International postgraduates boost UK University satisfaction ratings

Record high satisfaction levels

According to the annual Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey conducted by Advance HE, International postgraduates in the United Kingdom have reported record-high satisfaction levels with their courses. The survey, encompassing responses from nearly 84,000 students across 101 institutions, revealed an overall satisfaction rate of 83%, marking the highest level recorded since 2016.

Global perspectives drive positivity

A significant contributing factor to this surge in satisfaction is the increasing number of postgraduate students from India, Pakistan, and Nigeria. Notably, 88% of African postgraduates and 87% of Asian postgraduates expressed satisfaction with their courses, outpacing the 79% satisfaction rate among UK students—equivalent to that of European Union students. The feedback from international students highlighted exceptional teaching quality, challenging assessments, and rich interactions with both peers and lecturers.

Challenges amid success

Despite the success in attracting international students, the report points to upcoming challenges. A recent development involves a visa clampdown on taught postgraduate students. Starting in January, these students will no longer be allowed to bring dependent family members with them while studying. This regulatory change poses potential hurdles to the seamless experience of international postgraduates in the UK.

Disparities and considerations for the future

The survey’s most notable finding is the significant disparity in satisfaction levels, with international postgraduates expressing higher contentment across various aspects of their academic experience. This underscores the successful expansion of taught postgraduate study for international students, particularly in business and management. As UK universities continue to attract a diverse student population, the findings call for ongoing efforts to provide a supportive and enriching environment for both domestic and international postgraduate students. The insights gained from the survey could inform future initiatives aimed at further enhancing the overall academic experience in the UK.

WRITTEN BY

Aastha

Study Abroad Expert

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