The QS Top Universities rankings identify more than just the best universities in the world. The company recently released their QS Best Student Cities 2013-2014 ranking, a list of the top 50 student cities in the world. Amsterdam ranked 5th in the quality of living category, taking 36th place overall.

How Amsterdam compares to other cities

14 different factors that fall under the five categories of affordability, employer activity, quality of living, student mix, and university rankings were taken into account when calculating the results. Amsterdam was the fifth highest scorer in the quality of living category with 94 points, just behind Munich (97), Sydney and Zurich (99), and the top city of Vienna (100).

With beautiful canals to stroll along, a thriving art scene, diverse cafe culture, and world renowned tolerant attitude, the student lifestyle in this picturesque city is hard to top. The city, and the country of the Netherlands as a whole, has a very strong biking culture, helping students get around quickly, easily, and cheaply. There are also many great music venues to enjoy, as well as distinct neighbourhoods such as the lovely ‘garden’ district, called the Jordaan, and the shop-filled “Nine Streets” (Negen Straatjes). Over 1 million people live in Amsterdam, many from different countries and cultures, making it an excellent study destination for international students.

In the university rankings, student mix, and employer activity categories, Amsterdam scored 64, 57, and 61, respectively. The city scored the lowest in the affordability category with 40, on par with Melbourne and just 1 point below London, making it one of the most expensive cities in the list. Together, the combined scores of all the categories ranked Amsterdam in 36th place out of the top 50.

Amsterdam has two universities ranked in the QS Top Universities rankings. The University of Amsterdam is 58th in the world, while VU University Amsterdam ranks in the top 200.

Source: topuniversities.com/city-rankings/2013