Surrey 7th in the sector for student satisfaction in NSS 2026

The results of the National Student Survey (NSS) 2026 have been published today, and we are delighted to share that the University ranks 7th* in the sector, ahead of every Russell Group university, securing our place as a Top 10 university for student satisfaction*. 

77% of our final year undergraduate students took part in the survey, with key highlights showing:

• 96.4% of final year undergraduate students told us that teaching staff are good at explaining things.
• 87.5% of students say that courses are well organised and 91.6% said they introduce subjects and skills in a way that builds on what they have already learnt. 
• 84.5% of students feel that information about our mental wellbeing support services and changes to course teaching (86.4%) is well communicated.
• And students’ opinions about their course are valued by staff (86.6%). 
   
• 18 of our subjects rank in the Top 10 in the UK with 3 subjects in1st place - biosciences (non-specific); Iberian studies; veterinary medicine & dentistry*.
• Our overall satisfaction score ranks us in the Top 15 in the UK* for the sixth year in a row.

Overall scores for each survey theme:

• Teaching: a score of 91%
• Learning Opportunities: a score of 88.8%
• Academic Support: a score of 91.9%
• Organisation and management: a score of 86.9%
• Learning Resources: a score of 91.3%
• Student Voice: a score of 84.9%

Surrey Students’ Union achieved a strong overall positivity score of 84.5%, also ranking it 7th in the UK. 

Student experience highlights 

Your voice matters to us. 

Thanks to your feedback, we made lots of changes this academic year to give your student experience a boost, including:

Upgrading your study spaces and extending their opening hours, with 24/7 access to the Library and MySurrey Hive Manor Park during term time.  

Adding new services to MySurrey Hive Stag Hill, including:

• a virtual queuing system to free up your time
• increased in-person support for timetabling enquiries during Welcome Week
• new Wellbeing Advisor drop ins, as well as in faculty areas
• a new Employability Zone. 

Introducing a new approach to considering borderline final class degree classifications that will help ensure your final degree classification reflects the knowledge and skills you have demonstrated across your programme.

Launching new online resources, including:

• A virtual community for students on their Professional Training Year to connect and find support.
• New guidelines on the responsible use of generative AI (Gen AI), as well as drop-in or bookable appointments with advisors in the Library
• Our new Unstoppable campaign hub, providing all students with easy access to employability and careers support from across the University community
• A Final Year Resources Hub, bringing together a range of resources to help final year undergraduate or a postgraduate students navigate the next stage of their journey as they graduate.

Co- creating ‘Future Leaders’ with your Students’ Union - a transformative, extracurricular programme designed to support the success of students from underrepresented backgrounds throughout their university journey.

Next steps

The NSS results will help us to identify new ways to continue delivering excellent experiences for current and future students. We’re already working on new projects in response to student feedback shared through previous National Student Surveys, as well Module Evaluation Questionnaires (MEQs), MySurrey Voice and your Students’ Union. 

Thank you!

Thank you to every student who took the time to share their feedback, through NSS and throughout your time at Surrey. Your feedback has been instrumental in shaping the student experience at Surrey. 

Thank you for being an active part of our community and helping to make a lasting impact for students now and in years to come.

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