NSS success for Surrey as it ranks in the top 15 for student satisfaction

The University of Surrey has ranked 15th* out of 122 UK universities for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey (NSS) 2025. Students awarded the University an overall positivity score of 85.6%, up from 84.7% last year and above the sector average.

Other key highlights from the survey include:

89.8% of final year undergraduates believe that their course has developed the knowledge and skills that they need for their future – the 3rd highest score in the UK*, and reflecting Surrey's consistent strength in delivering graduate employability.

88.5% of students said that information about the University's mental wellbeing support services is well communicated – also the 3rd highest score in the UK*.

I am delighted that our student satisfaction score has improved in this year's NSS, reflecting the University's ongoing commitment to delivering an exceptional experience for our students. I am proud that, despite a challenging year for the higher education sector, our University continues to perform extremely well across the full range of NSS categories.

The ongoing work to develop and implement the objectives of the first chapter of our strategy, Vision 2041, means that we are in a very good position to build on our success under our new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Stephen Jarvis, when he joins us in the autumn. I would like to thank and congratulate all Surrey staff for their contribution to this fantastic outcome, helping to enhance our University's reputation. Professor Tim Dunne, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor

Our overall satisfaction score sees us ranked in the top 15 in the UK* for the fourth year in a row. The University also ranked in the top 10 in the UK* for:

How well does your course introduce subjects and skills in a way that builds on what you have already learned? - 5th

How good are the teaching staff at explaining things? - 9th

The overall scores for each survey theme of this year's NSS are as follows:

Teaching: a score of 88.7%

Learning Resources: a score of 90%

Learning Opportunities: a score of 87.2%

Academic support: a score of 91%

Assessment and feedback: a score of 81.2%

Student Voice: a score of 80%

Organisation and management: 82.8%

Surrey Students' Union achieved an overall positivity score of 79.6%, ranking it 19th in the UK out of 122 students' unions.

The NSS results build on a successful academic year for Surrey, which saw the University shortlisted for University of the Year at the Times Higher Education Awards 2025; secure a welcome improvement in our QS World Ranking position, where we climbed 23 places – making us one of the fastest rising UK in this prestigious ranking; and recognised as a Top 3 University for Student Experience in The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 and win silver for career prospects at the 2025 Whatuni? Student Choice Awards.

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Notes to editors

*UK ranking produced by measuring the percentage of questions positivity (questions 1 – 24) for all institutions listed in the Guardian University Guide League Table. This methodology is used by the Complete University Guide. 

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Prof Tim Dunne

Interim President and Vice-Chancellor

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