DMU crowned the UK’s best university for careers, value and learning by international students

De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) has earned a major vote of confidence from its international community after being named the UK’s top university for careers support, learning experience and value for money in the latest International Student Barometer (ISB). The ISB, which remains the largest global survey of international student satisfaction, collected feedback from more than 93,000 students across 135 universities worldwide between September and December 2025. DMU’s results place it not only at the top of the UK charts, but also among the most highly rated institutions globally.

This year’s findings show a university that has been steadily strengthening its offer. DMU ranked first in the UK across three categories that matter deeply to international students: career preparation, quality of learning and overall value. It also secured third place in the UK and tenth in the world for overall satisfaction. The university’s overall satisfaction score rose to 92 per cent, a five‑point increase since 2022, and its Net Promoter Score reached 40, significantly above global benchmarks.

International students reported feeling confident and well supported throughout their time at DMU. 95% said they felt prepared for their future career goals, while 93 percent believed their course offered strong value for money. The welcome experience for new arrivals was rated at 97 per cent, reflecting the university’s emphasis on ensuring a smooth transition for students arriving from overseas. Support services also received high praise, with a 95 per cent satisfaction rating.

One of the most striking findings from the ISB relates to inclusion. Students at DMU reported feeling less likely to experience discrimination based on race or nationality compared with peers at other institutions. This aligns with the university’s long‑standing commitment to equality and its achievement as the first UK university to receive the Silver Race Equality Charter award.

Responding to the results, Chris McCafferty, DMU’s Head of International Operations, said the recognition reflects the dedication of staff across the university who work to ensure international students feel welcomed, supported and equipped for future success. He emphasised that international students play an important role not only within the university but also in the wider Leicester community, and that their feedback reinforces DMU’s position as one of the best places in the world to study.

DMU: A university shaped by innovation, diversity and real‑world learning

Located in the heart of Leicester, De Montfort University has built a reputation for combining academic strength with a practical, career‑focused approach to education. The university attracts students from more than 130 countries and offers a wide range of programmes across four faculties: Arts, Design and Humanities; Business and Law; Computing, Engineering and Media; and Health and Life Sciences.

DMU’s teaching is closely connected to industry, with many courses developed in collaboration with employers to ensure graduates are ready for the workplace. Its employability programme, DMU Works, provides students with access to placements, internships, mentoring and global opportunities that help them build confidence and experience long before graduation.

The campus itself blends modern facilities with creative spaces designed to support collaboration and innovation. What sets DMU apart, however, is its commitment to inclusion and student wellbeing. The university’s diverse community, strong support services and global outlook have helped it become one of the UK’s most welcoming destinations for international students.

With its latest ISB results, DMU has reinforced its position as a university that not only listens to its students but actively shapes its future around their needs, a quality that continues to attract learners from around the world.