researchers, academics and other high-achieving students. The Student-Led Initiative Committee also organises regular social activities.
Professional training
Undertake practical professional training coordinated by your School or Faculty to place you in a high-quality organisation related to your area of study.
Research bursaries
Student Academy of Excellence students interested in undertaking a short research project can apply for funded research experience opportunities.
How to apply
The first step in joining the Student Academy of Excellence depends on whether you’re a future or current Griffith student. Find out which application process is right for you.
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