Universities Australia has appointed independent research firm Roy Morgan to deliver the next iteration of the National Student Safety Survey (NSSS).
The announcement comes as universities prepare for the implementation of major reforms, including the forthcoming National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence.
Universities Australia Chief Executive Luke Sheehy said aligning the timing of the NSSS with the finalisation of the Code and the introduction of the National Student Ombudsman would ensure the survey reflects the current policy and regulatory landscape.
"The next survey must be more than a snapshot. It's essential to gathering reliable data that will drive meaningful improvements and truly inform policies and actions to enhance student safety," Mr Sheehy said.
Roy Morgan was selected following a competitive tender process and brings significant expertise in conducting sensitive, large-scale national research.
Leading expert on gender-based violence prevention, Dr Kate Fitz-Gibbon, is advising the Roy Morgan team to help ensure the survey is trauma-informed, culturally responsive and reflects the diverse experiences of university students.
"We are confident Roy Morgan's independence and methodological rigour will help deliver a survey that students can trust – and that universities can act on," Mr Sheehy said.
Broad consultation with students, experts and stakeholders, led to the decision to avoid timing the survey alongside the Australian Human Rights Commission's national survey on racism in education, to avoid survey fatigue and protect data quality.
"Stakeholder feedback underscores the importance of taking the time needed to get this right," Mr Sheehy said.
"We'll work closely with Roy Morgan and students, experts and stakeholders to ensure the sampling, timing and scope reflect the complexity and diversity of student experiences across all university environments.
"Our aim is to deliver a survey that respects participants and provides actionable results. We expect the survey to deploy in semester one, 2026.
"We deeply appreciate the substantial breadth and depth of input from important stakeholders on this issue and look forward to their continued involvement as we progress the next survey.
"We are committed to continuous improvement and working with students to build a culture of respect, safety and transparency across every campus in Australia."
