The 2026 National Student Safety Survey is currently underway across Australia’s universities, giving more than 1.2 million students the opportunity to share their experiences and perspectives on sexual violence and related harms, and help shape safer campuses nationwide.
Every eligible student is encouraged to participate, whether or not they have experienced sexual violence, sexual harassment or other forms of harmful behaviour. Every student’s perspective contributes to understanding safety across Australian universities.
By sharing their experiences and views, students can contribute to positive change and safer campuses for current and future students.
Universities Australia Chief Executive Officer Luke Sheehy said the survey was about listening to students and using their experiences to drive change.
“Every student deserves to feel safe, respected and included at university, but we know that isn’t the experience of every student,” Mr Sheehy said.
“Our message to students is simple: your voice matters”.
The 2026 NSSS is the third national student safety survey of its kind, following previous surveys in 2016 and 2021. It is being conducted across all 38 Universities Australia member universities by independent research organisation Roy Morgan on behalf of Universities Australia, with advice from gender-based violence expert Professor Kate Fitz-Gibbon.
Professor Fitz-Gibbon said the survey had been designed to support safe, confidential and trauma-informed participation.
“Sexual violence and harm can have profound and lasting impacts. Students must be able to have their experiences heard in ways that are safe, confidential and respectful,” Professor Fitz-Gibbon said.
“The NSSS gives students an anonymous way to share their experiences and perspectives. What students share will help build the evidence needed to strengthen prevention, improve responses and ensure support systems better reflect the realities of students’ lives across Australian university communities.”
Support is available for students before, during and after participation. The National Student Safety Survey Counselling Line is available on 1800 572 224 and is an independent service provided by Full Stop Australia, one of the country’s leading sexual domestic and family violence response and recovery services. Further support information is available on the survey website.
To find out learn more about the survey, visit Universities Australia’s Frequently Asked Questions.