UNSW systems now recognise gender diversity

UNSW systems will now record student and staff gender information in line with ABS standards.

Published on the 26 February 2026

We have upgraded our systems to improve how we capture and report student and staff gender information. Gender will now be recorded in line with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) standards.

Previously, UNSW systems could only record gender in three ways: female, male or unspecified. We know that ‘unspecified’ didn’t accurately reflect many students’ identities or lived experiences, and for too long our systems have limited how you could be recognised.

Now, gender can be recorded using one of five categories:

Female/Woman
Male/Man
Non‑binary
Different term
Prefer not to answer

This is an exciting change. For the first time, we will be able to develop a more accurate and nuanced understanding of our non‑binary and gender‑diverse community, and ensure our data better reflects the reality of who makes up UNSW.

This has been a significant piece of work, and we want to acknowledge and thank the many members of our community who have advocated for this change over recent years. We are proud to be making it. To our non‑binary and gender‑diverse students in particular: we see you, and this change is long overdue.

Students whose data is directly impacted by the changes will receive an email with more information to your UNSW address .

Providing gender information remains voluntary, and the option ‘prefer not to answer’ is available. You should only share what you’re comfortable sharing.

Update your gender information

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

The Department of Education is aligning its reporting requirements with Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) standards, which reflect contemporary understandings of gender. Some of UNSW’s researchers have contributed to the development of the ABS standard.
Gender data allows UNSW to better understand the diversity and experiences of students and staff, and therefore be able to provide and update policies, guidelines and initiatives that best reflect and support our community at UNSW.

UNSW is also required to report certain information about our students to the Australian Government. We do this under the Tertiary Collection of Student Information (TCSI) framework for the collection of data from higher education and VET Student Loan providers. Gender is one piece of data UNSW is required to report.
Student gender information is displayed in:

Apply Online
Electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF) - in Accept Online and myUNSW
The Change of Personal Details webform.
UNSW has strong privacy and data protection obligations. Gender information is collected only where required and handled in line with our Privacy Management Plan and legislative responsibilities.
If your name is different from the name listed in your official documents, you can register this on myUNSW. We acknowledge that the term “Preferred name” is not always appropriate, however, “Preferred” is the language currently used in UNSW systems. In the system, a “Preferred name” may be a nickname, an abbreviated form of your name, or another name you are known by to family and friends. Registering a “Preferred name” will reflect on class lists and online UNSW systems like myUNSW and Moodle.
As student cards are a form of legal ID, if you wish to update your name on your card, you will need to have it legally updated first. You can find the process for legally updating your name on TransHub.

Once your name has been updated legally, you can fill out a 'Change of personal details' request form to update your Student ID card.

Change of personal details request form
Students affirming their gender may apply to push back their initial enrolment or apply for program leave if required.
You can also access the Equitable Learning Service (ELS) for any educational adjustments if you need the support.
You can learn more about the Student Gender Affirmation Guidelines and other support in our community on the UNSW LGBTQIA+ Resource Hub.