More than 5,400 students to gather in Perth for UniSport Nationals 2026

More than 5,400 students from universities across Australia will gather in Perth from 26 September to 2 October for the 2026 UniSport Nationals.

Australia’s largest annual university multi-sport event will see students compete across 30 sports at venues throughout Perth, representing their universities and contesting national titles.

The event returns to Western Australia for the first time since 2022 and is proudly supported by the WA Government through Tourism Western Australia.

UniSport Nationals will officially come to life on Sunday, 27 September, when team captains from around Australia gather at the Royal Perth Yacht Club for the Welcome Ceremony. Set against one of Perth’s most iconic waterfront locations, the ceremony will bring the university captains together for a Welcome to Country and the official launch of the Games, setting the tone for an exciting week of competition.

From Monday, the action will spread across Perth as students compete in 30 sports, from basketball, hockey, football and rugby 7s to rowing, sailing, fencing and water polo. The University of Sydney will arrive as the six-time defending Overall Nationals Champion, with rivals ready to challenge their remarkable run.

UniSport Australia CEO Mark Sinderberry said Perth would provide an outstanding setting for a week of competition.

“More than 5,400 students will come together in Perth wearing their university colours and representing their institutions with pride,” Sinderberry said.

“Nationals is the pinnacle of university sport in Australia, but its impact extends well beyond the results. It gives students the opportunity to build friendships, experience a different part of the country and feel part of a national university community.

“Perth’s outstanding sporting venues, vibrant city and strong sporting culture make it an ideal home for Nationals. We are grateful for the support of the WA Government through Tourism WA and look forward to delivering a week that students will remember long after the final medal has been awarded.”

Biggest UniFest yet

The 2026 event will feature the biggest UniFest to date, with all 3,900 tickets already claimed.

Held at Perth’s Wellington Square on Wednesday, 30 September, the free event is exclusively for registered Nationals students and will feature free food, vendor activations, games, celebrity guests and giveaways.

Red Bull, the exclusive beverage partner of UniSport Nationals, will add to the experience with the national launch event for the Red Bull Wings Cup taking place at UniFest.

The Match of the Day, brought to you by Mainfreight, will also return in 2026. Touch, basketball, rugby 7s, hockey and football will be broadcast live and free on UniSportTV across the five days of competition.

Premier and Tourism, Trade and Investment Minister, the Hon. Roger Cook MLA said:

“The return of UniSport Nationals to Western Australia is a significant win for our State, bringing thousands of student athletes, officials and supporters to WA and delivering valuable benefits for local businesses, accommodation providers and tourism operators.

“Mass participation events like this support jobs, drive visitation and help showcase Western Australia to new audiences, reinforcing our reputation as a world-class destination for sport, tourism and unforgettable visitor experiences.”

New Balance joins the event as its Merchandise Partner, with support from Belgravia Apparel, while R U OK? will help promote connection and student wellbeing throughout the week.

The Welcome Ceremony will be held at the Royal Perth Yacht Club on Sunday, 27 September, with competition running from Monday, 28 September to Friday, 2 October.

For schedules, results and more information, visit www.unisport.com.au/nationals. Match of the Day broadcasts will be available live and free through UniSportTV.