Universities Australia has appointed independent research firm Roy Morgan to deliver the next iteration of the National Student Safety Survey.
The survey is expected to be conducted in the first half of 2026, with results likely to be released later in the year.
Further information regarding the survey is available below.
Questions and answers
What is the purpose of the National Student Safety Survey?
The National Student Safety Survey (NSSS) aims to collect robust, representative data on student experiences of sexual violence and harm within university contexts. The findings help shape university policies, services and national responses to improve student safety.
Will the survey be keeping the same name, or is it likely to change?
The name may change, but the focus on student experience won’t. We will be guided by the advice of the experts we are working with.
Who has been selected to deliver the next survey?
Universities Australia has appointed independent research firm Roy Morgan to deliver the next iteration of the NSSS, following a competitive procurement process.
Why was Roy Morgan selected?
Roy Morgan brings significant experience in conducting large-scale, sensitive national research. Their methodological expertise, independence and strong reputation were key to their selection.
Roy Morgan has no technical expertise in sexual violence and harm. Why did you select them as the provider?
Roy Morgan was chosen because they are one of Australia’s most experienced social research firms, with a proven track record running large, sensitive national surveys. The technical expertise on sexual violence sits with our advisory groups – survivor advocates, students and leading academic experts – who are co-designing the survey with us. That way, we get the best of both worlds – a credible, independent survey partner with the skills to deliver robust data and deep subject-matter expertise guiding the content.
What criteria did you use to select a provider? Were survivors, students or advocates involved in the selection process?
Roy Morgan was selected through a competitive procurement process based on their proven experience in delivering large-scale, sensitive national research. The process was guided by a governance framework that includes a technical working group and stakeholder forum, which bring in both subject-matter expertise and lived experience, including from student representatives and services that work directly with survivors. Their perspectives will continue to shape every stage of the survey’s design and delivery.
How will this survey differ from the 2021 NSSS?
The 2026 survey will build on lessons from 2021, with strengthened governance, expert input, and improvements to methodology and communication. The aim is to deliver a survey that produces meaningful, actionable insights for both universities and students.
How is this survey being coordinated with the National Code and the Student Ombudsman?
The National Student Ombudsman is a member of the Stakeholder Forum, so she is actively involved in the development and shaping of the next iteration of the survey.
The timing has been aligned so that the NSSS can reflect the new policy and accountability environment being introduced through the Code and Ombudsman framework. The survey will help build a national evidence base that informs future reviews, supports the work of the Ombudsman, and ensures that university policies are grounded in current student experiences.
When will the survey be conducted?
The NSSS is expected to be deployed in the first half of 2026.
Why isn’t the survey happening earlier?
Stakeholder feedback made it clear that while this work takes time, getting it right is essential. By aligning the timing with the finalisation of the new Gender-Based Violence Code and the introduction of the National Student Ombudsman, we can ensure the survey reflects the current policy environment and supports real change. The timing also avoids overlap with the Australian Human Rights Commission’s national survey on racism in education, helping to prevent survey fatigue and ensure data quality.
When will survey results be available?
The survey is expected to be conducted in the first half of 2026, with results likely to be released in late 2026. This timeline allows for robust data analysis, validation, and the development of public reporting that is transparent, respectful, and useful to students, universities and policymakers. We are committed to releasing the findings publicly and using them to drive ongoing improvements across the sector.
Will students be involved in the design of the survey?
Yes. Students are involved through the Stakeholder Forum and consultation processes to ensure the survey reflects the diversity of student experiences and is delivered in a safe and respectful way.
How is the survey being governed?
Universities Australia established a three-tiered governance structure to support the survey’s development and delivery:
- Steering Committee – made up of six Vice Chancellors and the UA CEO, serving as the decision-making body.
- Technical Working Group – made up of multi-disciplinary subject matter experts.
- Stakeholder Forum – made up of diverse student cohorts and external specialists.
Who is advising on the survey design?
Dr Kate Fitz-Gibbon, an international expert on gender-based violence prevention and victim-survivor research, is advising the project team to ensure the survey is trauma-informed, culturally responsive and inclusive. She is supported by two advisory bodies established by Universities Australia:
- Technical Working Group, which includes researchers and experts in sexual violence, survey design, student safety, cultural competency and trauma-informed practice.
- Stakeholder Forum, which brings together diverse student representatives and specialist support services to ensure the survey reflects lived experience and a wide range of perspectives.
Who ultimately signs off on the survey questions – Roy Morgan, Universities Australia or the government?
Survey design is led by Roy Morgan, in close consultation with the Technical Working Group and Stakeholder Forum. Universities Australia is paying for the survey and has final oversight, but every element – including the survey questions and survey-related FAQs – will be reviewed with input from independent experts, students, frontline services and academic researchers. This collaborative approach ensures methodological rigour, cultural safety and public trust.
These groups will continue to provide critical guidance throughout the development and delivery of the survey.
How independent is the process from universities themselves, given that the survey reflects directly on their handling of sexual violence and harm?
Universities Australia is coordinating the project, but the development of the survey is informed by independent experts, students, service providers and researchers through our governance structure. Roy Morgan is an external, independent research firm with no affiliation to individual universities. Their findings will be publicly released, and our commitment is to transparency, accountability and systemic improvement.
How can you guarantee that Roy Morgan has the sensitivity and cultural competency needed to conduct a trauma-informed survey on sexual violence?
Trauma-informed and culturally responsive practice are core expectations for this project. Roy Morgan will be working closely with Dr Kate Fitz-Gibbon – an international expert on gender-based violence prevention and victim-survivor research – to ensure the survey reflects best practice in both design and delivery. This includes consultation with diverse student groups, rigorous testing and strong support for participants before, during and after the survey.
What will success look like for this survey – and how will you ensure it leads to change rather than just another data point?
Success means producing high-quality data that is trusted by students, useful to universities and compelling to policymakers. It also means giving students a safe and respectful space to share their experiences, knowing it will inform action. We are committed to transparency, accountability and continuous improvement – and will report publicly on outcomes, including how the sector responds to the findings.
How will you raise awareness among students and encourage them to participate?
We’ll be working closely with the Stakeholder Forum and Technical Working Group to make sure awareness is driven by students, survivors and experts themselves. That means partnering with student unions, using digital and social media and drawing on universities’ own communication channels. The message is clear – your voice matters and by taking part you can help make campuses safer and more inclusive.
Will you factor in accessibility requirements for the survey?
Absolutely. Accessibility is built into the survey from the start. We’re working with the Technical Working Group and the Stakeholder Forum to make sure the survey can be completed by all students, including those with disability, students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and others who may face barriers. This is about ensuring every student has the opportunity to have their voice heard.
