Introduction
The recently released 2022 Student Experience Survey in Australia provides valuable insights into the student experience in higher education. This comprehensive survey focuses on measurable aspects of the student experience that are linked with learning and development outcomes. Notably, non-university higher education institutions (NUHEIs) have consistently outperformed universities in key areas, as reflected in the survey results from 2017 to 2022.
Positive Scores in Focus Areas
In the latest survey, NUHEIs received higher positive scores than universities in four out of five key focus areas. These outcomes demonstrate the commitment of NUHEIs to providing an exceptional student experience:
Skills Development: NUHEIs achieved an impressive score of 82.4%, surpassing universities’ score of 80.3%. This indicates that NUHEIs excel in equipping students with the necessary skills for their future careers.
Learner Engagement: NUHEIs attained a score of 61.7%, outperforming universities’ score of 54.6%. This suggests that NUHEIs actively engage students in their learning journey, fostering a stimulating and interactive educational environment.
Teaching Quality: NUHEIs received a remarkable score of 83.4%, exceeding universities’ score of 79.9%. This highlights the emphasis placed on delivering high-quality teaching and ensuring students receive a valuable educational experience.
Student Support: NUHEIs achieved a commendable score of 80.5%, surpassing universities’ score of 72.2%. NUHEIs demonstrate a strong commitment to providing comprehensive support services to meet the diverse needs of their students.
Learning Resources: While universities obtained a higher score of 84.0% compared to NUHEIs’ score of 78.5%, it is worth considering that universities often benefit from substantial taxpayer funds, contributing to their resource allocation.
Significant Comparisons
Notably, NUHEIs have shown exceptional performance in terms of the overall educational experience. Approximately 54.4% of NUHEIs received a positive score of 80% or higher, indicating a high-quality educational experience. In contrast, only 7.4% of public universities achieved a similar positive score.
These findings emphasize the consistent superiority of NUHEIs in providing a student-centered environment that fosters skill development, learner engagement, quality teaching, and comprehensive support. NUHEIs’ dedication to creating a holistic educational experience is evident in their strong performance across multiple focus areas.
Conclusion
The 2022 Student Experience Survey highlights the remarkable achievements of non-university higher education institutions in delivering an outstanding student experience. NUHEIs have consistently outperformed universities across key metrics, underscoring their commitment to providing an exceptional education.
