Home not to one but two renowned research universities, the QS Best Student Cities ranking has selected the Dutch capital as one of the top 25 cities around the world for students. 

QS Best Student Cities ranking 2022

The QS Best Student Cities ranking provides an annual overview of the best places to study and live as an international student, basing the ranking on a range of indicators grouped into six categories: 

• University rankings (the performance of the institution in the QS World University Rankings)
• Student mix (the number of international students and size of overall student body in comparison to local population)
• Desirability (safety and liveability)
• Employer activity (jobs for graduates)
• Affordability 
• Student view (student experience)

In order to be featured in the ranking, a city must have a population of at least 250.000 and be home to at least two universities featured in the most recent QS World University Ranking. Each city receives an overall score out of 100 which determines its place in the rankings.

With a perfect score, London has once again topped the Best Student Cities ranking thanks to the number of world-class academic institutions as well as plenty of employment opportunities for graduates. Munich claimed the second spot, with Germany one of only two countries to see two of its cities making it into the top 10. 

Amsterdam as a great city for international students

Amsterdam is the only Dutch city to qualify for this year’s rankings, and achieved a fairly respectable 21st place out of the 115 cities included in the list. With an overall score of 85 out of 100, the Dutch capital beats out other popular European student cities such as Manchester and Stockholm.

The city performed particularly well in both the desirability and student view categories, placing in sixth and 14th place respectively. Unsurprisingly to those already studying in the Netherlands, the city was let down by its performance in the affordability rank, where it came in a measly 77th place.

QS says the city’s ranking “reflects its high quality of life, vibrant student community, and good ratings from graduate employers both locally and further afield.” Its performance in the desirability category emphasises Amsterdam’s tolerance and high standard of living, as well as the abundance of art, culture and nightlife.

The best student cities in the world

According to the 2022 ranking, the best student cities in the world are:

• 1. London, United Kingdom
• 2. Munich, Germany
• =3. Seoul, South Korea
• =3. Tokyo, Japan
• 5. Berlin, Germany
• 6. Melbourne, Australia
• 7. Zurich, Switzerland
• 8. Sydney, Australia
• =9. Boston, United States
• =9. Montreal, Canada

For more information about the ranking, visit the QS website.