Background to the Annual Survey and Its Significance for UK Higher Education
The Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) and Advance HE have collaborated for many years on the Student Academic Experience Survey, a comprehensive annual study that captures the views of more than 10,000 full-time undergraduate students across UK universities and colleges. Launched originally in 2005-06, the survey has become one of the longest-running barometers of student life, offering insights into teaching quality, value perceptions, wellbeing, and the practical realities of combining study with other commitments. The 2026 edition, released on 11 June at the HEPI Annual Conference in London, continues this tradition while introducing new questions on employment support, harassment, and rural student experiences.
Universities and colleges rely on such data to inform strategic decisions around curriculum design, student support services, and resource allocation. With the higher education sector facing sustained financial pressures, including funding shortfalls and rising operational costs, the survey provides evidence-based guidance for institutional leaders seeking to enhance the student journey while maintaining academic standards.
Headline Findings: Record Highs in Value-for-Money Perceptions
One of the most striking results from the 2026 survey is the significant improvement in how students perceive the value for money of their courses. Forty-five percent of respondents rated their course as 'good' or 'very good' value, marking an eight-percentage-point rise from 37 percent in 2025 and the highest level recorded in more than a decade. This positive shift appears consistent across demographic groups, including students from all UK regions, both home and international students, and a range of ethnic backgrounds.
Teaching quality emerges as the strongest driver of these improved perceptions, followed closely by course content and available facilities. Students also report feeling better equipped to manage financial pressures, suggesting that targeted institutional guidance and support mechanisms are beginning to yield results. These developments signal resilience within UK universities and colleges even as broader economic challenges persist.
Student Satisfaction with Course and Institution Choices
Beyond value perceptions, the survey reveals growing contentment with initial decisions about higher education. Two-thirds of students (66 percent) indicated they are happy with their choice of course and institution and would not change anything, a notable increase from 56 percent the previous year. The proportion who would have opted entirely outside higher education has dropped to just 7 percent.
Consideration of withdrawing from studies has also declined, with only 22 percent of students reporting they have contemplated leaving their course—the lowest figure in recent years. These trends hold across age groups, home and international students, and various ethnic backgrounds, pointing to a broad-based improvement in the overall student experience at UK universities.
However, nuances exist for students on vocational pathways. Those enrolled in Degree Apprenticeship programmes show lower satisfaction levels, with 18 percent expressing a preference for direct employment or other non-higher-education options. Institutions offering these qualifications may need to refine expectation-setting and ongoing support for this cohort.
Teaching Quality, Contact Hours, and Assessment Feedback
Ratings of teaching quality have improved across nearly all measures in 2026, with several indicators reaching their highest levels on record. Students particularly praise staff who motivate them to perform at their best, clearly communicate course requirements, and effectively use scheduled contact time to support independent learning.
Average weekly contact hours stand at 15.5, remaining substantially above pre-pandemic levels. Independent study averages 11.1 hours per week, though this has seen some recent decline amid competing life pressures. On average, students report that nearly four academics know their name and academic progress, though variation exists—one-third of respondents say five or more staff members are familiar with their work, while a similar proportion report only two or fewer.
Feedback on assessments has also strengthened, with more students describing their experience as positive compared with a decade ago. These improvements underscore the dedication of academic and professional staff across UK higher education institutions.
The Rise of Paid Employment During Term Time
A defining feature of contemporary undergraduate life is the prevalence of paid work. Sixty-five percent of full-time students now undertake paid employment during term time, consolidating a shift first observed in 2025. Those in work average nearly 14 hours per week, resulting in total weekly commitments of 44.2 hours for employed students—well above the national full-time employee average of 36.6 hours reported by the Office for National Statistics.
Encouragingly, more than eight in ten employed students report receiving some form of institutional support. Common measures include flexibility with assessment deadlines, timetable adjustments to free up working days, and recognition of transferable skills gained through employment. Universities are also partnering with local employers and advertising part-time opportunities directly. International students, who often face additional barriers in the local labour market, benefit disproportionately from these initiatives.
Freedom of Expression, Campus Climate, and Emerging Challenges
Seventy percent of students feel comfortable expressing their views on campus even when others disagree, an increase of six percentage points from 2025. Where discomfort exists, the primary reasons relate to personal confidence or public-speaking skills rather than institutional restrictions. The survey highlights opportunities for universities to strengthen oracy and debating skills, particularly for students from state schools and disadvantaged backgrounds.
A new question on harassment related to protected characteristics found that 22 percent of students reported experiencing such incidents in the past year. Elevated rates were noted among Trans students, Jewish students, disabled students, and those identifying as LGB+. These findings will require careful monitoring and targeted institutional responses in the years ahead.
Analysis of rural students reveals additional disparities. Those living and studying in small towns and villages report lower wellbeing, weaker senses of belonging, and experiences that more frequently fall short of expectations. Longer commutes and greater reliance on online delivery raise questions about equitable access to in-person teaching and transport infrastructure.
Stakeholder Perspectives and Sector Implications
Leaders across UK higher education have welcomed the 2026 findings while acknowledging remaining challenges. Alistair Jarvis CBE, Chief Executive of Advance HE, noted the encouraging recognition of quality and value, attributing progress to sustained staff efforts despite financial constraints. Nick Hillman OBE, Director of HEPI, emphasised the survey's unique depth and the importance of understanding how most students now combine study with paid work.
Libby Hackett, Chief Executive of the Russell Group, described the results as a vote of confidence in UK universities, crediting dedicated staff for positive teaching and course quality perceptions. She called for continued collaboration with government, industry, and the third sector to address financial support needs and labour-market preparation.
For university administrators and academic staff, the survey underscores priorities around enhancing student support services, refining vocational programme design, and fostering inclusive campus environments. These insights can directly inform recruitment, retention, and professional development strategies within higher education institutions.
Future Outlook and Actionable Insights for Universities
The 2026 survey points to a sector demonstrating resilience and incremental progress. Continued focus on teaching excellence, flexible support for working students, and targeted interventions for underrepresented or rural cohorts will be essential. Institutions may also benefit from investing in oracy development and robust mechanisms to address harassment concerns.
Looking ahead, the data suggest that students increasingly appreciate the holistic value of their university experience. By building on these strengths while addressing identified gaps, UK universities and colleges can further strengthen their position in a competitive global higher education landscape.
Professionals seeking roles in student support, academic leadership, or institutional research will find the survey's detailed findings valuable for understanding evolving student needs and priorities.
Photo by Stephen Phillips - Hostreviews.co.uk on Unsplash
Accessing the Full Report and Data
The complete 2026 Student Academic Experience Survey report, along with supporting data tables, is available free of charge from the HEPI and Advance HE websites. Researchers, policymakers, and university leaders are encouraged to explore the detailed findings to inform evidence-based practice and policy development.
