SurveyDespite a corona-ravaged academic year, students are on average about as happy with their education as last year, according to the National Student Survey 2022. That does not mean that all students are equally satisfied.
First the good news: the crisis has many students emotionally driven to despair, but the majority have little to complain about their education in those difficult times. The poll, held in the first months of this year among more than 286,000 students, shows that 71 percent say they are (very) satisfied with the chosen education. Not even one in ten (9 percent) thinks it’s anything (at all).
This academic year too, the universities and colleges had to temporarily close their doors due to the virus, and education was also plagued by restrictions in group size and online variants. Furthermore, many employees and students were obliged to spend time at home after being infected.
Compliments
Nevertheless, the lion’s share is pleased with the atmosphere in their study program and the tutoring. “So big compliments to everyone who was involved and got through the uncertain period in this way. This applies to the educational field, but also certainly to students who have not always had it easy,” says Ingrid Kolkhuis Tanke, director-board of Stichting Studiekeuze123. This independent foundation, which has been conducting the survey since 2009, is subsidized by the Ministry of Education.
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Students in agricultural education score the highest when it comes to satisfaction, with an average of 83 percent
It is also striking that ‘only’ 65 percent of HBO students are (very) satisfied with the connection between their studies and professional practice, while their education is in the world for that purpose. The satisfaction percentage among university students is slightly higher, at 67 percent. In general, HBO graduates are much less enthusiastic about their education than university graduates, whether it concerns studies in the education, technology, economics or law sector.
A spokesperson for the Association of Universities of Applied Sciences is pleased with the 65 percent of HBO graduates who are satisfied with the connection to the labor market. According to him, it is the vast majority of students. “Due to the corona crisis and distance learning, it has been more difficult to keep in touch with organizations and companies than before the crisis. Moreover, students who are less satisfied with the connection to the labor market are often the ones who have no experience with it yet.”
Response of education minister Robbert Dijkgraaf:
“It is good to see that students generally experience the same satisfaction as before the pandemic, despite all the setbacks in recent years. It is also a compliment to the resilience of this generation. The institutions have also played a very positive role in this, which is reflected in the results of the National Student Survey. In addition, it is important to continue to pay attention to students who have had a difficult time or who still have it.”
Students in agricultural education score the highest when it comes to satisfaction, with an average of 83 percent. Freek Rebel, institutional director of Aeres University of Applied Sciences, thinks that at the start of these courses, students have a good idea of what future work entails. Moreover, during their studies they are closely involved in the professional field through practical assignments, excursions and internships.
The research shows that students in economics and law programs are the least satisfied with their education. These are often general and popular fields of study, which means that students experience little focus and often have to participate in massive lectures.
Interest representative Universities of the Netherlands thinks it is good to see that students are so satisfied with their study program in times of corona. “That is a great compliment to everyone who has made an effort to continue education, despite all the limitations and uncertainties of the corona measures.”
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