United States tops global student satisfaction survey
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The United States has retained its position as the world’s leading destination for international student satisfaction, according to the Global Student Satisfaction Awards: Summary Report 2025.
The survey, conducted by Studyportals, gathered responses from over 102,000 students across 124 countries, representing 180 nationalities. The US led the rankings with an overall score of 4.32 out of five, followed closely by Belgium (4.29) and Austria (4.28). The global average stood at 4.18, a slight decline of 0.71% compared to 2023.
While overall satisfaction has remained stable, the report highlighted growing concerns over inclusivity, affordability, and the quality of student life. Student diversity and social experiences recorded the steepest declines, with diversity falling by -5.03% and student life by -4.39%. Rising housing costs and integration challenges were cited as contributing factors.
Pakistan registered the sharpest fall in student satisfaction (-11.3%), with France (-3.2%), Ireland (-2.4%), and Türkiye (-1.2%) also slipping below the global benchmark. By contrast, India and the United Kingdom improved their positions, both scoring above the global average. Finland (+3.3%) and the Netherlands (+0.2%) also made modest gains, though they remain below the overall benchmark.
Career development proved a bright spot, improving by +1.23% worldwide. The US, India, and Switzerland stood out for strong links between universities and industry, expanding opportunities for internships and employer engagement. Online classroom experiences, traditionally the weakest area also improved by +1.30%, particularly in the US, India, and South Africa.
The findings were announced during an awards ceremony hosted by Studyportals in partnership with Uni-Life and IELTS at the European Association for International Education (EAIE) conference in Gothenburg.
Edwin van Rest, CEO and co-founder of Studyportals, said the results highlight both strengths and risks for universities worldwide. “Students are more confident about career prospects, but increasingly concerned about diversity and their quality of life. These results show where institutions are winning student trust and where they risk losing it,” he noted.
With employability outcomes growing in importance, the United States remains a top choice for international students, though other countries are positioning themselves as challengers.
Source: THE PIE NEWS
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