Inside the minds of Higher Ed: The 2025 assessment outlook
UNIWISE ANNUAL REPORT 2025
A sector in transformation
Higher education is undergoing a profound digital transformation, with assessment practices at the forefront. Across Europe and beyond, universities and colleges are embracing digital assessment not just as a necessity, but as a strategic lever for institutional efficiency, enhanced educational quality, and more effective use of resources.
This transformation is being driven by a combination of factors: rapid technological innovation, shifting pedagogical needs, increased focus on cost and growing demands for flexibility, security, and accountability. Institutions are not only responding to external pressures. They are actively seeking smarter, more scalable solutions that align with their strategic priorities.
The UNIwise Annual Market Survey, drawing on 64 responses from a diverse and experienced cohort of higher education professionals, provides a unique window into the realities, challenges, and aspirations shaping digital assessment today. The findings offer actionable insights for institutions navigating this evolving landscape and for those considering the adoption of dedicated digital assessment platforms.
The survey results indicate that digital assessment has become the standard practice in higher education, with most respondents reporting high familiarity, ease of use, and confidence in digital exam integrity. The satisfaction with support and training is also strong, and most would recommend their current digital assessment solutions to peers.
Key highlights:
Digital is the norm: 80% of respondents engage frequently or always with digital exams and assessments.
High comfort and confidence: 80% feel comfortable, and 70% are confident in the security and integrity of digital exams.
Ease of use: 62% rate digital exams as easy or very easy to conduct.
Positive impact: 53% believe digital assessment improves student performance and engagement compared to paper-based exams.
Strong advocacy: 79% would recommend their digital assessment solution to peers.
Top drivers: Administrative efficiency, flexibility, student satisfaction, and better feedback.
Main barriers: Cheating concerns, gaps in platform capabilities, resistance to change, and insufficient support for STEM subjects.
