Student Diary Artwork Competition

Student Diary Competition - Edited Expanded

Voting for the 2026 Student Diary has now closed!

Voting for the 2026 Student Diary Cover artwork has now closed! Thank you to everyone who took the time to submit their vote.

You can view our shortlisted finalists below. One of these artworks will be announced as the winner at the 2025 Student Excellence Awards, held on 27 November. 

Please note, the final diary cover may vary slightly from those displayed below to align with our branding and print guidelines.

Diary Entry #1

Finalist #1

"My concept is a fun and whimsy design presenting the key values connected to Australian natives.  ‘Boldness’ is represented through the bright lightbulb shining and creating focus towards the centre of the image. Care represented through a visual of heart hands creating a sense of harmony.  Trust represented through two hands holding the globe, creating a sense of connected and trust.  Excellence is represented through a series of bright stars indicating excellence can shine in its own right, place and size. And finally the key to represent ownership..."  

"...Ultimately as students we are responsible for our behaviour and actions which contribute to a strong culture.  The use of colourful Australian natives align with the Australian locations the main campuses are based. I hope my design can be considered for the 2026 diary. Being an educator and creative myself, it would be wonderful to have a small creative legacy at Southern Cross post graduation."

Diary Entry #2

Finalist #2

"One aspect I love about the Gold Coast SCU Campus is the feeling of being near the ocean. When I am there I feel more relaxed and concentrated. My artwork is based on the rips and ripples of the waves, put on top of the colours of the SCU logo colour scheme. It reminds me of sun, sand, and ocean."

Diary Entry #3

Finalist #3

"My design reflects the spirit and values of SCU by showcasing a culture where everyone feels welcome, supported, and inspired. SCU is more than just a place to study; it feels like one big family. To capture this, I included symbolic elements from the GC campus, such as the oversized chess pieces, which represent strategy, collaboration, and playful connection, and a basketball to highlight the sense of energy and belonging fostered around the campus courts..."

"...In line with SCU’s values, the design weaves in key affirmations to remind students that during challenging study periods, to relax, that they are enough and capable of success. These messages reflect the values of caring for our people and building trust through action, because sometimes even a simple reminder can help someone push forward. 

The design also reflects excellence and boldness, not through complexity, but through simplicity and positivity that stand out and invite engagement. By embedding community, wellbeing, and inclusiveness into the design, I aimed to mirror SCU’s vision of being supportive, ambitious, and future-focused. Overall, this design is a celebration of SCU as a place that nurtures belonging, growth, and the courage to strive for our best." 

Diary Entry #4

Finalist #4

"The design for the 2026 Student Diary cover captures the idea of being grounded on this land while, as students, looking to the future through Southern Cross University and embracing the possibilities of a new year. The visual narrative is expressed through the large “2026” typography, which becomes a canvas for different scenes and people that embody SCU’s values: Excellence, Boldness, Care, Ownership, and Trust..."

"...The color palette is drawn from SCU’s logo reinforcing a strong connection with the university’s brand and spirit. The lower part of the design integrates references to the land, featuring Aboriginal-inspired patterns that acknowledge the deep cultural heritage of Australia. The presence of iconic native animals such as the kangaroo and emu further roots the design in its unique Australian context. Above, the Southern Cross constellation symbolizes guidance, exploration, and a vision for the future. 

Together, these elements create a vibrant and meaningful illustration that not only celebrates SCU’s values but also invites students to imagine their own journey through learning, research, and positive impact."

Diary Entry #5

Finalist #5

"The design for this year’s diary is inspired by the rich, earthy colours of the Australian landscape and the vibrant tones of the Southern Cross University logo. It draws on elements of Indigenous art to tell a story of connection, place, and growth. The symbols on the cover represent the Gold Coast, Lismore, and Coffs Harbour campuses, and together they reflect a connected community, one where students, staff, and Country are all part of something bigger. The yellow dotted pathway are traces of the east coast of Australia, grounding the design in place and reminding us of the land SCU is built on..."

"...The red flowering gum, a native plant symbolising resilience and beauty. Just like this flower, students often bloom in unexpected ways, even in tough conditions. Its presence on the cover is a reminder of how we can grow, adapt, and thrive during our time at university."

Diary Entry #6

Finalist #6

"As an original painting by [STUDENT], this artwork is inspired by the beautiful Coolangatta Beach, home to Southern Cross University’s Gold Coast campus. It captures the essence of a new dawn in student life. The rising sun of warm oranges and pinks blends into blue skies, symbolising new beginnings and the promise of a transformative 2026 academic year. It celebrates students rising with the sun to embrace university life and opportunities for growth..."

"...The curving shoreline, dotted with people walking, swimming, and gathering, evokes a sense of community and connection. This reminds us that no one is alone in their university path, where the vibrant beach directly mirrors SCU’s supportive peers and staff. Similarly, the gentle waves encourage balance between study and relaxation. 

The wooden fence and path symbolise commitment. Each lock represents friendships and connections forged along the way. At the heart of this piece lies SCU’s values: EXCELLENCE in pursing knowledge; BOLDNESS in ambition; CARING for people, communities and our planet; OWNING your journey and learning from failure; and building TRUST through action. 

This unique cover turns the 2026 Student Diary into more than pages; it is inspiration for a connected and focused year ahead."