News Article

Newcastle University has been ranked seventh in the world for the quality of its international student experience.

The University came out on top of a survey of students' satisfaction with the services provided by its Graduate Schools, fourth overall for its welcome events, fifth for careers support and eighth for learning in the latest International Student Barometer survey.

Professor Ella Ritchie, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning
said: This is a magnificent result for Newcastle University. It proves that the effort we have put in to improving the services we provide is really making a difference to our international students, both in terms of their University experience and their quality of life'.

Independent market research company, i-graduate, canvassed more than 67,000 students from 221 countries and 84 different institutions worldwide for their views on living and studying in the UK.
Eighty-six per cent of the University's overseas students who took part in the survey said they would recommend studying at Newcastle.

The survey cited reputation and quality of teaching and research as the top three reasons for students choosing Newcastle. 'The internet has made it much easier for international students to compare different universities at the click of a mouse, which literally opens up a whole world of possibilities,' explained Lesley Braiden, Director of Marketing and Communications. 'Nearly half of our international students said our website helped them choose us, and it influenced them more than the opinions of friends or parents or the prospectus.'

Newcastle's performance was consistently ranked as being above average for both students' learning experience and quality of life.
The University was placed in the top 10 worldwide for library facilities, learning support and environment, and language support.

Students also felt the financial advice they received on arrival was excellent, which was considered important because the cost of living in the UK was a concern to many students. They also valued the help they receive with managing simple tasks such as opening bank accounts and settling into a new culture and environment.

Margaret Fay, Chairman of Regional Development Agency, One North East,
said: 'The survey results are an excellent recommendation for Newcastle University, the city and the wider region.

'The economic impact of overseas students is significant to our region and by gaining such credible results, Newcastle University has ensured that other international students will follow.'
ENDS

For further information contact Melanie Reed in the University Press Office on +44 (0) 191 222 5791; e-mail press.office@ncl.ac.uk

For broadcasters, the University has a fully-equipped radio studio with ISDN line and is a short distance from BBC and independent TV studios. Please also bookmark our searchable list of experts (over 1,400 entries) at www.ncl.ac.uk/press.office/experts.list/
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Melanie Reed
Public Affairs Manager
Marketing and Communications Directorate Newcastle University
6 Kensington Terrace
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 7RU
United Kingdom

Tel: +44 191 222 5791; mobile 07816 750 551.

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