QS Best Student Cities ranking
The capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is a hugely popular tourist destination, known for its pretty canals, art scene (both historic and contemporary), café culture and generally laid-back and tolerant character.
While Amsterdam doesn’t have the huge selection of high-ranking universities claimed by the likes of London and Paris, its flagship University of Amsterdam certainly holds its own.
Aside from all those picture-postcard views, the city does have its seedier side – of which the notorious Red Light District is the commercialized, tourist-friendly face. As a student, you’ll have plenty of time to explore Amsterdam’s pleasanter delights: spend a day rummaging through a flea market, admiring the works of the great masters up-close, or discovering great new street art; head to the latest hot music venue, enjoy cycling beside the pretty waterways, or spend an afternoon (and evening) at your favorite café, catching up with friends.
Amsterdam receives a very high score for desirability, reflecting its safety and high quality of life. It also prompts good reviews from many students, with one survey respondent praising the city’s lifestyle and inclusivity: “Amsterdam offers incredibly high living standards and is very open towards the LGBT community.” Another commented, “The city is very tolerant and full of art and culture, plus the nightlife is amazing.”
Would Amsterdam get your vote? Tell us why.
Internationally ranked universities in Amsterdam
To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.