International Student Barometer results

In the 15 April issue of E-News we reported on the results of the International Student Barometer (ISB) survey of international students studying in the English language and PTE sectors.

ENZ commissioned ISB surveys of students at universities and Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITP) to investigate the decision-making, expectations, perceptions and experiences of over 8,000 international students enrolled with these providers. 

The surveys feature a global benchmark which indicate how New Zealand compares to other countries offering similar levels of study. Satisfaction can also be compared to previous ISB surveys in 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2013.

The good news is that overall satisfaction in the university and ITP sectors is high.

Eighty-eight percent of ITP students surveyed were satisfied with their experience. This on par with the global benchmark and the 2013 survey. ITP students showing the highest satisfaction level were from South Africa (100 percent), Nepal (98 percent) and Sri Lanka (96 percent).

Satisfaction at universities is also in line with the global benchmark, improving by two percent since 2013, to reach 90 percent. University students who were the most satisfied with their experience included those from Sri Lanka (98 percent), Tonga (96 percent), and England (95 percent).

Across the board, four out of five students would recommend their institution to other students thinking of studying there.

It’s worth noting that overall satisfaction levels vary noticeably by institution and by nationality. Each institution has received their own results to analyse and help inform the development of services and support for their student cohorts. It is important for institutions to be aware of their students’ expectations and needs - in particular, understanding and addressing the needs of the 20 percent of students who would not recommend their institution to others.  

Generally speaking, the areas with lowest student satisfaction tend to be around costs, employment/employability and social life; many elements of which are issues for international students globally, not just in New Zealand.

One particular point for New Zealand institutions to keep in mind is the relatively high importance students place on employment/employability factors – both during and after study. Focusing attention on aspects such as work experience and placements, learning that facilitates students’ employability, and careers advice, will help avoid a mismatch between expectations and reality in this area. It will also boost the reputations of both the institution and New Zealand education. 

You can read the ISB ITP summary report and sector presentation.

Read the ISB university summary report and sector presentation.

i-Graduate’s New Zealand Director, Kyla Steenhart, presented overall findings from the ISB surveys at the New Zealand International Education Conference 2015 in Hamilton in August. Check out her presentation regarding all four sector surveys here.