The Student Experience Survey (SES) is a comprehensive study of current higher education students in Australia. It is administered by the Social Research Centre on behalf of the Australian Government Department of Education.
The SES gathers information on five facets of your learning experience: Skills Development, Learner Engagement, Teaching Quality, Student Support and Learning Resources.
Participation in the SES is voluntary. It takes approximately 10–15 minutes to complete and all responses are confidential.
Your feedback makes a difference, and we are committed to improving the student experience.
The SES for 2026 is available to all undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students.
The SES will open on 8 September and close on 11 October.
If you're eligible, you will receive an invitation to participate in your student email address from ses@srcentre.com.au. Some students may also receive an invitation via SMS or telephone call.
You can also visit student surveys to complete the SES.
By completing the survey, you will automatically be entered into two prize draws and have a chance to win:
The SES is your opportunity to have your say about what it’s like being a University of Sydney student, and to actively contribute to shaping the future of higher education in Australia.
By sharing your feedback, you’ll help us improve our course offerings, student services and campus facilities, and assist the higher education sector and the government to monitor and improve teaching and learning in Australia.
Your feedback and insights are important to us. We use them to help inform our ongoing work to improve the educational experience of all students.
Here are some examples of how we’ve listened to and acted upon students' past feedback.
"I want to increase my employability and develop my professional skills."
You'd like to see more employability-focused workshops and industry-focused careers events. This year, we've increased the number of employability skills development workshops by 34.6 percent, compared to 2024.
The Careers Centre are also helping more students hone their professional skills and reach their career aspirations at their new location in Carslaw West. This year, the Careers Centre have seen:
"I want to access what I need for my studies in one easy-to-find place."
You don't want to navigate multiple applications to get what you need to succeed. This year, we've continued to evolve the Student Portal, ensuring that critical study and support information, resources, and services are readily available in one place.
We've also partnered with students throughout the year to ensure the Student Portal is intuitive, efficient, and genuinely supportive, taking on board your feedback to continuously improve your experience of the application.
"It's hard to concentrate in class or study on an empty stomach."
You're searching for cheaper food and beverage options on campus. This year, we've made refuelling on campus easier and more affordable.
From new micromarkets where you can grab a drink, snack or low-cost meal to kitchenettes where you can prepare hot drinks and heat up food from home, there's plenty of ways to stay full and save money on campus.
We're also piloting a number of cheap eats initiatives across Camperdown/Darlington campus from Semester 2, 2025, including $5 hot lunches at Laneway.
"I learn best in spaces that are comfortable, well-equipped, and help me stay focused."
This year, we doubled our investment in campus maintenance to make the University a better place to study.
From upgrading over 300 teaching and learning spaces, including replacing critical lab equipment and installing air conditioning, to expanding outdoor spaces to study and socialise, we're continuing to roll out a suite of improvements to make your campus experience great.
"I want more opportunities to practise my English communication skills."
You're searching for more opportunities to connect with your peers and practise your English skills. This year, we expanded our Speak and Connect program to offer double the number of workshops to give more international students the opportunity to join.
If you have any questions about your participation in the survey or would like to make time for an interviewer to call you, call the Social Research Centre at 1800 055 818.
