The University of Chester was crowned international university of the year at the 2024 Whatuni Student Choice Awards in London on April 24.
The institution in northern England beat off competition from nine other shortlisted finalists in the international category.
In 12 categories, the University of Sheffield was named University of the Year, as well as top for Students’ Union.
The WUSCAs, running for the 11th year in 2024, saw more than 100 institutions participate, with winners based on reviews from 39,000+ students.
Student satisfaction is up, which the education sector should be proud of, CEO of IDP Connect, Simon Emmett, said.
“This year’s WUSCAs are a celebration of the extraordinary efforts that institutions put into making student experiences exceptional.
“I’m honoured to work in the higher education sector and delighted to see significant increases in student satisfaction for both domestic and international students, despite some of the negative press coverage we’ve seen lately.”
Chester was recognised in the Student Support and Postgraduate categories, and also received the silver award for University of the Year.
“It is a tremendous honour to be recognised in this way by our students, and evidences the University’s commitment to the student experience despite the economic challenges the whole higher education sector is facing,” vice-chancellor of the University of Chester, Eunice Simmons, said.
“Thank you to all the students who voted through their reviews, and everyone in our University community who works to continually enhance the student experience, and provide an excellent education at all levels and areas of study, enriching the lives of our graduates, and making them ‘world ready’.”
Sheffield also won Best Students’ Union for the seventh year running and the award for Best Student Life, alongside the University of the Year accolade.
“This recognition is a reflection of the tireless efforts of our entire University community – our dedicated and supportive staff, and of course, our incredible students,” Mary Vincent, vice-president for Education at the University of Sheffield, said.
“Thank you to all institutions that participated in WUSCAs 2024 for believing in the power and importance of the student voice and huge congratulations to all this year’s winners,” Emmett added.
Past winners of the international WUSCA have included University College Birmingham, Nottingham Trent and the University of Exeter.
The full list of winners for 2024 includes:
University of the Year: The University of Sheffield
Career Prospects: Harper Adams University
Lecturers and Teaching Quality: Rose Bruford College
Students’ Union: The University of Sheffield
Halls and Student Accommodation: University of Lincoln
Facilities: Loughborough University
Student Life: The University of Sheffield
Student Support: University of Chester
International: University of Chester
Postgraduate: University of Chester
Small or Specialist: Norland College
Submission-based Award: University of Suffolk
