The results of the 2026 National Student Survey (NSE) show that HZ students are once again genuinely satisfied with their degree programme and university of applied sciences. Across all assessed areas, students give HZ University of Applied Sciences a score that is significantly higher than the national average for universities of applied sciences. The quality of the institution and its teaching is therefore very consistent, with the atmosphere and the lecturers standing out in particular.
Student feedback
From January to March 2026, students provided feedback on their study programmes. This year, the HZ response rate was 43%. This puts us well above the national response rate of 31.01%. This is a sign of high engagement. The NSE results paint a positive and consistent picture, with scores all above the national higher professional education average. Below is a brief overview of the key results:
- HZ scores higher than the national average on all questions relating to the core themes.
- Of the seven core themes, ‘The atmosphere on the programme’ (4.20 on a scale of 5) and ‘I feel safe being myself on the programme where I study’ (4.18) scored highly. HZ students also feel that ‘The lecturers have a lot of knowledge about professional practice’ (4.05).
- Within the core theme ‘Overall satisfaction’, ‘The atmosphere on the programme’ (4.20 on a scale of 5), ‘Academic support’ (3.91) and ‘The general skills acquired’ (3.90) received the highest ratings.
- HZ students were also asked about the flexibility of their study programme. On the statement ‘It is possible to adapt the study programme of my course, for example to make room for optional modules or an internship’, HZ scored significantly higher (3.44) than in 2025 (3.37).
The personal university of applied sciences
“HZ more than lives up to its motto, ‘the personal university of applied sciences’!” says Hendrik-Jan van Arenthals, Chair of the Executive Board. “The NSE results underscore this once again. Personal attention and our community work together to help students get the best out of themselves and others. That is true quality.”
Improvement and innovation
The NSE serves as a source of information for HZ and prospective HZ students. The results are used to continuously improve the quality of teaching and organisation, and to drive innovation. Prospective students see the quality of the university through the eyes of current students, which can help them in making their choice of study programme.
National Student Survey
The National Student Survey (NSE) is an annual nationwide satisfaction survey of students in higher education. This year, students from 75 universities of applied sciences and universities have been invited to complete the NSE. The NSE results are published on http://www.studiekeuze123.nl and serve as a basis for, among other things, the Study Choice Guides. The NSE is the responsibility of the Studiekeuze123 Foundation. This is an initiative of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW), in collaboration with students and the higher education sector.