National Student Leadership Summit

Brave Conversations Student Leadership Summit

A 5-day residential retreat for undergraduate students (aged 18–25) from across Australia. Learn the micro-skills of constructive dialogue, practise facilitated conversations across difference, and return to campus with the tools to create psychologically safe spaces for genuine debate.

  • Fully funded

    Scholarship covers accommodation, catering, program, and local transport. Interstate travel support available for national cohort.

  • Hands-on learning

    Daily practice labs, feedback, and guided 1:1 conversations to build confidence and real-world skills.

  • Beyond the retreat

    March–November 2026 mentoring to help you lead dialogue-based projects back on campus.

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN Official applications close November 30 Apply.
Questions? Get in touch with the Brave Conversations team. Email.

What is the Summit?

Brave Conversations is a student leadership program that brings together 30 emerging leaders for an immersive 5-day retreat in regional Victoria. Co-designed with students, the Summit equips you to foster dialogue across divides and facilitate difficult conversations with care and clarity.

You’ll join a cohort from multiple universities, learn from expert facilitators, and build a national network committed to turning down the heat on campus and beyond.

At a glance

  • Dates: 9–13 February 2026
  • Location: Yarra Valley, Victoria (residential retreat)
  • Cohort: 30 undergraduates (18–25), all disciplines
  • Cost: $0 — fully funded scholarship (incl. meals & accommodation)
  • Travel: Local transfers included; interstate flights covered

How it works

What you’ll learn

  • Psychological safety

    Create spaces where people feel safe to speak, listen, and disagree productively.

  • Listening & paraphrasing

    Practise fair summaries, steel-manning, and reflective questioning.

  • Intellectual humility

    Hold strong views while staying open to revision and evidence.

  • Reasoning skills

    Spot common cognitive biases and weigh claims with care.

  • De-escalation micro-skills

    Use language and body cues that lower the temperature rather than raise it.

  • Facilitation basics

    Structure conversations, set norms, and navigate moral disagreements.

Frequently asked questions