The Young Professionals' Forum (YPs@APCS) 2025 is an exclusive program and your ticket to professional growth, networking opportunities, and the chance to turn your ideas into solutions for cities, all while keeping costs down or generating revenue.
The YPs@APCS, offers unparalleled opportunities for young professionals to engage, network, and propose innovative solutions for cities. With impactful connections, real-world learning, and a legacy of success, seize this chance to shape the future of our cities and businesses.
Join us now and be part of the change
This program has had a proven record of attracting the brightest young minds from throughout the Asia Pacific region and beyond while also connecting them with city and business leaders to chat and exchange their ideas and solutions.
Why join?
- Pre-summit online engagement programme - The successful student will participate as a member of the City of Brisbane Business Delegation to 2025APCS, with pre-departure activities included in the lead-up to the Summit.
- Access to the 2025APCS Young Professionals’ Forum at Expo City Dubai
- Opportunity to present urban solutions to leaders of global cities
- Networking with mayors, city leaders and fellow young professionals
- Full access to 2025APCS sessions, events and resources
- Official Certificate of Participation
- Entry into the 2025APCS Young Professionals’ Alumni Network and Expo City Dubai Network
See more information on the Young Professionals Forum flyer.
Whilst the official Forum runs from 27 - 29 October, a Brisbane delegation event and evening event is being planned for 26 October. It is recommended the successful candidate arrive in time for these two events.
Application Requirements:
- Completed the Global Enrichment Experiences application (below) and include:
- An Application statement detailing your demonstrated passion for one or more of the 2025APCS subthemes, and how this experience would benefit your employability.
- UQ studies report (downloaded from mySI-net)
Application Timeline:
| 7 September 2025 | UQ Application Deadline |
| 8 - 9 September 2025 | Shortlisting |
| 9 September 2025 | Successful candidate notified and nominated to APCS |
| 15 September 2025 | Student to book accommodation from the reserved list |
| 17 September 2025 | Young Professionals Forum Pre-departure Briefing |
| 26 September 2025 | Selected student to complete their APCS YPF Registration. Students will be contacted directly by APCS |
| 26 - 29 October 2025 | Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors' Forum - Young Professionals Forum 2025 |
| 5 - 26 November 2025 | Participants to submit post-program feedback to UQ |
Applications will only be accepted through the submission link below.
Candidates must:
- be aged 18–30 years as of 27 October 2025;
- demonstrated passion for one or more of the 2025APCS subthemes (see details on the flyer above);
- be selected by UQ and nominated
Costs
Brisbane City Council has waived administration fees for Young Professional members of the Brisbane Delegation and UQ will cover the cost of the Young Professionals’ Forum registration
All other costs, including accommodation, flights, airport transfer, visa/entry permit (if required), vaccinations/medical clearance (if required) and discretionary spending, are the responsibility of the participants.
Students will be covered by UQ's Corporate Travel Insurance for the duration of the experience. If you plan to travel for a longer duration that the experience covers, or outside the country of the experience, you are liable for the cost of additional travel and health insurance.
Accommodation
The Brisbane City Council has a recommended list of hotels for those participating in the Forum. Hotel bookings fill up fast; therefore, it is recommended that the selected student book their accommodation as soon as possible and before 15 September.
Funding
Global Experiences Grants
When you submit your application for an experience, you are automatically considered for funding that is relevant to your nominated experience. Please refer to the Short-Term Experiences Funding page for details.
Key Dates
Application Deadlines
7 September 2025
Program Dates
Start: 26 October 2025
End: 29 October 2025
Fast Facts
Type: Conference
Mode: Study Abroad
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates (In-person)
Credit: Not-for-credit*
Cohort: Undergraduate, Postgraduate & HDR
* Students may seek credit from their faculty directly if it meets the faculty requirements for credit.
OS-HELP Loan
If you participate in a short-term program you may also be eligible to submit an application for an OS-HELP loan if your program is for-credit and you are enrolled as a Commonwealth supported student.
Application Deadlines
15 January for overseas study commencing March to August
15 March for overseas study commencing May to October
15 June for overseas study commencing August to January
15 September for overseas study commencing November to April
OS-HELP Loan application deadlines may not align with the experience application deadline. Please visit the OS-HELP Loan website for deadline dates as late applications will not be accepted.
Refer to the funding page for more information on eligibility requirements and loan amounts.
Need more information
Contact UQ's Global Experiences by email or phone (+61 7 3443 8649) for more information.