Newcastle University continues to climb when it comes to achieving international student satisfaction.

Latest results from the autumn 2013 International Student Barometer (ISB) survey reveal Newcastle’s overall satisfaction score is 92%, a 2% rise on the previous year.  Furthermore, 88% of students are so impressed with their time at the university they would recommend it to friends and family – a figure that is well ahead of the ISB average score of 82%.

The ISB is the biggest survey of its kind, covering 178 higher education institutions in 13 countries and the opinions of more than 140,000 students. The questionnaire, run by independent research company i-graduate, provides bench mark scores against groupings of other institutions on four main elements of the international student experience: arrival, learning, living and support.

Its latest results show an impressive performance from Newcastle in key areas and build on strong sets of results since the survey began in 2005. The University’s efforts to make international students’ arrival in the UK easy and their experience enjoyable have translated into the ISB results, with students indicating:

• 90% were satisfied with their overall learning experience
• 90.8% were satisfied with overall living experience
• 93.4% were satisfied with support services overall

Professor Suzanne Cholerton, Newcastle University’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Learning and Teaching, said: “We are incredibly proud to be home to a diverse and cosmopolitan community of 6,000 international students representing 110 nationalities.  This survey plays a crucial role in helping us track their opinions and respond to their experiences.

“This latest wave of results is a credit to our staff whose excellent academic and personal support ensures our international students get the most from their time living and studying here. It is testimony to the experience we offer that so many of our students would be prepared to recommend us to their friends and family.”

Newcastle University was ranked first out of 15 participating Russell Group universities across a number of areas including registration, living costs, financial support, work experience, careers service, personal tutors and IT support.

Ivan Lazarov (pictured above) is an MA Media and Public Relations student from Bulgaria. He said: “I had an offer from several universities in the UK. However, Newcastle immediately emerged as my top choice for the combination of academic excellence, attractive living costs and a vibrant student community. I am very pleased I decided to study here.

“My tutors are leaders in their areas and have equipped me to gain practical skills, knowledge and confidence. The Careers Service enabled me to get involved in a number of extracurricular projects and a work placement. I also started an internship in Newcastle University, which has helped me develop professionally and complements my academic training.”   

published on: 11 April 2014