NSE 2026: Leiden students satisfied with their degree programmes, while attention remains focused on well-being and career preparation
Students at Leiden University continue to be broadly positive about their degree programmes and study environment, according to the results of the 2026 National Student Survey (NSE). The findings also highlight opportunities to improve career preparation and support for students facing challenges during their studies.
At Leiden University, 23% of students completed the NSE this year. They are satisfied with the extent to which their programmes help them develop academic and transferable skills. With average scores of 3.9 out of 5, the results present a stable and positive picture. In recent years, the university has invested in strengthening career-related skills within its programmes. While this has not yet led to higher ratings, scores in this area remain stable.
Contact with professional practice remains area for improvement
As in previous years, students rated contact with professional practice lower than other aspects of skills development. Leiden students were on average neutral on this topic, awarding a score of 3.19. That is slightly below the average for comparable broad-based universities and the national average for research universities. The university will continue to monitor students’ experiences of this and explore opportunities for further improvement.
Positive signs for student well-being
For the second consecutive year, the NSE included an extensive set of questions on well-being. The results show a slight increase in their well-being compared with last year, remaining stable at around 7 out of 10. Students also view the university’s attention to well-being positively, giving slightly higher ratings than in 2025. In addition, most students know where to find support and advice when needed.
These findings are encouraging, particularly because earlier surveys indicated strong demand for additional well-being and mental health support. The results suggest that efforts made in recent years are becoming increasingly visible to students.
Students value academic support; demand remains high
Student satisfaction with academic support remains stable in 2026. Students are generally satisfied with the support they receive. Investments in additional study advisers, made as part of the university’s quality agreements, may have contributed to this positive trend.
At the same time, around 53% of students say they would like more support from the university. Although this figure is lower than in 2025, it indicates an ongoing demand for additional support. Among students facing challenging personal circumstances, the most frequently reported barriers to study are stress and anxiety, concentration difficulties, low energy levels, social difficulties and sensitivity to external stimuli.
Students feel they belong
The results are also positive in the areas of inclusion and equal treatment. Students report that they can be themselves at the university and feel a sense of belonging within their degree programme. Scores are comparable to those at other universities and remain stable compared with previous years.
At the same time, the findings point to the need for further research into how different groups of students experience their study environment. An analysis of open survey responses and other feedback may provide a more detailed understanding of experiences that are not fully reflected in overall averages and help identify further steps towards an inclusive learning environment for all students.
Valuable insights
The NSE results offer valuable insights that will help the university to continue to improve the quality of its teaching and student support. The findings will be discussed further with the faculties and the University Council in the coming months.