Apply to be a student officer
Here’s everything you need to know about who is eligible to apply, how to apply, and the process to confirm yourself as a candidate.
You won’t run for a particular position. Instead, all candidates will compete in a single election to become a student officer, meaning you won’t need to come up with any policy ideas for a specific role ahead of the election. This is so the election will be based on who you are and what you can do, instead of promises you might not be able to fulfil. It’s more meaningful for candidates and for voters.
Who can apply?
There are four eligibility requirements to apply to become a student officer. They include what year or level you’re in; whether you’re in “good academic standing”; your prior engagement in student life; and whether you have completed our training programme and passed the assessment. Find out more about each requirement below.
Prior engagement
We require candidates to have previously engaged in student life in a meaningful way. In the current or preceding academic year, candidates will need to have evidence of regular participation in a qualifying role. Applicants are required to demonstrate their engagement in the application form.
Qualifying paid roles include student officers, school representatives and convenors. Any other roles where the candidate is paid or receives a benefit in kind (for example, rent reductions) are not eligible.
Qualifying unpaid roles include student trustees, course representatives, student group committee members, community group committee members, campaign group organisers, event assistants, appointment panel members and sports club committee members. Members removed or dismissed from a qualifying role by the Students' Union or the University are not eligible.
Paid or unpaid roles which are undertaken as part of academic coursework are not eligible.
Year of study and academic standing
Undergraduates
You must be studying at level five or six to be eligible to apply.
If you are in level five, you must have completed level four, and have passed all level five assessments in semester A, and be on target to complete level five by the end of semester B.
If you are in level six, you must have fully completed level five, and have passed all level six assessments in semester A, and be on target to complete level six in semester B.
Students currently in level three or level four are not eligible now, but will become eligible when they reach level five.
Students in level seven of an integrated master’s course are treated as being in level six.
Postgraduates
You are eligible to apply if either:
- You are on target to complete either the taught or placement part of your course at the end of semester B;
or
- You have already passed two 30-credit modules, and have no outstanding (failed/repeat) modules, and are on target to pass two more 30-credit modules in semester B.
Non-standard calendars
For students on courses with non-standard calendars (e.g. nursing, teaching), the closest equivalent term dates and requirements will apply. Ask us if you're unsure (su.elections@uel.ac.uk)
Training programme
We have a training and preparation programme to support potential candidates. To become a candidate, you must attend the three sessions and complete an assessment at the end.
The programme is designed to ensure you’re completely clear on what you’re applying for, what work being a student officer involves, and what’s involved in the election process. This is so you can be confident that you’ll be a good fit. The programme will end with potential candidates completing a short assessment.
Students who intend to run in the election are required to attend three training sessions:
You can attend the sessions on Wednesday 25 February 2026 without completing the application form beforehand, but you must complete it before the deadline.
All sessions will take place in the Students' Union, Stratford.
How to apply
You can apply to become a student officer by completing this form.
The deadline to apply is 16:00 on Friday 27 February.