Abstract Governance of higher education institutions requires the representation of various stakeholders in the decision-making bodies. These days, student governance remains to be an outstanding aspect of governance. Being aware of this fact, the main objective of this study was to investigate the state of student governance in higher education institutions in Ethiopia with a particular focus on Bahir Dar University. Thus, to achieve the main objective, this study has employed qualitative research approach with a case study design. Semi-structured interview, FGD and document analysis were instruments of data collection. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used as methods to select participants of the study. The data collected from the interviewees, from focus group discussants and from documents were analyzed through thematic analysis. The analysis of the study revealed that Bahir Dar University has legal provision that permit the participation of students in its decision-making bodies with full voting and agenda setting right. Students are actually getting involved in the decision-making bodies however their participation is not as equal as the provisions promised. The study revealed that student representatives’ ability and willingness to present student questions is limited. There are problems that students need to be resolved. However, this doesn’t mean that the presence of representatives is not beneficial. The findings unveiled that as a result of the participation of students, the university is reaping the benefit of accessing timely information, relatively easy acceptance of decisions, development of democracy and transparency, maintenance of peace and order in the university. Based on the findings, the major conclusion of the study is that participation of students in the decision-making bodies is not an option rather it is an authoritative issue. Key words: student governance, Bahir Dar University, representation, higher education institutions