Saxion student satisfaction with study programmes continues to rise

General satisfaction indicator

This year, for the first time, the indicator General satisfaction* has been included. This indicator replaces the previous indicators Student satisfaction and Overall Verdict. The General satisfaction indicator score is based on the question: ‘How satisfied are you with your course programme in general?’ Students answer this question on a scale of 1 (very dissatisfied) to 5 (very satisfied).

Student satisfaction continues to rise

Just like last year, students are more positive about their study programme and Saxion as an educational institution. We also see slightly increased ratings in most other areas and questions compared to last year. There are no topic areas or questions with a lower score this year. Furthermore, the score of 3.8, meant that Saxion also achieved its set target for the new General Satisfaction indicator*.

Inge Grimm, President of the Executive Board, is pleased with the level of student satisfaction: "It is good to see that students are once again more satisfied with their study programme than last year. In particular the appreciation of guidance/counselling, engagement and the atmosphere at study programmes shows just how committed our colleagues are day in day out. At the same time, the results also give us important insights into where we can still improve, for example in the area of assessment. We take these signals seriously and use them to further improve education together with students and study programmes.”

Appreciation for study supervision, engagement and professional practice

We see slightly increased ratings in most areas and questions compared to last year. Students are particularly satisfied with guidance/counselling (7.9), engagement and contact (7.6) and the connection to professional practice and career (7.6). In addition, students are satisfied with the general skills they develop during their study programme (7.7). They also indicate that they feel safe being themselves at their study programme (8.4) and they give the atmosphere at their study programme a positive rating (8.3).

Strategic topics of sustainability, Living Technology and student bonding

Satisfaction scores were calculated once again this year for the strategic Saxion topics of sustainability evaluation, Living Technology and student bonding. The topic of sustainability evaluation is measured by the question whether students feel that at their study programme they learn how they can contribute in the professional field to a better world (sustainability), one in which people, environment and society are treated responsibly. 53% of students indicate that they agree or strongly agree with this. The satisfaction rating for Living Technology remains stable at 59% compared to last year. 74% of students also indicate that they feel bonded to their study programme: they mainly indicate that they feel safe being themselves at their study programme (86%), that they feel at home at their study programme (76%) and that they feel they belong (77%).

Points for improvement

While the NSE results are stable or slightly more positive across the board this year, there are also a few areas of concern. Students indicate that they sometimes experience high pressure to perform well in their studies (6.1). Students are also relatively less satisfied with the areas of examination and assessment (7.2). In addition, international students indicate that they are less satisfied with the support Saxion offers to help them integrate into Dutch culture (6.4). In the coming period, schools and study programmes will discuss the results of the National Student Survey with students and programme committees, so that targeted improvements can be made. 

What is the NSE? 

The Dutch National Student Survey (NSE) is a large national survey where students in higher education give their opinion on their study programme and educational institution. This year 39% of Saxion students took part in the survey. The National Centre for Study Choice (Landelijk Centrum Studiekeuze), an independent foundation funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OC&W) is responsible for the NSE. For more information (in Dutch) visit the Landelijk Centrum Studiekeuze website.