The Australian Human Rights Commission has urged university students and staff to complete a national survey on racism before it closes on 23 September 2025, after more than 60,000 people have already taken part, making it one of the largest studies of its kind in Australia.
The Racism@Uni survey explores the prevalence, nature and impact of racism across Australian universities and is intended to inform changes across the sector.
Race Discrimination Commissioner, Giridharan Sivaraman says: ‘This is a really unique and important opportunity for university students and staff to have their say and share their experiences of racism at university.’
‘As debates continue to intensify over race and equity in tertiary education, and more broadly in the community, it’s imperative people have their voices heard through studies like this.’
‘The more responses we get, the better we can understand racism at the tertiary level, and insights from students and staff can help affect real change to bring us one step closer to a future free of racism,’ said Commissioner Sivaraman.
Links to the survey have been emailed to all current students and staff aged 18 and over at participating Australian universities. The questionnaire invites respondents to share experiences and identify the religious, ethnic, cultural and national origin group or groups they belong to through open-ended questions. Participation is open to everyone, including those who have not experienced racism, and respondents can enter a draw to win one of 50 gift vouchers.
The study was commissioned by the Australian Government last year. Minister for Education Jason Clare said: ‘There is no place for antisemitism, Islamophobia or any type of racism in our universities, or anywhere else, and there is nothing more important than the safety of students and staff on campus.’
‘This study responds to a recommendation of the Universities Accord and will help to make our universities safer places for students and staff.’
The Commission has engaged The Centre for Social Policy Research (POLIS) at the Australian National University to run the survey. It says the design is intended to ensure data is collected and interpreted appropriately, with multiple ethics approvals in place to protect participant safety and wellbeing, and to preserve anonymity and confidentiality.
Findings and recommendations from the Racism@Uni study are expected to be delivered to the Government in December 2025.
More information: https://humanrights.gov.au/racismuni-survey
