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)

9:00am - 4:00pm

Day 2: Thursday 8 October
(Student Voice Symposium)

8:30am - 5:00pm

Registration Now Open
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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.

  • How sector‑level policy, reform, funding, technology and system change influence students’ trust, safety and capacity to participate meaningfully.

  • How institutions build environments that support psychological safety, belonging and meaningful student voice.

  • How trust and participation are experienced differently across diverse student cohorts, and how voice can be enabled equitably.

  • How individual students experience safety, confidence and agency in sharing their voice and participating in change. 

Drone image of the University of Canberra campus

Event Information

Read below for key information to help you prepare for the event.
Registration is now open.

  • > 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

    > 7-8 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. 

  • 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.

  • There is no on-campus accommodation at the University of Canberra. The closest options are located in Belconnen (10–20 min walk) and Canberra City (10–15 min drive/public transport).

    Recommended (walking distance)

    • Abode Belconnen / Abode Gungahlin
      https://abodehotels.com.au
      Studio       and one-bedroom apartment-style rooms with kitchenettes, ideal for short or extended stays

    • Mercure Canberra Belconnen
      https://all.accor.com
      Standard       hotel rooms and suites with modern amenities, suitable for business and short stays

    • CityStyle Executive Apartments Belconnen
      https://citystyle.net.au
      One      , two, and three-bedroom serviced apartments with full kitchens, suitable for longer stays or shared bookings

    Delegate Discounts

    • Abode Apartment Hotels (Belconnen & Gungahlin)
      12% off online rates – use promo code UCX26 when booking

    • Mercure Canberra Belconnen
      Up to 15% off – use Business Code SC750018616 and Access Code UN734AU314

    Additional accommodation is available throughout Belconnen and Canberra City, including hotels and short-term rentals.

    Delegates are responsible for arranging their own accommodation.

  • REGISTER HERE
    Tickets are listed in AUD $ and include GST.
    In Person Tickets include morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea.

    Day One: 2026 Student Voice Summit (Students Only) 
    Wednesday 7 October 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM AEST 

    In person (Canberra, ACT) 

    • Student (member) - In person $40 

    • Student (non-member) - In person $110 

    Online*

    • Student (member) – OnlineFREE 

    • Student (non-member) – Online $20 

    Day Two: 2026 Student Voice Symposium (Students and Staff) 
    Thursday 8 October 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM AEST 

    In person (Canberra, ACT) 

    • Staff (member) - In person $80 

    • Staff (non-member) - In person $220 

    • Student (member) - In person $40 

    • Student (non-member) - In person $110 

    Online*

    • Staff (member) – Online $20 

    • Staff (non-member) – Online $50 

    • Student (member) – Online FREE 

    • Student (non-member) – Online $20 

    *Online tickets will have access to limited sessions including keynote, panel/spotlight and insight presentations. Interactive roundtable, networking, posters and lightning talks are in person only.

  • Both staff and students are invited to a networking mixer event on Wednesday 7 October from 4pm - 6pm on UC Campus. Venue and location details TBC.

    This event is included in your registration.

  • Event registration includes:

    • Online tickets will have access to limited sessions including keynote, panel/spotlight and insight presentations. Delegates will gain access to the recordings for six weeks post event.

    • In-person tickets include access to all sessions and cover morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. Mixer event access on Wednesday 8 October. Delegates will gain access to all of the recordings for six weeks post event.

    Delegates are responsible for organising their own travel arrangements, including accommodation, flights, and transfers.

  • https://unisq.eventsair.com/2026-student-voice-symposium-and-student-summit/registration

Presenters and Program

Applications to present are now open, read below for key information
on presentation types.

  • 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) 
    In-Person or Online
    Research & Reflection – sharing evidence-based insights

    2) LIGHTNING TALKS
    (10 minute presentation + 5 minutes for discussion, conversational format) 
    In-Person or Online
    Quick way to share real world experiences

    3) VISUAL POSTER PRESENTATION
    (45mins displayed during networking time) 
    In-Person Only
    Visual and Conversational Showcase of Ideas and Innovations

    4) SOLUTIONS LAB
    (60 minutes, highly interactive) 
    In-Person Only
    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.

    (the shortlisting process has begun- late application are welcome via approval until Tuesday 7 July).

    APPLY HERE

  • INSIGHT SESSIONS:
    In-Person or Online

    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:
    In-Person or Online

    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:
    In-Person Only

    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:
    In-Person Only

    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    

  • 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 

  • Student Summit: 9am - 4pm
    Student Voice Mixer Event: 4-6pm (all welcome)
    Symposium: 8:30am - 5:00pm

    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.

  • Student Voice Australasia (SVA) is delighted to announce that Professor the Honourable Bill Shorten, Vice‑Chancellor and President of the University of Canberra (UC), will deliver the keynote address at the 2026 Student Voice Symposium.

    Professor Shorten is a nationally recognised leader whose career spans higher education, government, and social policy in Australia. As Vice‑Chancellor and President of UC, he is focused on strengthening student experience, equity, and institutional impact across a rapidly evolving sector.

    His keynote will engage directly with the 2026 Symposium theme, Trust, Safety and Participation in Times of Change. The address will explore how institutions can create the conditions for meaningful student voice - where students feel safe, trusted, and empowered to participate in shaping decisions that affect their education and student experience. It will also consider how systems, policies, and institutional cultures can better support authentic student voice at scale.

  • The Student Voice Awards will be announced at the close of the Student Voice Symposium.

    Nominations are open until 1 July.

    Learn more here

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

GOLD SPONSORS: PATHIFY

SILVER SPONSORS: TECHNOLOGY1

BRONZE SPONSORS: STUDYPLANNER