Wave 3 for the GENERATION Survey ‘Young People’ has been released!
See information about the the survey’s data and documentation here.
1. Viewing our Documentation
1.1. Data User Guide
The ‘data user guide’ is a reference tool for data users, providing information on how to use GENERATION data, survey methodology, file structure and variable naming conventions. Here, we also highlight crucial points about data management, access and analysis, such as survey weights, to help data analysts use the GENERATION data appropriately in their research.
1.2. Downloading Survey Data
View the GENERATION Survey dataset collection here where each survey is separated into a different dataset available for request.
If you’re looking to be granted access to the GENERATION survey data, you’ll need to request your desired releases through the Australian Data Archive’s (ADA) Dataverse using the links below:
Ensure that you have signed-up and logged into ADA Dataverse before accessing any files (including documentation).
The user guide, data dictionary, and questionaire are all open for access but accessing other files will require you select your desired files and fill out a request form to then be approved for access.
If you need more help, view the step-by-step guide for submitting a request.
2. Workshops & Seminar Recordings
2.1. Wave 1 – Background to GENERATION (November 2023)
In November 2023, the GENERATION team held a data user training and information session online. This session was recorded and can be viewed here.
2.2. Wave 2 – Updates to GENERATION (September 2024)
In September 2024, the GENERATION team held a second data user training and information session online. This session provided insights into the study and highlighted some key findings from Wave 1 and Wave 2 and the new linked data. We will also provide an overview of the user guide, and highlight any key updates from Wave 1. This session was recorded and can be viewed here.
2.3. Wave 3 – Updates to GENERATION (November 2025)
Following the success of previous data user workshops, the GENERATION research team conducted a third data user workshop to coincide with the release of Wave 3 data. This session is ideal for current and prospective GENERATION data users and will cover:
- Access and use of the data
- New survey items and updates to the User Guide
- Linked data and key technical information
- Study overview and recent findings
2.4. POLIS Seminar – Shaping Educational Equity: Insights from the GENERATION Survey on Young People’s Experiences and Aspirations (September 2024)
In September 2024, the GENERATION team presented at the POLIS@ANU: The Centre for Social Policy Research Seminar Series. In this seminar, we present the latest findings using Wave 1 of the GENERATION data set, including:
- A national picture of the equity initiatives in Australian secondary schools funded under the Higher Education Participation and Partnerships program and how well university-delivered initiatives target schools with equity students.
- Whether these equity initiatives shape the feelings of belonging, student identity and aspirations of students with disability in Year 10.
- The degree of intersectionality of the four key equity groups: Indigenous students, those living in regional areas, students with a disability and students who do not have a parent with a university education.
- The key educational issues that need to be considered as this cohort of young people transition from school into work and post-school education.
2.5. POLIS Seminar – Insights from Wave 3 of the GENERATION Survey: Young People’s Experiences and Aspirations (November 2025)
In November 2025, the GENERATION team presented at the POLIS@ANU: The Centre for Social Policy Research Seminar Series. In this seminar, we present the latest findings using Wave 3 of the GENERATION data set.
Wave 3 was conducted in 2024, with almost 4,000 young people, most of whom were completing their final year of schooling. Young people around Australia were asked about their educational experiences and expectations, including the use of AI and mobile phone policies in schools, career advice and mentoring, career and educational aspirations, engagement with extracurricular activities, caring responsibilities, mental health, and disability. In this seminar we present research snapshots focusing on the following areas:
- Changing university aspirations over time
- Applying to Early Offer University Entry Scheme
- Impact of cost of future study
- Mental health and neurodiversity
- Artificial intelligence in schools
- Mobile phone policies in schools
3. Steps to Request GENERATION Data
Navigate to the GENERATION Dataverse
Navigate to the GENERATION Dataverse using the links below, choosing the release which you wish to make a request for.
Login
The ADA Dataverse requires an account for data requests. If you do not have an account, you must sign up.
You can either sign up by creating a dataverse account or by signing in with your insitution.
Initiate the Dataset Request
Select the data files which you would like to request, noting that the GENERATION dataset contains both general and restricted release datasets. Restricted release datasets contain more detailed information than the general release but have stricted access requirements. If you are looking to request the restricted release, you will need to demonstrate a specific need for the additional detail and may need to provide additional justification for accessing these datasets.
After selecting your desired files, the “Request Access” button will be enabled and clicking the button will prompt you to fill out a request form which you will then need to submit.
Please do not make seperate requests for each file.
The Australian Data Archive will provide you access to all files associated with your requested release ‘General’ or ‘Restricted.
Await for a Response
You will receive an email confirming your request submission. After submission the ADA staff will review your request but this process takes time, depending on the volume of requests and the complexity of the review.
ADA staff may contact you for clarification or additional information.
After the a decision has been made, you will receive a notification regarding the outcome of your request. If approved, you will receive instructions on how to access and download the data. If denied, the ADA will provide reasons for the refusal.