The Commonwealth Students Association (CSA) is now accepting nominations for executive roles for the upcoming 2025-2028 term. The CSA helps to promote educational opportunities for students from Commonwealth countries and advocates for their rights and welfare.
The nomination period will conclude on Saturday, 12 July 2025. Approved candidates will then begin their campaigns in preparation for the virtual election, scheduled to take place from 11-12 September 2025. The President of the Commonwealth Students Association for this term will be selected from the African region, in line with the CSA's rotational policy. All other executive positions are open to qualified candidates across all Commonwealth regions.These elections present a significant opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction and efficacy of an organisation dedicated to student advocacy and educational advancement across the Commonwealth.
Selecting a committed executive team
The 2025 cohort of leaders will be instrumental in advancing educational opportunities for students across the Commonwealth. Elected members will engage with governmental bodies and educational institutions to broaden access to higher education and to ensure that students benefit from conducive learning environments.
Head of Social Policy Development at the Commonwealth Secretariat, Layne Robinson, emphasised the vital role that the CSA executives will play.
He said:
"We recognise the immense talent and determination within our youth population. Young people today bring bold ideas, energy, and vision to the table. Leading in this era isn't just a title, it is a call to action that demands passion and persistence. We encourage all those who want to serve, to consider the CSA as an avenue to make real change.”
Mr Robinson continued:
“In addition, we will continue to actively invest in youth leaders across the Commonwealth Students Association, ensuring they have reach from the grassroots to global levels. We will provide support to ensure their leadership is visible, valued, and amplified."
The work of the CSA will be pivotal at a time when the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Hon Shirley Botchwey, has said that providing increased access to education, particularly those in remote areas, is one of her priorities.
Election regulations and guidelines
Leadership positions
The following positions are open for a three-year term spanning 2025-2028:
- President (Open to applicants from the African region only)
- Vice President – Democracy and Participation
- Vice President – Advocacy and Partnerships
- Vice President – Communication and Research
- Regional Representative - Africa
- Regional Representative - Asia
- Regional Representative - Caribbean
- Regional Representative - Europe and Canada
- Regional Representative – Pacific
- Representative - Special Interest Groups
Eligibility and nomination requirements
Prospective candidates must satisfy the following criteria to be considered for nomination:
- Born between 25 June 1996 and 24 June 2007
- A citizen of a Commonwealth member country
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to Commonwealth values and the CSA’s vision and mission (refer to the Commonwealth Charter and the CSA Constitution for comprehensive details)
- Possess experience with student or youth-led initiatives, projects, or organisations focused on human rights and democracy
- Be available to dedicate 15-20 voluntary hours per week to CSA network activities
- Possess the necessary connectivity and resources to work remotely
- Demonstrate leadership experience in building a diverse and effective sub-committee
- Possess a minimum of two years of regional experience in leading youth and/or student organisations and groups
Essential skills
In addition to any skills specifically required for individual positions, all applicants must exhibit demonstrable evidence of excellence in the following areas:
- Effective leadership and communication skills
- Understanding of education policy, student needs, advocacy, equality, diversity, and inclusion
- Ability to network
- Time management and the ability to meet deadlines under pressure
- Emotional and cultural intelligence
- Ability to work effectively within a diverse team
- Ability to work remotely and across different time zones
Interested and qualified individuals are encouraged to submit their nominations promptly.
Established in 2012 during the 18th Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers in Mauritius, the CSA emerged from a collective recognition by student leaders of the critical issues facing the education sector and their role in addressing them.
Media contact
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Ijeoma Onyeator Communications Officer, Communications Division, Commonwealth Secretariat
