Students at universities of applied sciences and research universities in the Netherlands remain satisfied with their education, according to the National Student Survey (NSE) 2026. The survey was completed by around 248,000 students. Three-quarters said they were satisfied with their current study programme.
In addition to overall satisfaction, the NSE measures views on specific topics such as study pressure, lecturers, and the learning atmosphere. On average, students at research universities report higher satisfaction than those at universities of applied sciences. Among research university students, 82 per cent are satisfied with their programme, compared with 70 per cent among students in higher professional education (HBO).
Study pressure remains a concern for some students. Thirty-one per cent of respondents say the pressure is too high, down from 37 per cent in 2023. A majority, 59 per cent, consider the study pressure to be appropriate. Students at universities of applied sciences report high pressure slightly less often than those at research universities. Study pressure is felt most strongly in education-related programmes, where almost half of students say it is too high.
Substantively knowledgeable
The Intercity Student Council (ISO) has called for a stronger focus on student success rather than study success alone. Board member Sam de Jong said, “The personal development of the student is just as important as earning all your credits. This change cannot and should not come solely from lecturers and study programmes. Proper guidance from the programme is also extremely important.”
Students are generally positive about their lecturers. Almost three-quarters are satisfied with the teaching staff in their programme. In addition, 81 per cent describe their lecturers as subject-matter experts. This view is more common among research university students, at 90 per cent, compared with 75 per cent among students in higher professional education. Lecturers score slightly lower on inspiration: half of the students agree that their lecturers inspire them, 14 per cent disagree, and 36 per cent are neutral.
Social climate
Students also rate the atmosphere at their programmes positively. Eighty per cent are satisfied with the overall atmosphere. Nearly three-quarters say they feel at home, and 85 per cent say they feel safe being themselves. According to the National Centre for Study Choice, which has conducted the survey since 2009, these figures have remained largely stable over time.
Almost one-third of all students in higher professional education and research universities in the Netherlands took part in the survey.
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