International student experience at York St John University ranked among the best in the UK

York St John University’s growing cohort of international students have given the University some of the highest scores in the world in the latest International Student Barometer (ISB). The ISB is the leading benchmarking tool used to track the international student experience with over 4 million students taking part globally across all levels and years of study. Factors including decision-making, arrival, learning, living, support, recommendation, employability and wellbeing form the basis of a questionnaire which inform institution-specific results. 

Headline results show an overall learning satisfaction score of 96%, compared to a UK average of 92%. York St John University was also praised as a welcoming, safe and supportive environment, with strong results throughout the student journey from orientation onwards. Nearly 40% of our international students took part in the ISB, compared to a global average of under 30% from other institutions. 

Key highlights from the survey 

Students feel overwhelmingly positive about their studies: 

• Overall learning satisfaction of 96% compared to a UK average of 92% and a global average in the 80s 
• A feeling of employability at 92% compared to a UK average of 86% 
• Opportunities for work experience at 85% compared to 80% elsewhere in the UK 

 York St John offers a welcoming start to the student journey:  

• Arrival satisfaction of 95% compared to a UK average of 92% 
• Face to face orientation both from Global Campus Support and individual Schools and courses of 97% compared to a UK average of 95% 
• 96% of students satisfied with their introduction to support services, compared to a UK average of 92% 
• 93% student satisfaction with introduction to the campus and facilities compared to a UK average of 88% 

 The University is safe, supportive and friendly: 

• International support satisfaction over 6% higher than the global average, with York St John at 95% compared to a global average of just 88% 
• 94% were happy with orientation social activities compared to a UK average of 90% 
• 92% satisfaction making friends from other countries compared to just 86% UK average  
• A significant 99% of students felt safe on campus 

Commenting on the ISB results Professor Rob Mortimer, Pro Vice Chancellor: Research & International said:  

"The excellent levels of international student satisfaction shown from the 2023 ISB results highlight the warmth of welcome and the quality of experience offered here at York St John. It reflects our commitment to fostering global understanding and creating an environment where diverse perspectives thrive."  

Mohsin Ramzan, Director of YSJ Global added:  

"This year’s ISB results are not only a reflection of our academic success, but a testament to York St John University’s dedication in cultivating a supportive and enriching environment where every student, regardless of origin, feels valued, empowered, and inspired to excel."  

In addition to the excellent ISB results, York St John University has been named as a finalist in this year’s Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs), shortlisted in the University of the Year category. Held annually, the WUSCAs is the only higher education awards ceremony in the UK where institutions are solely judged and reviewed by students themselves across a variety of categories. Winners will be announced on 24 April 2024.  

Find out more about international student life at York St John University at www.yorksj.ac.uk/international