UHI remains among Scotland's highest-rated universities in National Student Survey

The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) has once again been recognised as one of Scotland's highest-performing universities for student satisfaction in the 2026 National Student Survey (NSS), achieving an overall satisfaction score of 85% and ranking 5th among the 18 Scottish universities included in the ranking.

UHI's results remain well above the Scottish sector average of 82%, reinforcing the university's reputation for delivering a high-quality student experience across its partnership.

Conducted annually by Ipsos, the NSS gathers feedback from final-year undergraduate students across the UK. This year's results demonstrate the consistency of UHI's performance, with the university exceeding or significantly exceeding its benchmarks across every question set and improving results in all but two survey themes.

Four subject areas achieved 100% overall student satisfaction:

• Psychology
• Materials and Technology
• Complementary and Alternative Medicine
• Earth Sciences

Vicki Nairn, UHI Principal and Vice-Chancellor, said:

“To remain among Scotland's highest-performing universities for student satisfaction is something we are incredibly proud of. These results reflect the commitment of colleagues across our partnership to delivering an outstanding student experience and supporting our students to achieve their ambitions.

“While we always strive to improve, it is particularly encouraging that our students continue to rate their experience above the Scottish sector average and that we continue to perform strongly across almost every area of the survey. We are grateful to every student who took the time to share their feedback, which will help us continue to enhance the experience we offer.”

Professor Keith Smyth, Dean of Learning, Teaching and Students, said:

“The National Student Survey provides valuable insight into what matters most to our students. It is pleasing to see improvements across the majority of themes and to know that our students continue to recognise the quality of learning, teaching and support they receive across the UHI partnership.

“We will continue to build on these strengths, listening carefully to student feedback as we work together to provide an even better experience for current and future students.”

Highlands and Islands Students’ Association (HISA) President Oliver Sweeney said:

“I am thrilled to see that UHI’s students have rated it as one of Scotland’s top universities for student satisfaction. This certainly isn’t an easy feat. At HISA, we see year in and year out the struggles of students across the partnership, and these high levels of student satisfaction show just how UHI and its staff are willing to engage with students to tackle these issues and to make the university experience here one worth having.

“As the new HISA Student President, I am excited to work closely with students and the various teams across the UHI partnership to build on these strengths. The National Student Survey gives a brilliant insight into what’s working well and what can be even better. I, and the HISA team of dedicated student officers and our wonderful support team will continue to represent the powerful student voice that will help shape the future of UHI.”

The results of the 2026 National Student Survey can be viewed online.

Places are still available for courses starting this September. Find out more about courses at UHI.