SVA’s in‑person Summit and Symposium bring students and staff together to explore evidence‑based, research‑informed approaches to student voice across the tertiary sector
2026 Student Voice Symposium & Student Voice Summit
TRUST, SAFETY AND PARTICIPATION IN TIMES OF CHANGE
The 7th Annual SVA Student Voice Symposium and the Student Summit showcases the transformative
impact of student voice across the sector.
Day 1: Wednesday 7 October
(Student Summit)
Day 2: Thursday 8 October
(Student Voice Symposium)
THEME: Trust, Safety and Participation in Times of Change
As the education sector continues to evolve, students’ sense of safety, trust and belonging is foundational to meaningful participation. This year’s theme explores how student voice is enabled—or constrained— examining the conditions that enable students to speak up, feel heard and help shape decisions across systems, institutions, communities and individual experiences.
Our theme invites us to rethink systems, policies and relationships, so students are not just consulted, but actively shape the conversation, culture and future of education. The theme will be explored through four streams:
ABOUT
This national event brings together students on day one, and both students and staff on day two, all united in championing change through authentic partnership and evidence‑informed student voice practice.
Featuring thought‑provoking keynotes, workshops, case studies, panels and networking opportunities, the event connects practitioners and students from across Australasia.
It will be delivered both in person at the University of Canberra (ACT) and online.
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How sector‑level policy, reform, funding, technology and system change influence students’ trust, safety and capacity to participate meaningfully.
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How institutions build environments that support psychological safety, belonging and meaningful student voice.
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How trust and participation are experienced differently across diverse student cohorts, and how voice can be enabled equitably.
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How individual students experience safety, confidence and agency in sharing their voice and participating in change.
Event Information
Read below for key information to help you prepare for the event.
Registration will open in May.
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> 20 April- Presenter Applications Open (open for 10 weeks)
> May- Registration Opens
> 1 July- Presenter Applications Close
> End of July- Presenter Application Outcomes Sent
> End of August- Program published
> 23-24 October- Event Dates
(dates subject to change slightly, check this page for the latest information) -
DAY 1 STUDENT SUMMIT:
This day is dedicated to students- by student, for students. Students who play a crucial role in shaping learning experiences and the overall student experience on behalf of themselves or a cohort they represent. Student leaders, representatives and executives in student-led organisations who advocate for student needs at class, faculty, institutional and national levels.
DAY 2: SYMPOSIUM Let’s come together!
Practitioners - Educators, student support staff, and other professionals within the tertiary education sector, including VET, who implement student partnership initiatives, programs, and practices.Students - Student leaders, representatives and executives in student-led organisations who advocate for student needs at class, faculty, institutional and national levels.
Academics and Researchers - Academics and researchers who contribute valuable knowledge and expertise to discussions about student partnership, influencing the design of inclusive teaching methods and research on effective student engagement strategies.
Leaders - Tertiary and vocational leadership, administrators, and policymakers who hold the authority to make significant decisions that impact the student experience.
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Canberra is a highly accessible destination for delegates from all Australian states and territories.
Canberra Airport (CBR) provides daily direct flights from major hubs including Sydney (1 hour), Melbourne (1 hour 10 minutes), and Brisbane (1 hour 45 minutes).
For delegates travelling from NSW, Canberra is also an easy ground-trip option. Frequent coach services run between Sydney and Canberra each day, with convenient pick-up and drop-off points in central locations, making it a practical, low-cost choice for students and interstate attendees who prefer not to fly.
The University of Canberra (UC) Campus is located in north Canberra, in the suburb of Bruce, situated between the Belconnen town centre and Canberra’s central business district (Civic).
The event location is in the Ann Harding Conference Centre precinct, which includes Buildings 22 and 24, as the primary site for the Symposium.
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Delegates have access to three distinct accommodation tiers within a 15-minute radius:
• Belconnen – A major commercial hub featuring a variety of hotel, serviced apartment, and vacation rentals (i.e. Airbnbs) options 5-15 minutes walking distance from the campus.
• Canberra City (Civic) – The central city is also a hotel district, offering a diverse range of accommodation from hostels to hotels and direct transport links to the Bruce precinct, 10 to 15 minutes away by car and bus.
Suggested accommodation providers will be added shortly.
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The Student Voice Awards will be announced at the close of the Student Voice Symposium.
Nominations are open until 1 July.
Presenters and Program
Applications to present are now open, read below for key information
on presentation types.
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Both the Student Summit and Student Voice Symposium will feature a range of presentation formats over the two days, including:
1) INSIGHT SESSIONS
(20 minute presentation + 10-minute Q&A)
Research & Reflection – sharing evidence-based insights2) LIGHTNING TALKS
(10 minute presentation + 5 minutes for discussion, conversational format)
Quick way to share real world experiences3) VISUAL POSTER PRESENTATION
(45mins displayed during networking time)
Visual and Conversational Showcase of Ideas and Innovations4) SOLUTIONS LAB
(60 minutes, highly interactive)
Hands-On Co-Design for Real-World Challenges -
Applications are now open to present to either the Student Summit OR Student Voice Symposium.
Applications close 1 July, 2026.
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INSIGHT SESSIONS:
Abstract Formatting Guidelines:
Abstracts must be entered directly into the text box on the online submission form
Maximum of 250 words (excluding the reference list)
Use sentence case (e.g. This is an example title, not THIS IS AN EXAMPLE TITLE)
Do not include tables or images in your abstract
References must follow APA 7th edition style and be typed directly into the text box
The reference list is not included in the word count
LIGHTNING TALKS:
Abstract Formatting Guidelines:
Abstracts must be entered directly into the text box on the online submission form
Maximum of 150 words
Use sentence case (e.g. This is an example title, not THIS IS AN EXAMPLE TITLE)
Do not include tables or images in your abstract
References not expected for this presentation type
POSTER PRESENTATIONS:
Abstract Formatting Guidelines:
Abstracts must be entered directly into the text box on the online submission form
Maximum of 250 words
Use sentence case (e.g. This is an example title, not THIS IS AN EXAMPLE TITLE)
Do not include tables or images in your abstract
References not expected for this presentation type
SOLUTIONS LAB:
Abstract Formatting Guidelines:
Abstracts must be entered directly into the text box on the online submission form
Maximum of 250 words
Use sentence case (e.g. This is an example title, not THIS IS AN EXAMPLE TITLE)
Do not include tables or images in your abstract
References are not essential for this presentation type
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All abstracts will be reviewed based on the following:
Relevance to one or more of the symposium’s sub-themes
Clarity of description of the initiative, research, or practice
Overall significance and impact
Quality of writing
Adherence to the formatting guidelines
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Featuring thought‑provoking keynotes, workshops, case studies, panels and networking opportunities, the event connects practitioners and students from across Australasia.
The full program will be published in August.
Organising Committee
Driven by the leadership of the UC Student Representative Council, and supported by the University of Canberra, this host partnership combines authentic student-led representation with a university renowned for its commitment to equity and strategic proximity to national decision‑makers.
Proudly Supported By
We thank our sponsors for their support and shared belief in the power of student voice.
2026 PLATINUM SPONSORS: EXPLORANCE