The latest Global HE Student Wellbeing Survey by YouGov and Studiosity offers a crucial lens into the evolving experiences, expectations, and anxieties of today's students in this changing higher ed environment.
This ninth annual report, which this year surveyed over 10,224 university/college students across eight countries (Australia, Canada, KSA, New Zealand, Singapore, UAE, UK, and the USA) provides qualitative feedback and data for university educators leaders who are aiming to foster student success and wellbeing.
Let's look at some of the major points emerging from this year's comprehensive study.
1. AI disruption: Opportunity meets... apprehension
In short: Artificial Intelligence is embedded in student life, but it is a double-edged sword for students.
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A significant 79% of students have used AI tools for their assignments or study tasks.
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But this widespread adoption comes with a caveat: 68% of students report experiencing some level of stress when using AI tools as part of their studies.
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There's a global split in confidence regarding institutional adaptation. While 56% of students feel their universities are adapting quickly enough to AI, those in the UK (53%) and Canada (52%) are more skeptical.
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Expectations for university-provided AI support are particularly high in Singapore (69%), the UAE (70%), and Saudi Arabia (68%).
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The primary motivator for students to use AI is often "confidence" – to check they are on the right track – notably in New Zealand (31%), Australia (25%), and the UK (25%).
2. Wellbeing, belonging, and connection - mixed, with pragmatic next steps
In short: Student wellbeing remains a paramount concern, with belonging and stress levels showing notable variations.
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Globally, 69% of students report a strong sense of belonging at their university. However, this figure is notably lower in Australia (62%) and the UK (65%).
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A critical gap in peer support exists: 42% of students were not provided with a first-year student mentor, and over half of these (55%) would have liked one.
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36% of students experience daily or constant stress, a slight decrease from 40% in 2024. Weekly stress is common, particularly in Australia and New Zealand (33% each).
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The factors driving this sense of belonging differ regionally. For instance, confidence to reach out to teachers is key in the UK (64%), while a flexible schedule is highly valued in Australia (63%) and Singapore (62%). Access to mental health support is a significant factor in Saudi Arabia (47%) and Canada (44%).
3. Employability: General confidence, with regional nuance
In short: Students are generally optimistic about their future job prospects, but regional anxieties persist.
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59% of students are confident in securing a job within six months of graduation, an increase from 55% previously.
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However, concerns about post-graduation employment are higher in Canada and the UK. For example, 20% of UK students and 14% of Canadian students disagree they will get a job related to their degree within 6 months.
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74% of students agree their degree is developing necessary future job skills, though Canadian students (68%) are less confident in this aspect.
4. Actionable insights for higher education leadership
In short: The report strongly advocates for proactive institutional responses.
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Develop clear AI policies: Given high student use of AI, there's a pressing need to systematically guide AI literacy and ethical use.
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Increase student support and mentoring: With nearly a third (31%) not feeling a sense of belonging and over a third (36%) experiencing daily/constant stress, enhancing support structures, including mentoring, is vital.
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Align curricula with job needs: As 26% of students are not confident their degree provides necessary job skills, aligning curricula with current and future employment demands is crucial.
The path forward?
This 2025 report underscores a pivotal moment for higher education.
While students globally share common challenges and aspirations, their experiences are nuanced by regional and institutional contexts. Addressing student stress, fostering a genuine sense of belonging, thoughtfully integrating AI into the learning journey, and ensuring graduates are career-ready are not just desirable outcomes in this 'AI age', but essential commitments for institutions dedicated to student success.
The 2025 data serves as a call to action for continued investment in quality teaching and learning, alongside an unwavering and adaptive commitment to collective student wellbeing.
Are you a researcher at a Studiosity partner institution? We respond to dataset requests each year to those interested in the pursuit of student support and wellbeing. Contact your Partner Services Manager for your free custom dataset.
