The University of Amsterdam (UvA) has been judged the best overall Dutch university by international students. Eighty per cent of international students would recommend the UvA, an increase of 10% compared to 2011.
These are the findings of the International Student Barometer (ISB), an independent survey in which international students were asked about their experiences at foreign universities and universities of applied sciences. The satisfaction levels of international students at the UvA has increased over the past year: 86% are satisfied or very satisfied. Last year the figure was 81%.
The ISB assessments are made on the basis of three main categories: Learning, Living (living) and Support.
Learning, Living and Support:
According to the ISB, 83% of the international students are satisfied with the teaching (‘Learning’) at the UvA, making it the highest ranked university in the Netherlands. The UvA performed particularly well with scores between 90 and 95% in the ‘Learning’ subcategories: ‘Academics’ English’, ‘Size of classes’, ‘Expert lecturers’ and ‘Multicultural’.
The University scores above 90% in the subcategories: ‘Safety’, ‘Other friends’ and ‘Transport links’.
The UvA is ranked first in the Netherlands in the ‘Support’ category, with an average satisfaction of 85%. This includes issues such as academic counselling, IT support, and medical facilities.
About the ISB
The International Student Barometer is the largest annual survey of international students worldwide and is compiled by the International Graduate Insight Group (I-graduate). The study was conducted in 24 countries. This year, eight Dutch higher education institutions participated in the survey.