Celebrating excellence in student voice practice across Australasia
Student Voice Awards
The Student Voice Australasia Student Voice Awards recognise students, staff and institutions that are leading the way in embedding student voice, agency, and partnership into all levels of institutional decision making. Whether you're just starting out or have a mature model of student voice and engagement—your impact matters, and we want to celebrate it.
Award Categories
There are four award categories, designed to recognise students, staff, institutions and projects that are committed to enhancing student voice.
Read below the four categories, including eligibility.
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For students or student‑led teams creating meaningful change through student voice.
Recognises individual students or student teams who have demonstrated leadership by initiating, leading or shaping work that amplifies student voice and improves the student experience.
Eligibility
Currently enrolled tertiary or vocational students in Australasia
Individuals or student‑led teams
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For institutions or teams embedding student voice into systems, culture or governance.
Recognises organisations or teams who have moved beyond consultation to embed student voice as a core part of institutional decision‑making, culture or teaching practice.
Eligibility
Universities, TAFEs, VET providers, or student‑led organisations across Australasia
Nominations may be submitted by staff or students
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For educators or professional staff who champion, enable and elevate student voice.
Recognises educators or professional staff who consistently create opportunities for students to lead, partner and influence decisions, and who advocate for inclusive student voice practice.
Eligibility
Staff across educational contexts in Australasia
Must be nominated by at least one student
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For partnerships where students and staff or partners co‑led work with real‑world impact.
Recognises collaborative initiatives where students were genuine partners or co‑leaders, not just participants, and where outcomes created meaningful change.
Eligibility
Cross‑sector initiatives, networks or joint projects
Must demonstrate shared leadership with students
Nominations
Nominations are now open to students, staff, and institutions across Australasia.
NOMINATE HERE VIA THE ONLINE FORM
The process is designed to be simple and inclusive. No lengthy reports required—just a clear story of what was achieved and why it matters.
Eligibility
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Nominations are open to:
Students, staff, and education institutions across Australasia
Individuals, teams, partnerships, or organisations
Self‑nominations or nominations by others
Multiple nominations are welcome.
It is acceptable for the same individual, team, or institution to be nominated more than once, provided each nomination relates to a separate initiative or award category. -
Eligible activities must have occurred, been active, or demonstrated impact between:
1 July (previous year) and 1 July (current year)
This timeframe will remain consistent each year.
Ongoing or long‑term initiatives are eligible, provided the application clearly describes the impact or outcomes achieved within this period.
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To ensure fairness and avoid duplication:
The previous year’s award winners may not be nominated again for the same initiative, project, or body of work.
Previous nominees (including shortlisted or highly commended entries) are welcome to be nominated again for the same or updated work, provided it demonstrates impact within the eligible timeframe.
The previous year’s winners may be nominated again for:
a different initiative or project, or
a different award category, where the nomination reflects new or distinct work within the eligible timeframe.
Individuals, teams, or institutions may be nominated multiple times in the same year where nominations relate to separate initiatives or award categories.
Each nomination is assessed independently and on its own merit.
Key Dates 2026
Applications Open: 7 April
Applications Close: 20 July (extended date)
Winners Announced:
Thursday 8 October Student Voice Symposium, Canberra.
What the Awards are
Winners in each category will receive:
Announcement and presentation at the Student Voice Symposium
A digital and printed certificate of recognition
The opportunity to be featured in the Student Voice Australasia website and monthly newsletter
A media kit to help you celebrate and share your win
Highly commended entrants may also be recognised where appropriate.
How nominations are assessed
All nominations are assessed using three equally weighted criteria, regardless of award category.
Judges look for balance across impact, partnership and inclusive student voice practice, recognising that meaningful student voice work brings all three together.
Impact & Change
Student Leadership & Partnership
Inclusion & Student Voice Principles
Each application is assessed on its merit and context — you don’t need to be large or well‑resourced to win.
Judges look for authenticity, creativity, and meaningful change, based solely on the information provided in the nomination.
Nominations are reviewed by a panel of students and professional staff from Student Voice Australasia’s Operational Committee. Conflicts of interest are managed in line with SVA governance processes.
Nominees with the highest combined scores will be shortlisted as finalists, with the highest being awarded as winners at the Student Voice Symposium.
Supported By
We thank our sponsors for their support and shared belief in the power of student voice.
2026 PLATINUM SPONSORS: EXPLORANCE
Questions
If you have any questions or require support- we are here to help!
Please contact the SVA Coordinator via sva@unisq.edu.au