Turnitin update 2026

What is happening?

Turnitin, UQ's widely used assessment tool for online assignment submission, marking and feedback, will receive a major vendor update in 2026. The update introduces several new features and workflow improvements designed to make assessment setup, marking, and feedback more efficient.

The new version includes an enhanced Similarity Report, mark range rubrics, decimal totals, individual student extensions, and improved overall workflows for managing submissions.

When is it happenning?

Opt-in from Summer Semester 2025

From 24 November 2025, course coordinators will be able to opt in to use the new version of Turnitin in their Summer Semester 2025 courses.

Staff who choose to participate in the early adopters program will receive dedicated one-on-one support and the opportunity to provide feedback to help shape the University-wide rollout. To nominate, please email elearningadvisers@uq.edu.au.

UQ-wide rollout in Semester 1 2026

The updated Turnitin tool will become the default version for all courses from 27 January 2026.

Assignments that were created using the previous version will remain accessible for submission and marking to ensure continuity during the transition.

What support is available?

Workshops

Workshops on the update version of Turnitin will be delivered (via Zoom) November 2025 - February 2026.

An update version of the Turnitin self-paced online workshop will be published April 2026.

Guides

Staff and student Turnitin guides will be update 27 January 2025 in preparation for Semester 1 2026.

FAQs

How is it different is the 'new' Similarity Report in Turnitin?

The New Similarity Report in Turnitin is more intuitive and better presented than the old report.  The main difference between the new and the 'old' is the use of match categories. These make it easier for marking staff to identify areas of investigation and discern the types of referencing errors that their students are making.  These can be used to provide meaningful feedback to students. See the Overview from Turnitin for further information.

The next main difference is the two tabs at the top, which allow users to switch conveniently between the match categories of similarity and the sources.

Other noticeable differences are:

• more information about each source
• simplified settings to exclude certain match types
• improved accessibility in the interface
• a toggle on/off to show overlapping sources.

View all FAQs 

Communications

10 November 2025: Integrity officers network biannual meeting, Turnitin demonstration and consultation on professional development for IO and Directors of Teaching and Learning.

10 November 2025: UQ Update, Turnitin update 2026 update announcement.

6 November 2025: Teaching and Learning week - Assessment workshop, Turnitin update 2026 announcement

30 October 2025: eLearning Update (professional staff), Turnitin update demonstration

27 October 2025: Teaching and eLearning newsletter, Turnitin 2026 update announcement. Request for nominations for the Summer Semester early adopters program.

27 October 2025: This project page was published.

Turnitin update project team