The objectives were to determine risky sexual behavioural trends and health promotion needs among students, to develop an online HIV/STI prevention programme utilising the NMMU intranet portal. Descriptive data regarding demographics, sexual behaviour, internet usage and the relevance of various health promotion messages were included in an online questionnaire. Participants' attitude towards risk behaviour was also assessed using ten outcome questions rated on a five-point Likert scale. Of the 428 students participating in the survey during November 2011, 83 per cent reported to being sexually active, 50 per cent reported using a condom during the last time of sexual intercourse, while 43 per cent reported more than two sexual partners during the past 12 months, reflecting high risk behaviour. The topic 'How to convince your partner to use a condom' was rated 'very important' by 72 per cent of the sample. Study outcomes are being incorporated into an online HIV/STI prevention programme developed in collaboration with NMMU students.