A nationwide STEM program, students compete in engaging hands-on activities involving the principles of science, engineering and technology.
The Science and Engineering Challenge is a nationwide STEM program founded by the University of Newcastle and run in partnership with Rotary Clubs and Deakin University where teams of year 9 & 10 students compete in activities involving the principles of science, engineering, and technology (STEM).
Students participate in an exhilarating day competing against other schools in fun and engaging hands-on activities including:
Up to eight schools can compete on a challenge day, each school submitting a team of between 16 and 32 students. Points are awarded based on performance and the school with the highest score at the end of the day is the winner. Qualifying schools may go on to compete at a state final, and eight winning schools from around Australia are invited to compete at a 1-day national final each year.
Participating in the Science and Engineering Challenge ignites students' passion for a career in STEM and encourages them to select STEM subjects in their VCE years.
See all the action from the 2024 Geelong event.
Dates: 16 – 17 June 2026
Location: Melbourne Burwood Campus
Student Numbers: Minimum of 16 students and a maximum of 32 students per school
Capacity: 8 schools per day
Year level: Year 9 and 10
Apply now for Melbourne program
Dates: 23 – 24 June 2026
Location: Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus
Student Numbers: Minimum of 16 students and a maximum of 32 students per school
Capacity: 8 schools per day
Year level: Year 9 and 10
Date: 10 August 2026
Location: Warrnambool Campus
Student Numbers: Minimum of 16 students and a maximum of 32 students per school
Capacity: 8 schools per day
Year level: Year 9 and 10
Apply now for Warrnambool program
For more info about our programs and activities, contact our Outreach team.
Expressions of interest for our programs and activities can be made by a school representative, such as a career practitioner or year level coordinator/discipline teacher. If you're a secondary student wishing to attend, get in touch with your year level coordinator or teacher.
Email our Outreach Team for more information about our programs and activities.
