International students’ overall satisfaction at York St John University is higher than the global and national average

York St John University’s international students have once again given the University some of the highest scores in the world in the latest International Student Barometer (ISB).  

The ISB is the world’s largest international student experience survey. It tracks and benchmarks international student opinion across the entire student journey, providing universities with data and insights to develop a world-class student experience. Students from 24 countries take part across all levels and years of study, giving feedback on their decision-making, arrival, learning, living, support, employability and wellbeing.  

Over 48% of undergraduate and postgraduate international students at York St John University completed the survey during November and December 2024, representing the second highest response rate in the UK.   

More than 2,500 students from the University’s York and London campuses gave an overall satisfaction score of 91%, compared to a UK and global average of 90%. 

Survey results praised York St John University as a welcoming, safe and supportive environment, showing a positive experience at all stages of students’ university journey.  

Key highlights from the survey  

92% of York St John students feel their course is good value for money. The process of applying to York St John was also highlighted, with a 95% satisfaction rate and a significantly shorter wait between applying and receiving an offer than the UK average. Satisfaction scores show that students feel more academically prepared, well oriented, and welcomed at York St John in comparison to other UK universities. 

“My arrival experience at York St John University was seamless and welcoming. The staff and volunteers were friendly and approachable, providing clear instructions and support to help me settle in. The process was well organised, and the atmosphere on campus made me feel excited and at ease from the very beginning”. 

Learning experience and student engagement 

In responding to questions about their learning experience, students’ overall learning satisfaction was very high at 95%. Scores were notably higher than average for work experience opportunities and careers advice. In responding to questions about teaching, all areas were ranked above the UK average, with particular strengths in performance feedback, course organisation and assessment.  

Another highlight was the response to questions about student engagement and community. 92% of international students say they felt a sense of belonging, and an incredible 99% feel engaged with their studies. 

“I am really thrilled with the experience which I gained while studying at York St John University. The lecturers are very friendly and assist with anything, and the career support given by the University is unbelievable”.  

Students also indicated that their day to day living experience was positive, with a 98% satisfaction score for feeling safe and secure on campus, and above average scores for campus environment and transport links. York St John received scores that were more than 5% higher than the UK benchmark for making friends, host culture, earning money and financial support. 

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

“I’m delighted to see such high levels of satisfaction in this incredibly valuable feedback from our international students. The results reflect immense dedication from colleagues across the University to provide a warm welcome and a high-quality educational experience.  

“We truly value our international students and the social and cultural benefits they bring to our community. We will use the insights gained from the ISB to drive our approach to continuous improvement and enhance our support for students from all over the world to thrive at York St John University”.   

The International Student Barometer 2024 Wave 2 results include a Net Promoter Score (NPS), reflecting the willingness to recommend the institution to family and friends. York St John University achieved an NPS of 34, far exceeding the UK average of 23. This score was particularly high among postgraduate research students.  

In addition to the excellent ISB results, York St John University has also been named as the University of the Year for Social Inclusion by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.    

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