Alumni are also largely positive. The Kunsten-Monitor 2025 – the national survey among graduates of Dutch arts universities – shows that two-thirds of surveyed HKU alumni would choose the same programme at HKU again. A total of 272 alumni participated in the survey (31% of graduates from 2023 and 2024).
Satisfied with teachers and programme content
Current students are positive about their educators. They experience them as committed, academically knowledgeable, and well connected to professional practice. Students also value the open atmosphere, in which there is room for questions and dialogue.
Across most themes, HKU scores well in the NSE and performs similarly to last year, including in comparison with other arts universities. This applies, among other things, to programme content and structure, study guidance, engagement, and contact. In many areas, HKU also scores above the national average for universities of applied sciences.
The Arts Monitor also shows that alumni are satisfied with the education they received. They are noticeably more positive than last year about the coherence of the curriculum. Compared with other Dutch arts universities, HKU’s education continues to receive strong appreciation.
Attention to assessment, flexibility and professional practice
The NSE shows that scores relating to assessment and evaluation remain stable, but continue to require attention. Students are also critical about the flexibility of the programme and the opportunities to shape their studies more according to their own preferences. This was this year’s selected focus theme within the NSE.
Both the NSE and the Arts Monitor also underline the importance of a strong connection with professional practice. Students and alumni appreciate the knowledge foundation HKU provides for working as makers and artists. At the same time, alumni indicate that preparation for the business and entrepreneurial side of the profession could be stronger.
HKU is working to further strengthen entrepreneurship within its programmes and to intensify contact with the professional field. This aligns with the ambitions set out in HKU’s multi-year strategy.
Continuous evaluation to stimulate improvement
The NSE is the most extensive national survey among students in higher education. This year, over 248,000 students answered the survey. The Kunsten-Monitor is held annually among the graduates of all higher arts academies in the Netherlands.
Together, these surveys provide insight into how the education is appreciated during and after the study period. They form an important addition to HKU’s internal evaluations and help us to focus our further improvement of our education, to the benefit of both our current and future students.