Information for prospective applicants
When does the program run?
Program schedules differ between each state/territory. Some programs are delivered as full-time, face-to-face intensives over the course of a week or two. Others are delivered part-time across three to four months.
In 2026, each program will include several national online sessions, bringing together cohorts in every state and territory.
Planned module dates and times for each program are listed below. Please note that these may be subject to change.
University of Melbourne (Victorian program)
| Saturday, July 18, 2026 | 3:00pm-7:30pm | in person, Melbourne |
| Sunday, July 19, 2026 | 10:00am-2:30pm | in person, Melbourne |
| Sunday, August 2, 2026 | 10:00am-5:00pm | in person, Melbourne |
| Saturday, August 8, 2026 | 10:00am-5:30pm | in person, Melbourne |
| Saturday, August 29, 2026 | 3:00pm-6:00pm | in person, Melbourne |
| Sunday, August 30, 2026 | 10:00am-3:30pm | in person, Melbourne |
| Monday, September 7, 2026 | 7:30pm-8:45pm | online |
| Tuesday, September 15, 2026 | 4:30pm-10:00pm | in person, Melbourne |
| Tuesday, October 6, 2026 | 7:30pm-8:45pm | online |
| Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | 7:30pm-8:45pm | online |
QUT (Queensland program)
| Tuesday, August 4, 2026 | 6.00pm-7.00pm | online |
| Friday, August 21, 2026 | 8:30am-5:00pm | in person, Brisbane |
| Saturday, August 22, 2026 | 8:30am-5:00pm | in person, Brisbane |
| Wednesday, September 2, 2026 | 6.00pm-7.00pm | online |
| Monday, September 7, 2026 | 7:30pm-8:45pm | online |
| Friday, September 18, 2026 | 8:30am-5:00pm | in person, Brisbane |
| Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 8:30am-5:00pm | in person, Brisbane |
| Tuesday, October 6, 2026 | 7:30pm-8:45pm | online |
| Friday, October 16, 2026 | 8:30am-5:00pm | in person, Brisbane |
| Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 8:30am-5:00pm | in person, Brisbane |
| Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | 7:30pm-8:45pm | online |
UNSW (New South Wales program)
| Thursday, August 6, 2026 | 8:30am-5:00pm | in person, Sydney |
| Friday, August 7, 2026 | 9:00am–6:00pm / 6:30pm-8:30pm | in person session + dinner, Sydney |
| Saturday, August 8, 2026 | 9:00am-3:30pm | in person, Sydney |
| Tuesday, August 18, 2026 | 6:45pm-9:00pm | online |
| Tuesday, August 25, 2026 | 6:45pm-9:00pm | online |
| Tuesday, September 1, 2026 | 6:45pm-9:00pm | online |
| Monday, September 7, 2026 | 7:30pm-8:45pm | online |
| Tuesday, September 8, 2026 | 6:45pm-9:00pm | online |
| Friday, September 18, 2026 | 9:00am-8:00pm | in person, Sydney |
| Tuesday, October 6, 2026 | 7:30pm-8:45pm | online |
| Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | 7:30pm-8:45pm | online |
Charles Darwin University (Northern Territory program)
| Thursday, September 3, 2026 | 8:30am-4:30pm / 6:30pm-8:30pm | in person session + dinner, Alice Springs |
| Friday, September 4, 2026 | 8:30am-5:00pm | in person, Alice Springs |
| Monday, September 7, 2026 | 7:00pm-8:15pm | online |
| Tuesday, October 6, 2026 | 6:00pm-7:15pm | online |
| Wednesday, October 14, 2026 | 5:30pm-6:30pm | online |
| Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | 6:00pm-7:15pm | online |
| Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | 8:30am-4:30pm | in person, Darwin |
| Thursday, November 5, 2026 | 9:00am-4:00pm | in person, Darwin |
| Friday, November 6, 2026 | 9:00am-3:00pm | in person, Darwin |
Adelaide University (South Australian program)
