2027 CONFERENCE · STUDENT SUCCESS JOURNAL CONFERENCE ISSUE

Refereed Papers

Refereed papers for the 2027 Student Success Conference are submitted directly to the Student Success Journal. This is a separate pathway from the conference submission form, with an earlier deadline and a double-blind peer review process.

Refereed Paper Submission Deadline: 5pm AEST 22 February 2027 · Submit via the Journal

Submit to the Journal

← Return to the Conference Call for Submissions page

About the Student Success Journal

Student Success is an international, open access, peer-reviewed, scholarly publication currently ranked Q2 in Education in the annual Scimago Journal Rankings (Scopus). It accepts articles that explore the experiences of students in tertiary education, is supported by STARS, and is included in several indexing databases including Scopus and Web of Science. Both STARS and the Student Success Journal are not-for-profit initiatives for higher education run by the sector.

Papers submitted for consideration for the Conference Issue of the Student Success Journal need to meet the definition of research and as such should have a strong empirical or theoretical foundation and present new knowledge or findings, or report on the application of existing knowledge to a new domain. Full papers are required at the time of submission. Papers will be double-blind peer reviewed. You should ensure that your submission is of the highest standard to increase the likelihood of acceptance. Refereed papers may not exceed twelve (12) pages including title, author details, abstract, body (including figures, tables, etc) and references. Please indicate in the submission process that the article is for the 2027 Conference Issue.

Please refer to the Student Success submission guidelines and the Journal author guidelines before writing your paper. Important: authors of accepted refereed papers must make a presentation on their paper in person at the 2027 Conference. Any questions about submitting to the Journal can be sent to journal@unistars.org.

Quality requirements

  • Align with one or more of the 5 Pillars of Student Success and Student Success Journal themes.
  • Refer to previous relevant published works.
  • Be of a high professional standard.
  • Be proof-read and publication ready.
  • Adhere to the description for research papers.
  • Comply with the paper submission format guidelines.
  • Comply with latest APA referencing system (7th Edition).

Submissions that do not meet these quality requirements will be returned to authors for correction before being considered for inclusion.

Review criteria

Please note that conference submissions will only proceed to acceptance if the first peer review round recommends accept or accept with minor revisions. Those requiring major revision will not be accepted as refereed papers for the conference (although authors are welcome to revise and resubmit with a view to later publication in the journal).

Refereed papers accepted for the Conference Issue must comply with the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment — Higher education research data collection (HERDC) definition and criteria for research. Each accepted refereed paper will be:

  • a substantial scholarly activity, as evidenced by discussion of the relevant literature, an awareness of the history and antecedents of work described, and be provided in a format which allows a reader to trace sources of the work through citations;
  • original (that is, more than merely a compilation of existing works);
  • a contribution to knowledge, and;
  • in a form that enables dissemination of knowledge.

In addition to these criteria and the quality requirements above, refereed papers will be assessed using the following criteria:

  • Contribution to the existing body of knowledge and scholarship.
  • Suitability of methodology or approach.
  • Synthesis of relevant theoretical or empirical literature. Currency of material and research supported by related and compelling evidence.
  • Originality of argument, ideas, or content.
  • Development of argument.
  • Organisation and structure.
  • Clarity of style and expression.

Important dates

  • 22 February 2027 — Refereed paper submission deadline (5pm AEST).
  • 15 May 2027 — At least one author must be registered to attend the Conference.
  • 28–30 June 2027 — Student Success Conference, ECU City Campus, Perth WA. Accepted authors must present in person.

Submission terms and conditions

In addition to the full conference terms and conditions, the following apply specifically to refereed paper submissions.

  • In-Person Presentation Requirement — If my paper is accepted for the Conference Issue, I confirm that a presentation on the paper will be delivered in person at the 2027 Conference, to be held at ECU City Campus, Perth WA.
  • Registration and Fees — I acknowledge that all presenting authors must complete conference registration and pay the applicable registration fee by 15 May 2027. All travel, accommodation, and related expenses are the responsibility of the presenter(s).
  • Publication — If accepted, the abstract will appear in the Conference Proceedings and the full paper in the Conference Issue of the Student Success Journal.
  • Commercial Content — Papers originating from commercial organisations, or containing commercial or promotional content, will not be considered.

Questions about submitting to the Journal: journal@unistars.org