Wellbeing investment drives strong gains in NSS 2026 results

The results highlight the positive impact of continued investment in student wellbeing, support services and academic experience, with RGU outperforming the Scottish sector average on 18 of the 27 survey questions and improving scores on 18 measures compared to last year.

One of the most notable gains was in Mental Health Support, which recorded the University’s largest year-on-year improvement, increasing by 4.6 per cent to 84 per cent. The finding reflects sustained investment in services, guidance and wellbeing initiatives designed to help students succeed both personally and academically.

RGU also delivered strong results in key areas that underpin student success. Academic Support achieved a satisfaction score of 90.8 per cent, while Learning Resources scored 91.3 per cent, with students continuing to recognise the quality of teaching, accessibility of staff, IT provision and library services.

The University also outperformed the Scottish sector across all five measures within Assessment and Feedback, with students rating the timeliness, usefulness and clarity of feedback more highly than the national average.

Several Schools recorded particularly strong performances, with Gray's School of Art achieving the highest satisfaction levels across the University and the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Built Environment recording the largest year-on-year improvement. Eighteen subjects now sit in the Top 3 in Scotland, an increase of three subjects on 2025, with Tourism, Transport and Travel; Forensic and Archaeological Sciences and Journalism all achieving 100 per cent overall satisfaction ratings.

RGU Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Steve Olivier said: "These results reflect the commitment of our staff to both providing an outstanding student experience and preparing our students for successful careers and futures.

"We are particularly encouraged by the significant improvement in how students view the University’s mental health support. Student wellbeing is fundamental to success at university and we have worked hard to create an environment where students feel supported, valued and able to thrive.

"It is also pleasing to see continued strength in areas such as academic support, learning resources, teaching and feedback. While we remain focused on areas where we can improve further, these results demonstrate that our investment in the student experience is making a real difference."

Mohtashim Iqbal, Student President for Education and Welfare at RGU, said: “These NSS results are something we can all be proud of. They reflect the experience of thousands of students and highlight what makes our university such a special place to study, grow and succeed.

“Every student who shared feedback has helped showcase the strengths of our university and shape its future. These results demonstrate what can be achieved when students and staff work in partnership to create a supportive university experience.”

This builds on a summer of success for RGU after being named Higher Educational Institution of the Year at the Herald Education Awards 2026, placing first in Scotland for Graduate Prospects - On Track in the Complete University Guide 2027, and strengthening the University’s position on sustainability in the latest Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings. 

The NSS 2026 has been released little more than a week since 1,600 RGU graduates celebrated their academic achievements at Summer Graduation.

The UK-wide survey is one of the largest annual surveys of final year students and provides important insight into students' experiences of learning, teaching and support throughout their studies.