| Sunday, August 9, 2026 | 11:00am-7:00pm | in person, Adelaide |
| Monday, August 17, 2026 | 6:00pm-9:00pm | online |
| Monday, August 31, 2026 | 6:00pm-9:30pm | online |
| Monday, September 7, 2026 | 7:00pm-8:15pm | online |
| Saturday, September 12, 2026 | 1:30pm-5:00pm | in person, Adelaide |
| Sunday, September 13, 2026 | 11:00am-5:00pm | in person, Adelaide |
| Monday, September 28, 2026 | 6:00pm-9:00pm | online |
| Tuesday, October 6, 2026 | 7:00pm-8:15pm | online |
| Monday, October 12, 2026 | 6:00pm-9:00pm | online |
| Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | 7:00pm-8:15pm | online |
| Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 1:30pm-5:00pm | in person, Adelaide |
| Sunday, October 25, 2026 | 11:00am-7:00pm | in person, Adelaide |
| Monday, November 2, 2026 | 6:00pm-8:30pm | online |
| Friday, November 13, 2026 | 10:00am-3:00pm | in person, Adelaide |
University of Canberra (ACT program)
| Thursday, August 27, 2026 | 9:00am-4:00pm | in person, Canberra |
| Friday, August 28, 2026 | 9:00am-4:00pm | in person, Canberra |
| Monday, September 7, 2026 | 7:30pm-8:45pm | online |
| Wednesday, September 9, 2026 | 6.30pm-8:00pm | online |
| Thursday, September 24, 2026 | 9:00am-4:00pm | in person, Canberra |
| Friday, September 25, 2026 | 9:00am-4:00pm | in person, Canberra |
| Tuesday, October 6, 2026 | 7:30pm-8:45pm | online |
| Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | 6.30pm-8:00pm | online |
| Thursday, October 15, 2026 | 9:00am-4:00pm | in person, Canberra |
| Friday, October 16, 2026 | 9:00am-4:00pm | in person, Canberra |
| Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | 7:30pm-8:45pm | online |
| Friday, October 23, 2026 | 3:00-6:00pm | in person, Canberra |
University of Tasmania (Tasmanian program)
| Monday, July 27, 2026 | 6:30pm-8:00pm | online |
| Friday, July 31, 2026 | 9:00am-8:30pm | in person session + dinner, Launceston |
| Saturday, August 1, 2026 | 9:00am-8:30pm | in person session + dinner, Launceston |
| Sunday, August 2, 2026 | 9:00am-2:00pm | in person, Launceston |
| Monday, August 10, 2026 | 6:30pm-9:00pm | online |
| Monday, August 17, 2026 | 6:30pm-9:00pm | online |
| Monday, August 24, 2026 | 6:30pm-9:00pm | online |
| Friday, September 4, 2026 | 9:00am-8:30pm | in person session + dinner, Hobart |
| Saturday, September 5, 2026 | 9:00am-8:30pm | in person session + dinner, Hobart |
| Sunday, September 6, 2026 | 9:00am-2:00pm | in person, Hobart |
| Monday, September 7, 2026 | 7:30pm-8:45pm | online |
| Friday, September 25, 2026 | 9:00am-12:00pm | in person, Hobart |
| Tuesday, October 6, 2026 | 7:30pm-8:45pm | online |
| Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | 7:30pm-8:45pm | online |
| Late October TBC | 6:00pm-7:00pm | in person, Hobart |
University of Western Australia (Western Australian program)
The WA program will run as a week-long intensive with additional online sessions.
| Sunday, August 30, 2026 | 3:00pm-7:00pm | in person, Perth |
| Monday, August 31, 2026 | 8:00am-4:00pm | in person, Perth |
| Tuesday, September 1, 2026 | 8:00am-4:00pm | in person, Perth |
| Wednesday, September 2, 2026 | 8:00am-4:00pm | in person, Perth |
| Thursday, September 3, 2026 | 8:00am-4:00pm | in person, Perth |
| Friday, September 4, 2026 | 8:00am-4:00pm | in person, Perth |
| Monday, September 7, 2026 | 5:30pm-6:45pm | online |
| Tuesday, October 6, 2026 | 4:30pm-5:45pm | online |
| Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | 4:30pm-5:45pm | online |
Where is the program based?
