On Tuesday 27 May 2025, the results of the National Student Survey (NSE) 2025 were published by the Landelijk Centrum Studiekeuze (National Centre for Study Choice). The NSE is a large-scale national survey in which all students in higher education are invited to give their opinion on all aspects of their studies.
Almost 7,000 students at Radboud University completed the NSE this year. We would like to thank all students for their participation! Thanks to your opinions, we can work together to further improve our education and facilities.
First results: what goes well and what could be better?
As in previous years, Radboud University students are generally (very) satisfied with the various aspects of their programme and often more satisfied than the average for Dutch universities. In addition to the content of the programme, the atmosphere is also highly valued and a large number of students would choose the same programme again.
What aspects are students particularly satisfied with?
This year, Radboud University once again distinguishes itself in the areas of teaching staff, study guidance and engagement and contact. The content of the programme is also rated (very) positively. Radboud University students also feel that the university offers a safe environment and that the university pays attention to equal treatment. The average score given by students for social safety at the university is 8.35, which is slightly higher than in previous years (8.29 in 2024, 8.14 in 2023).
Where's room for improvement, according to our students?
As in previous years, the theme of study load is an important point of attention for students. Many students are particularly critical of the distribution of the study load over the academic year and the extent to which the credits (EC) correspond to the actual study load. However, we do see that satisfaction has improved slightly for a few years in a row: the attention and actions taken on this issue seem to be bearing fruit. Continued efforts in this area are necessary, however.
Another theme that students rate less positively – but which has shown some improvement over the years – is the connection to professional careers. However, students at our university are structurally more positive about this than the national average.
Finally, the new theme of well-being shows that almost a third of students often or always experience excessive pressure to perform well in their studies. This also requires continued attention.