The Office for Students has published the arrangements for the National Student Survey 2027 and set out the actions required from participating universities, colleges and other higher education providers. The publication also explains the survey timetable, provider support contacts and how results will be disseminated.
Key facts
- The publication covers the National Student Survey 2027 arrangements and provider actions.
- It applies to participating universities, colleges and other higher education providers.
- The survey is managed by the Office for Students on behalf of UK funding and regulatory bodies.
- The NSS is used to help prospective students choose courses and to inform stakeholders and policymakers.
- The publication date is 21 October 2026.
What does this mean for students and providers?
For students, the National Student Survey remains a source of information intended to help prospective applicants find the right course. For providers, the new publication is the operational guide for NSS 2027: it sets out the arrangements, the required actions and the supporting guidance attached to the survey process.
The Office for Students says the survey is managed on behalf of the OfS, the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland, Medr in Wales and the Scottish Funding Council. The publication package includes the main arrangements document, the 2027 questionnaire and separate guidance for higher education providers, plus guidance for further education colleges in England and Northern Ireland.
- Higher education providers returning student data to HESA have dedicated guidance in Annex B.
- Further education colleges in England and Northern Ireland have separate annex guidance.
- The publication also points readers to arrangements for previous survey years.
Who is responsible for the National Student Survey 2027?
The National Student Survey is managed by the Office for Students on behalf of the UK funding and regulatory bodies named in the publication: the OfS, the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland, Medr and the Scottish Funding Council. That means the survey is coordinated centrally, while providers receive the specific guidance they need to take part.
What materials are included in the 2027 publication?
The publication package includes the main National Student Survey 2027 arrangements document, the full questionnaire, guidance for higher education providers returning data to HESA, and guidance for further education colleges in England and Northern Ireland. It also lists previous years’ arrangements and related documents.
FAQ
When was the National Student Survey 2027 publication released?
It was published on 21 October 2026.
Which providers have separate guidance in the 2027 NSS publication?
Higher education providers returning student data to HESA and further education colleges in England and Northern Ireland each have dedicated guidance annexes.