Pathways to Politics programs are run in every Australian state and territory, uniquely designed in collaboration with eight of Australia’s leading universities and tailored to your local context.
For more detailed information about the program in your state or territory, please visit their website:
- The University of Melbourne (Parkville campus)
- QUT (Brisbane campus)
- UNSW Sydney (Sydney campus)
- Charles Darwin University (Darwin and Alice Springs)
- University of Canberra (Canberra campus)
- Adelaide University (Adelaide campus)
- The University of Western Australia (Perth campus)
- The University of Tasmania (Hobart and Launceston)
How much does it cost?
Nothing! Program participation is fully funded through the generous support of the Trawalla Foundation, university partners and other donors.
Travel and accommodation bursaries are available for all rural and regional participants thanks to our Rural and Regional Access Partner Minderoo Foundation – ensuring equal access for women nationwide.
Meals are often provided during in-person sessions.
Is it accredited?
Pathways to Politics for Women is an independent program, not an accredited course. Designed and delivered in collaboration with eight university partners, it equips women with the skills, knowledge and networks to pursue political leadership. At the end of the program, participants receive a certificate of completion and join a national network, including access to exclusive alum events, masterclasses and networking opportunities.
Am I eligible?
Pathways to Politics for Women programs are open to women across Australia. We embrace an inclusive definition of ‘women’, acknowledging the diversity of women we work with and aim to support, including cisgender and transgender women, and non-binary people.
To be eligible to apply, you do not need to be enrolled at the participating university, be a graduate of that university, or hold any tertiary or higher education qualifications.
To be eligible, you will need to meet the following criteria:
- Be over 18 years of age.
- Be an Australian citizen/Australian permanent resident/holder of a New Zealand Special Category Visa or permanent Humanitarian Visa.
- Currently reside in the same region as the program to which you are applying.^
- Identify as a woman (noting we embrace an inclusive definition of ‘women’, including cisgender and transgender women, and non-binary people)
All eligibility requirements will be clearly outlined in the application form.
^ Applicants located in South East NSW (e.g. Queanbeyan, Goulburn, Cooma, Yass, Jindabyne, Far South Coast) may apply for the ACT Pathways to Politics program if preferred. Please complete an application form for one program only. If you are unsure which program to apply for, contact us.
Do I need to be enrolled at one of the partner universities?
No! We partner with eight of Australia’s leading universities to design and deliver our programs, but you don’t need to be enrolled or have attended any of the universities in order to participate. In fact, it is not a requirement to have a tertiary degree at all in order to be eligible for the program.
How many applications are accepted?
Generally, there are between 12-25 participants accepted into each of our state/territory programs each year. Numbers can vary depending on the field of applicants.
How are participants selected?
Participants are selected on a competitive basis. Our selection process actively works to minimise barriers to entering politics, and prioritises community and professional experience as well as commitment to running for office.
The selection criteria are as follows:
- Commitment to seeking elected office
- Professional and life experience
- Political engagement
- Ability to tell your story in a compelling way.
All applications are reviewed by a Selection Committee, who place a strong emphasis on multi-partisanship and equity in selection.
The program provides a safe space for women of diverse backgrounds, professions, cultures, and ideologies to fulfill their shared aspiration to pursue public office.
When do applications open?
Applications for our 2026 programs are now open nationally. Apply here.
What’s covered and how is the program delivered?
Modules differ slightly between each state/territory, but cover topics such as:
- political vision
- preselection
- campaign planning
- media training
- speechwriting
- leadership skills
The program is delivered as a mix of workshops, presentations and practical exercises provided in a respectful and supported environment. For example, you will be given professional media training, write your own political stump speech with assistance from an expert political speechwriter, and will deliver your speech to an audience (usually in parliament).
