Maynooth University has achieved the highest ranking among Ireland’s universities in a major survey of international students. The International Student Barometer (ISB) conducted by i-Graduate in Autumn 2016 involved more than 159,000 international students from 182 universities in 15 countries.
- Excellence in Teaching and Learning
International students ranked Maynooth University first on average in Ireland across 26 Teaching and Learning elements. Maynooth obtained the highest score among the seven participating Irish Universities in areas related to the teaching and learning experience and facilities. Of particular note is the first-place ranking for the Quality of Lectures, Course Content and Course Organisation, Learning Support and Performance Feedback. The Library facilities, both physical and online, and the Virtual Learning Environment were also ranked highest amongst the Irish universities.At postgraduate level, the University was ranked first in Ireland and seventh globally for Managing Research and first in Ireland and third globally for Diversity of Topic Selection.
- Excellence in Student Experience
Maynooth University also excelled in numerous other survey categories. The University obtained the top Irish ranking for overall satisfaction with the arrival experience, including opportunities to meet academic and support staff, the formal welcome to the University, internet access, and the condition of on-campus accommodation.
- Support Services
Maynooth was ranked first in Ireland for the quality of support provided by the International Office and Students’ Union. The University’s Clubs and Societies, International Office, Medical Centre and Students’ Union all ranked within the top 20 globally (out of 182 participating institutions).
Students were also very satisfied with the living experience on campus at MU, resulting in top 20 global rankings for the Host Culture and top 50 for social activities, ability to make good contacts and ability to integrate and make friends from the host country.
Maynooth ranked second out of the seven Irish universities for the propensity for international students to recommend the university to their peers. 87% of international students studying at MU would encourage their peers to study there, compared to the global average of 82%.
Vice President and Dean of International Affairs, Professor Brian Donnellan welcomed the result, saying: “We are delighted to have received first place on average in Ireland in this global survey of international students. Maynooth University is a wonderful place to learn and this survey is further evidence of our growing international reputation for excellence in academic teaching and learning, combined with a supportive and collegiate environment for students on campus.”
Maynooth University’s success in the ISB follows recent success in the Times Higher Education rankings, including being ranked #68 in the ‘Top 150 Under 50’ ranking, the highest of any Irish university; among the top 400 universities in the world and the top 200 European universities; one of the top 200 universities for international connections and outlook; and receiving the StudyPortals 2015 ‘Outstanding International Student Satisfaction Award’ for having the happiest international students in Europe.