Join a national network of student representatives, influence discussions that shape the future of higher education, develop valuable leadership and professional skills, and build your professional profile.
About the SAB
The Independent Higher Education (IHE) Student Advisory Board (SAB) ensures that student voices inform IHE's work, policy development, projects, and engagement with providers, regulators, government, and other stakeholders across the higher education sector.
The SAB is part of IHE's governance structure and submits recommendations directly to the IHE Board, ensuring that student perspectives help shape our work and contribute to sector-wide discussions and decision-making.
We run the SAB to:
- gain direct insight into the issues and experiences that affect students in higher education today
- test ideas, projects, and policy positions with students before they are shared externally
- ensure student perspectives are represented in sector discussions and decision-making
- build stronger connections between students and the wider higher education sector
Members have the opportunity to contribute to projects that explore some of the most important issues facing students today. This year's cohort produced reports on AI, industry partnerships and financial wellbeing, bringing fresh student perspectives to key challenges across the sector.
Why join the SAB?
As an SAB member, you'll have the opportunity to make a real difference while developing skills and experiences that will benefit you throughout your studies and beyond.
Benefits include:
- exclusive access to six professional development and training workshops, designed by student representation experts and completed at your own pace (full details are available in the application pack).
- a digital certificate recognising your participation in the training programme.
- valuable experience and achievements that can strengthen your CV, LinkedIn profile, and future study and career prospects.
- leadership, communication and advocacy skills developed through working alongside higher education professionals.
- greater confidence in expressing your views, representing others and contributing to meaningful discussions.
- insight into how higher education policy, regulation and decision-making work.
- opportunities to influence discussions, consultations and projects that affect students across the higher education sector.
- a national network of student representatives, with access to a dedicated online community to connect, share ideas and learn from students across the sector
Joining the SAB is a valuable opportunity to represent students, influence change and develop confidence and leadership skills.
The role
This is a unique opportunity to influence higher education policy and practice beyond your own institution, with activities designed to fit alongside academic commitments wherever possible.
As part of the SAB, you will:
- attend four online meetings per year (dates are provided in the application pack)
- complete six professional development and training sessions online at your own pace (designed by student representation experts, Coole Insight)
- provide feedback on issues affecting students to IHE and external stakeholders, including the Office for Students (OfS), Department for Education (DfE), and others
- contribute to consultations and policy development affecting students across the sector
- collaborate on projects that directly benefit students at IHE member institutions
- help ensure that student perspectives influence discussions and decision-making among sector leaders, providers, regulators and policymakers
Who we're looking for and eligibility
We're looking for students who are passionate about representing their peers and contributing to discussions that shape higher education. Both newcomers and previous SAB members are welcome to apply.
- You are a current student at an IHE member institution, aged 18 or over, and will remain a student throughout the 2026/27 academic year.
- You are passionate about promoting the student voice in higher education.
- You are committed to actively participating in the SAB throughout the year.
- You are able to express your views thoughtfully while listening to and respecting the views of others.
- You are keen to represent students and contribute to IHE activities.
How to apply and closing date
If you're passionate about representing students and want to help shape the future of higher education, we'd love to hear from you.
Applications close on Monday 26 October 2026. The first SAB meeting takes place online on Monday 2 November 2026, from 5pm-6.30pm.
Please read the application pack (available below) and send the following to [email protected]:
- your name, the name of your institution, your course, and confirmation that you will be a student during the 2026/27 academic year. You must be a current student at an IHE member institution.
- a short statement no longer than 100 words outlining why you are interested in joining the SAB, or, if you have served on the SAB before, why you are interested in taking part for another term.
If you are viewing this opportunity after the application deadline, we would still encourage you to get in touch to express your interest.