You will also participate in Q&A’s and presentations from a range of prominent politicians, advisors and other experts to give you confidence and clarity about your future in politics.
What mentorship is available?
Throughout the program you will meet a range of sitting and retired politicians and have the opportunity to ask about their first-hand experiences of navigating the challenges of political life through Q&A’s and workshops.
Once you complete the program you’ll be eligible to apply for the Pathways Alum Mentoring program (PAM). PAM runs annually and is designed to empower and support our alums who are intending to run for office in the next five years. PAM runs for approximately eight months, with a minimum of four one-hour mentoring sessions.
Mentors from across the political spectrum are formally matched to alums to support their political aspirations by:
- Understanding the mentee’s political journey to date;
- Providing practical guidance around potential strategies to become elected;
- Providing a safe place for discussion without judgement;
- Challenging assumptions and preconceptions about how to succeed;
- Encouraging self-directed reflection, analysis and problem solving; and
- Acting as a trusted mentor that maintains alum confidence, motivation, and resilience in their pursuit of public office.
Application form information
How do I apply?
Applications for our 2026 programs are now open nationally. Apply here.
Applications are made online using the SmartyGrants platform.
What’s involved in the application?
Application forms must be completed through an online platform called SmartyGrants.
Application forms may differ slightly between programs, but are generally comprised of the following sections:
- Eligibility questions: These short questions help our Selection Committee to determine your eligibility for the program.
- Experience and political journey: These questions help us understand more about your political aspirations, experience, and your motivation and commitment to run for election. Free text questions have a word-limit of 250 words.
- Your ‘elevator pitch’: A 90 second video where you tell us what issue(s) are important to you and what you would highlight about your values and life experience that might connect with voters and persuade them that if elected you would make a difference.
- CV: You will be required to upload your CV. Please ensure it is no longer than two pages and includes two referees.
How long does it take to complete the application form?
The form will require a few hours of your time. Successful applicants take the time to answer questions carefully, in full, and showcase their unique political aspirations, motivations, skills and experiences that demonstrate their commitment to running for election.
Our application platform, Smartygrants, allows you to save your application form as a work in progress, so you can complete it over several days if you need to. We won’t have access to any part of your application until you’ve reviewed and submitted it.
How do I upload a video to my application? Do I have to?
Many of our programs require you to submit a video ‘elevator pitch’ as part of your application. The video format offers us a personalised insight into your values, experiences and commitment and allows for a genuine showcase of your communication skills and a compelling narrative that goes beyond the confines of a traditional written application.
If you are asked to upload a video as part of your application, we highly recommend you carefully script and time the video to a maximum of 90 seconds. You can find advice on writing a “stump speech”, the political equivalent of an elevator pitch, on the Pathways to Politics Knowledge Hub.
You will need to upload your completed video to a file sharing site (e.g. Google Drive, Dropbox) or video hosting site (e.g. YouTube, Vimeo) and then copy the link into your application form. Please ensure the video or fileshare is set to ‘public’ (ie. we shouldn’t need to login to view it) BEFORE you submit your application.
While the video pitch is an important component of the application, we understand there may be technical reasons that you cannot complete this component. If this is the case, please reach out to the program contact in your state/territory to discuss options:
Who assesses the applications?
Applications are reviewed by a state/territory based Selection Committee, who place a strong emphasis on multi-partisanship and equity in selection. The Selection Committees are comprised of state/territory program Directors, Advisory Committee members and senior university staff.
Participants are selected on a competitive basis. Our selection process actively works to minimise barriers to entering politics, and prioritises community and professional experience as well as commitment to running for office.
The selection criteria are as follows:
- Commitment to seeking elected office
- Professional and life experience
- Political engagement
- Ability to tell your story in a compelling way.
The program provides a safe space for women of diverse backgrounds, professions, cultures, and ideologies to fulfill their shared aspiration to pursue public office.
