Date & Time
Friday, 22 May - Sunday, 24 May 2026
6:30 pm - 4:00 pm AEST
Location
Pullman Sydney Airport, 191 O Riordan Street, Mascot, 2020, NSW
Applications close on April 30th at 11:59pm. However, the sooner you apply the better. Our policy is to accept strong candidates as they emerge, and spaces are limited.
The Liberty & Society Student Conference is a unique two-day conference for students interested in exploring important economic, political, and philosophical issues of past and present from a classical liberal and libertarian framework. The conference has supported over 1,000 students including the likes of Josh Frydenberg, Kelly O’Dwyer, and Simon Bridges.
This is more than a conference — it’s a chance to challenge and enhance your philosophical foundation with the support of CIS and our distinguished speakers and researchers. Beyond the intellectual engagement, it’s a valuable networking weekend that has fostered a community of long-standing interest in classical liberal ideas.
Program Structure
The conference runs over a long weekend, combining sessions, discussions, and social events in a live-in format.
- Date: Friday 22 May – Sunday 24 May 2026
- Location: Pullman Sydney Airport, 191 O’Riordan Street, Mascot NSW 2020
- Format: Residential (live-in)
Each day includes:
- Lectures and presentations from CIS researchers and guest speakers
- Small group discussions and Q&A sessions
- Networking with fellow participants from across Australia and New Zealand
Topics Covered
Participants engage with a broad range of issues through a classical liberal and libertarian lens, including:
- Economics and markets
- Political philosophy and individual liberty
- Law and the role of government
- Social policy and civil society
Sessions are designed to challenge conventional thinking and develop participants’ philosophical foundations.
Introductory & Advanced Options
We offer the Introductory Liberty and Society conference for undergraduates, recent graduates, and postgraduates over the age of 18 who live in Australia, New Zealand, or the South Pacific and have an interest in liberal ideas.
From time to time, we offer an Advanced Liberty and Society conference for people who are part of the L&S Alumni and have pursued their interest in liberal ideas. The Advanced conference has more practical learning, with practitioners in government and business involved. The advanced format also provides a forum for participants to present a paper or article on a topic covering liberal issues or perspectives.
Who Can Attend?
The conference welcomes individuals over the age of 18, specifically undergraduates, recent graduates, and postgraduates from Australia, New Zealand, or the South Pacific. Applicants from any field of study are encouraged to apply. A deep understanding of classical liberalism is not a prerequisite; rather, we seek individuals with a natural curiosity about society and its inner workings.
The conference is not available to students in high school.
Scholarships
Participation is free. Subsidised by our generous supporters, scholarships cover all meals, accommodation, and most travel costs.
Alumni & Opportunities
Graduates of the conference join the Liberty & Society Alumni Network, which provides ongoing access to:
- Professional and intellectual networks
- Priority access to the Advanced Liberty & Society conference
- Subsidised attendance at major CIS events and conferences
- Access to the Liberty & Society Student Fellowship
Application Process
Applicants are required to submit responses to a short application form. The process is straightforward — no prior background in classical liberalism is required.
Cost
The conference is fully subsidised, with participation funded by CIS donors and supported by the Mannkal Economic Education Foundation and the Lyngala Foundation.