SFUN 2025 Report

Overall Satisfaction



As a new initiative in 2025, students were asked to rate their university experience. The results were overwhelmingly positive, with more than 80% rating their experience as either Excellent or Good.  

Those that said their experience was ‘Good’, ‘Fair’ or ‘Poor’, identified the single most important element that could improve their experience: 

  • Non-academic Priority Areas: on-campus access to food and beverages, followed by the enrollment process.

  • Academic Priority Areas: Clearer explanations of coursework and assessment requirements, followed by increased engagement from teaching staff in the learning process.




83.6% Overall Satisfaction7.2% since 2024The results show that most areas reported over 80% satisfaction, with many showing notable improvements from 2024 to 2025. These results are a testament to the incredible work happening across our University.  
HIGHEST RATED AREAS
• Safety and Security 93.1% satisfaction
• Library (average) 91.6% satisfaction (9% since 2024)
• Personal Support Services 90.2% satisfaction (15.7% since 2024)


KEY AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT
• Program Planner 66.3% satisfaction  ( 5% since 2024)
• Food Services and Retail 67.4% satisfaction ( 2% since 2024)
• Enrolment, Timetabling & Exams 69.5% satisfaction (2% since 2024)



Biggest Improvements:
Overall Satisfaction 2023 - 2025

International Student Support Services
Increased by almost 40% over last 3 years.

Over the last 12 months, International Student Support Services has actively worked to improve the student experience through:
  • Improved visibility and availability: The International Student Drop-in Service is purposefully located where our international students are to make it easier for them to seek advice and support. A direct appointment booking system exists for international students to ensure availability for one-on-one private consults with International Student Support Officers. 
  • Increased Engagement: the International Student Support team collaborates with academic and professional staff to share expertise and advocate for the needs of international students, providing a central point of contact for students and staff so that we improve student outcomes and strengthen our cultural capability.
  • Building Community: NUmates provides opportunity for international students to create social connection and friendship and has more than 1000 international students in the program. 


Careers Service
Increased by almost 30% over last 3 years.

Over the last 12 months, Careers Service has actively worked to improve the student experience through:
  • Peer Engagement: Career Peers deliver short in-class talks at the start of each semester, boosting student awareness and engagement through relatable, peer-led support. 
  • Events Strategy: A mix of large and cohort-specific events effectively connects students with industry, drawing strong attendance. 
  • Canvas Modules: Tailored Career-ready Placement modules help students navigate placements and develop their professional identity and employability skills.



Overall satisfaction by topic

Explore the Overall Satisfaction survey data to uncover details and trends of each area over time.



2025 Key Areas for Improvement

Program Planner
Satisfaction with the Program Planner improved slightly in 2025, but key features like navigation, accuracy, and ease of use remain poorly rated.  
  • Unit Visibility: 35% (2%) 
  • Accuracy: 34% (2%) 
  • Flexibility: 33% (2%) 
  • User Guides: 20% (4%) 
  • Navigation: 16% (5%) 
  • Ease of Use: 17% (5%) 

Students find it confusing and hard to use, especially on mobile devices. Many prefer the old PDF format, not because they resist change, but due to usability issues of the new system. Suggestions included clearer information on course availability, better support for complex degree programs, and alerts for enrollment errors. 


In response to your feedback we have updated user guides to increase clarity on system operations, increased academic training sessions and made improvements to Pathway selection.


Food Services and Retail
Student satisfaction with Food Services and Retail rose 20% between 2023 and 2025, reflecting positive changes. However, the area still has room for improvement.  

Over the past three years, students have consistently raised concerns about the cost and quality of food on campus. In 2025, almost 60% of students felt campus food was more expensive, and almost 40% believed it was lower quality than external alternatives. 




In response to student feedback new options are coming. Get ready for the grand opening of Wabi Sabi, a fresh new food outlet at Callaghan campus. Plus, Bar on the Hill has dropped the price of toasted sandwiches by 25%.


Enrolment and Timetabling
Overall satisfaction with Timetabling & Enrolment has seen a slight increase, rising from 67.6% in 2024 to 69.5% in 2025. However, satisfaction with the associated platforms, MyHub and MyTimetable, has steadily declined over the past three years.

    When asked what would improve their experience with Timetabling & Enrolment, students highlighted the following priorities: 
    • A wider range of class times available on the timetable.
    • More detailed information about the enrolment process.
    • Clearer information about how timetabling works.

    A new timetabling system for staff has gone live, which will make the process more efficient in the future. This, along with enrolment and student-facing system changes, will enable the University to create more student-friendly timetables.
    Learn how feedback shapes your student experience 
    Report published by:
    Strategy, Planning and Performance

    Student and Staff Insights
    surveys@newcastle.edu.au
    CRICOS Provider 00109J