National Student Safety Survey 2026
Universities are asking us about safety.
Let’s tell them.
Some topics covered in the survey may be sensitive or distressing. Students are encouraged to prioritise their wellbeing and access support if they need it.
What is the National Student Safety Survey (NSSS)?
The National Student Safety Survey involves all Australian universities and gives students the chance to share their experiences on sexual harassment, assault, partner, and family violence. The survey is eligible for all students. You do not need to have experienced harm to participate.
Participation is voluntary and confidential.
How do I complete the NSSS?
The NSSS 2026 will be released to students at the University of Melbourne on the 8th of September 2026. The survey will close on the 6th of October.
Students will receive an invitation (via email) to participate directly from independent research organisation Roy Morgan, who are conducting the survey on behalf of Universities Australia, with advice from gender-based violence expert Dr Kate Fittz-Gibbon.
Why is the survey important?
The findings from this survey will help inform primary prevention and strengthen support and reporting services at universities. The most recent survey was conducted in 2021, and revealed the University of Melbourne reported the highest rates of sexual assault and harassment across the state of Victoria. 60% of students at the University of Melbourne reported that they did not know how or where to seek help at the university if they had experienced sexual assault or harassment.
These findings resulted in the University of Melbourne improving their primary prevention efforts and access to support services.
Students are now guaranteed the right to access free, confidential counselling through Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS), and the Safer Community Program allows students to seek support without having to make a formal complaint.
The Australian government has now also placed greater requirements on universities when responding to sexual harm through the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence.
Participating in the 2026 survey is a critical step in creating real, tangible change at the university.
Your voice matters.
Support Services:
For support at the University of Melbourne,
Contact the Safer Community Program
(03) 9035 8675
Safer-community@unimelb.edu.au
Contact the UMSU Sexual Harm Response Coordinators
Umsu-shrc@union.unimelb.edu.au
Umsu.unimelb.edu.au/contact-shrc
Contact Counselling and Psychological Services
(03) 8344 6927
For mental health support and advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, contact the University Mental Health Crisis Support Service:
Phone: 1300 219 459
Text: 0480 079 188