The 2026 National Student Safety Survey has opened across Australia’s universities, giving more than 1.2 million eligible students a confidential opportunity to share their experiences and perspectives on sexual violence and harm and help shape safer campuses.
The NSSS is open from 31 August to 12 October 2026. The survey is for all eligible students, whether or not they have experienced sexual violence or harm.
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.
“Sexual violence and harm are confronting realities across our community, including in universities, and too often students choose not to report what has happened to them.
“The National Student Safety Survey is one way we can listen, learn and act. It gives students a chance to share their experiences and perspectives, and to help us better understand what needs to change.
“Our message to students is simple: your voice matters.
“You don’t need to have experienced sexual violence or harm to take part. This survey is for all eligible students, because every student’s perspective can help shape safer campuses for current and future students.”
The 2026 NSSS is the third national student safety survey, 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.
“Good policy and practice depend on good evidence. This survey will also help us understand students’ awareness of support and reporting pathways, and where there may areas for improvement.
“Importantly, this survey is for all eligible students, not only those who have experienced sexual violence or harm. Every student’s perspective can contribute to our understanding of safety across Australian universities.
“Students who receive an invitation are encouraged to consider participating, but participation is entirely their choice.”
Support is available for students before, during and after participation. The dedicated National Student Safety Survey Counselling Line is available on 1800 572 224 and is an independent service provided by Full Stop Australia.
Full Stop Australia is one of the country’s leading sexual, domestic and family violence response and recovery services. It provides free, 24/7, confidential, trauma specialist counselling to people of all genders who have been subjected to sexual, domestic and family violence, as well as their friends, colleagues and family members.
The findings of the NSSS are expected to be released in 2027 and will provide updated data to help inform prevention and response efforts, strengthen support services and support continued action across the sector.
