Stirling top in Scotland for welcoming international students

The University of Stirling is top in Scotland for welcoming international students, according to a survey published today.

The International Student Barometer (ISB) Autumn 2016 also revealed overall satisfaction among overseas students at Stirling is the 3^rd-highest in Scotland, among the participating universities. The survey showed more than 92 per cent of surveyed overseas students at Stirling were satisfied with their overall experience, placing the University above Scottish, UK and international averages.

Professor Leigh Sparks, Deputy Principal for Internationalisation and Graduate Studies, said: “As a global University, with internationalisation at its heart, our overseas students are valued members of the University community who contribute immeasurably to campus life.”

The ISB also found the University made an exceptional first impression with students – and was placed 1^st in Scotland and 7^th in UK among universities taking part in the ‘Arrival’ category, scoring highly in a number of areas, including registration, meeting staff and social activities.

The University was 1^st in Scotland and the UK for campus environment and 1^st in Scotland for good teachers, quality lecturers and performance feedback among universities that participated in the review.

The facilities on offer at Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence also impressed the international student population. Stirling was placed 1^st in Scotland and 2^nd in the UK in the ISB for sports facilities.

The University’s international student population continues to thrive, with students from overseas making up 20 per cent of Stirling’s 14,000-strong student body. The ISB questioned more than 159,000 students across 182 institutions in 15 different countries.

Professor Sparks added: “The International Student Barometer results are extremely encouraging and show high levels of satisfaction among these students. In particular, overseas students receive a warm and reassuring welcome when they arrive at the University and enjoy high-quality teaching throughout their studies.”

The ISB tracks and compares the decision-making, expectations, perceptions and intentions of international students from application to the University, up to graduation.