HomeNewsNational Student Survey: UT gets top marks for atmosphere

National Student Survey: UT gets top marks for atmosphere

Students at the University of Twente rate the general atmosphere of their educational programme as excellent.

This is the most striking conclusion from the latest National Student Survey, an annual questionnaire which asks students to rate how they experience their studies. The score of 4.31 (on a scale of 1 to 5) puts the University of Twente in second place out of all thirteen universities in the Netherlands when it comes to atmosphere, an important factor for prospective students in choosing a university.

Upward trend

For the fourth consecutive year, the University of Twente has seen a rise in its score on the National Student Survey. In all three rating categories – general, atmosphere, recommendation – the scores have gone up for the past four years. In 2014, the University of Twente scored 3.89 in the category ‘Your studies in general’, a score that has risen to 4.08 in 2017. It puts Twente in seventh place on the list of thirteen Dutch universities, though it is worth noting that the scores in this category are very close together.

When asked whether they would recommend their programme to friends, family or colleagues, University of Twente students have also responded more positively each year: from 4.05 in 2014 to 4.20 in 2017.

Improvement across the board

In almost all 18 categories, the University of Twente’s score is better this year than it was last year. Study facilities (0.32 points above the national average) and preparation for a career (up 0.25) show a particularly strong improvement among the students’ assessment of the various facets of their studies. The perceived study workload remains a matter for special attention. It is the only topic on which the University of Twente scores below the national average, by a margin of 0.04.

“The upward trend overall is a resounding acknowledgement of all the time and energy invested in improving our standard of education,” said Thom Palstra, University of Twente’s Rector Magnificus. “Our staff are passionate about their fields and that shows in the level of student appreciation. This positive development also shows that we are listening to our students. Even on topics such as study workload, we have made considerable strides in recent years.”

Ambitious and dedicated

“With this upward trend, the University’s organization shows that it is not only ambitious but determined to push the envelope year after year,” says Harm Dijkstra, member of the University Council on behalf of DAS Party, in response to the Survey results. “As students, this is something we are proud to be part of!” Ivan Remijn, a member of the University Council on behalf of Ureka, adds “It was only when I joined the University Council that I fully appreciated the Survey’s importance in terms of reflecting on our education. It confirms my view of the Survey as the best way to express what I think about my programme. The teachers around me are highly dedicated to their students and it’s great to see that reflected in the scores again this year.”

About the Survey

The National Student Survey is an important source of information for prospective students. The results are published in independent guides such as the Studiekeuze123 Keuzegids and Elsevier’s assessment of the best study programmes. It also helps universities improve the standard of education they offer and forms an important component of the dialogue between students and the university about the quality of education. This year the theme of internationalization has been incorporated for the first time. The National Student Survey invites responses from 260,000 students from the 13 universities across the Netherlands.

drs. B.G. Lankhaar (Bertyl)
Spokesperson EB (Currently acting director Kennispark Twente)