2025 WLSA College Admissions Network – Oceania Tour

The 2025 WLSA College Admissions Network (CAN) – Our first ever Oceania Tour!

CAN Oceania Conference Tour: 5-10th of July 2025

Following successful CAN events in Europe, Asia, Africa and online, WLSA has launched its first-ever College Admission Network (CAN) Conference Tour in Oceania, with stops in Sydney, Auckland, and Suva! This milestone reflects WLSA’s ongoing commitment to advancing global education by fostering meaningful connections between secondary schools and universities, and by creating new opportunities for prospective college students.

The Oceania tour brought together representatives from 13 leading universities — 10 from the United States, along with the University of Sydney, Macquarie University, and Tsinghua University in China. The tour visited Sydney, Auckland, and Suva (Fiji), with participants engaging in panels, networking sessions, and workshops designed to break down geographical barriers and open doors to international higher education. Tsinghua University and the University of Sydney joined the program for the Sydney segment of the tour.

Highlights of the event included in-depth discussions on admissions trends, tailored guidance for students and counsellors, and opportunities to strengthen ties between secondary schools and universities across continents. The tour not only showcased WLSA’s vision of a truly interconnected global education network, but also provided invaluable insights and educational options for students in the Oceania region aspiring to study at leading global universities.

Our insightful CAN workshops offered international students and their families a deep dive into the complex and diverse landscape of higher education in the United States. Participants gained a clear understanding of the various types of colleges—from liberal arts colleges and public flagship universities to specialised schools like arts colleges and military academies—helping them identify which college types align best with their goals and interests.

The sessions also explored key characteristics of colleges, such as size, campus culture, academic focus and support services, enabling attendees to evaluate schools beyond just rankings. Attendees learned about the different types of college applications and decision plans, demystifying processes like Early Decision and test-optional policies.

A significant focus was placed on the components of a strong application, emphasising holistic review practices. Our participating students discovered how to showcase their academic achievements, craft compelling essays and personal statements, while simultaneously highlighting their extracurricular involvement and leadership. In addition, financial aid options tailored for international students were discussed in detail, along with the vital role of International Student and Scholar Services in supporting students throughout their college journey.

Overall, the event equipped our talented, prospective international applicants with practical knowledge and strategies to confidently navigate the US college application process in order for them to be able to make informed decisions about their educational futures.

Sydney, Australia

During our Global Student Conference dates in Sydney, Australia, we hosted an engaging panel discussion, “Navigating the College Admissions Process at Selective US Colleges and Universities,” moderated by Douglas Christiansen, Vice Provost at Vanderbilt University and Chair of the WLSA Council Board. Featuring senior admissions leaders from universities including Boston University, Columbia, NYU, Michigan, and others, the session explored the holistic admissions review process and key topics such as US higher education application components, letters of recommendation, and financial aid for international students.

With parallel panels led by Peter Wilson (Director of WLSA CAN) from the University of Chicago, this event provided invaluable insights and practical guidance for students and counsellors navigating the competitive US admissions landscape. In addition, we hosted an exciting Mock Admissions Workshop, moderated by Kelly Walter of Boston University and featuring all nine US university leaders from the panel, which drew 178 attendees from 14 countries, along with a CAN Fair showcasing over 10 US universities.

“Connect world leading schools, empower future global leaders.”

Auckland, New Zealand

“We’re boosting and ensuring that we can be more adaptive in education, to be better leaders, better contributors, and better stewards on behalf of our communities.”

— Shane Jones, Minister for Oceans and Fisheries, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Resources

The program in Auckland opened with a traditional Māori dance and welcome remarks by Dr. Jack Jia, Executive Director of WLSA, who introduced our distinguished guests and fantastic local speakers, including New Zealand Minister Shane Jones and Auckland Council CEO Phil Wilson. In attendance was over 31 local schools and 226 attendees, all united for the cause of collaboration within the educational landscape. Building on a similar session at the WLSA event in Sydney, the conference featured the panel discussion “Navigating the College Admissions Process at Selective U.S. Colleges and Universities,” moderated by Dr. Douglas Christiansen of Vanderbilt University, with senior admissions leaders from top US universities offering insights into the holistic admissions process. The Auckland CAN event also included a university fair with representatives from 10 leading US universities, providing students and counselors with invaluable advice and practical guidance for navigating the admissions landscape.

“Our gratitude extends deeply to the city of Auckland, a vibrant hub that has embraced this conference with open arms.”

Suva, Fiji

The event opened with a warm welcome and the ceremonial garlanding of our two distinguished guests on stage: WLSA Executive Director Dr. Jack Jia and the Honorable Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Manoa Kamikamica, with this symbolic gesture setting the tone for a day focused on cultural collaboration and development. The introductions of the keynote speakers highlighted the contributions of Dr. Jack Jia to WLSA, and the Honorable Mr. Kamikamica’s leadership in Fiji’s national development.

During the prime minister’s keynote address, he reflected on the educational landscape in Fiji, the vital role of education in national progress and the opportunities ahead for local students. His address was followed by an engaging session on Fiji National University (FNU) and its role in national development, offering insights into how the university is aligning with Fiji’s development goals. The afternoon consisted of WLSA-led presentations, a panel discussion and a student fair, providing a platform for students and educators to share perspectives and explore other potential educational pathways. All in all, a productive day of cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration.

“Education is not a luxury — it is a national imperative. The partnership we forge today through WLSA CAN is more than just academic. It is strategic. It is a way to bridge Fiji’s potential with global opportunity.”

— The Honourable Manoa Kamikamica, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, MSMEs, and Communications

Participating Universities

  • Boston University

  • Columbia University

  • New York University

  • University of Arizona

  • University of Chicago

  • University of Michigan

Please reach out to event@wlsafoundation.com for more information about the WLSA College Admissions Network and previous events. Join us at our CAN events to make meaningful connections and unlock your future educational opportunities!
Want to find out more about CAN?

Read all about our other CAN tours—UK, Africa and China—here!

CAN China

2025 WLSA CAN China Conference Tour

CAN Africa

The 2024 WLSA College Admissions Network (CAN) Tour in Africa and the UK!

CAN UK

The 2024 WLSA College Admissions Network (CAN) Tour in Africa and the UK!

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