With Valentine’s Day approaching, we thought we’d bring you a rundown of nine of the world’s mostromantic places to study abroad! Whether you’re looking for love during your study abroad experience or just want a little romantic charm to fill the coming semesters, discover these nine romantic cities, all guaranteed to win your heart.
1. Rome
Undoubtedly among the most romantic cities in which to study in Europe, the Italian capital offers the prospect of spending sunny afternoons sipping espresso in dove-speckled piazzas with your other half. This may be a slightly romanticized version of your study abroad experience (kind of the whole point of this list…), but Rome promises charm and sophistication by the bucket load, as well as the best pasta, pizza and ice cream around. Plenty of consolations if the romance doesn’t work out after all! Rome is ranked joint 61st in the QS Best Student Cities 2016.
QS Best Student Cities ranking: joint 61st with Daejeon
Where to start with the Italian capital? Well, most people probably start with the main sights – the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, the Forum, the Spanish Steps or the catacombs. But as a student in Rome, the fun lies in discovering new sides to the “Eternal City”. Simply walking around can be a great way to feel the energy of the place – at once reminiscent of ancient Roman history and thriving with a modern, cosmopolitan vibe.
You might also want to take in a show in one of Rome’s many theaters, or enjoy a large outdoor performance at the Stadio Falminio or Olympic Stadium. The cost of living is fairly high, but Rome nonetheless receives a fairly high score in the ‘affordability’ category, a testament to its low tuition fees. And for bargain hunters, Rome’s antique fairs and flea markets offer reams of vintage and second-hand goodies waiting to be discovered.
There are a range of excellent universities in Rome, with the highest ranked being the Sapienza - Università di Roma at joint 213th in the QS World University Rankings 2015/16 , making it Italy’s third highest-ranked university.
QS ranked universities
Sapienza - Università di Roma; Universitá degli Studi di Roma - Tor Vergata; Università degli Studi Roma Tre
Top universities in Rome, based on the QS World University Rankings? 2015/16: Sapienza University of Rome (joint 213th in the world), Universita degli Studi di Roma – Tor Vergata (401-410),Università degli Studi Roma Tre (701+)
More about Rome
| Number of universities ranked by QS | 3 |
| Top ranked institution | Sapienza - Università di Roma (joint 213th in the world) |
| Population | 4,320,000 |
| Students (% of total population) | 4.4% (based on ranked institutions) |
| International students | 8.0% (of students at ranked institutions) |
| Average tuition fees | US$1,100 |
| Global Liveability Ranking | 44th (out of 140) |
| Mercer Cost of Living rank | 59th (out of 214) |
| Cost of a Big Mac | US$4.38 |
| Cost of an iPad | US$556.80 |
| Numbeo safety rank | 332nd (out of 446) |
| Numbeo pollution rank | 85th (out of 300) |
| Transparency International score | 69th (out of 177) |
2. Vienna
Austrian capital Vienna is ranked 16th in the QS Best Student Cities index, and is perfect for skiing couples and history lovers alike. If you’re on a tight student budget, you’ll be pleased to know that a romantic dinner for two in Vienna can cost very little. Tuition fees are also on the low side, making Vienna not only one of the region’s most romantic cities, but also among the most affordable places to study in Europe. Whether you want to watch couples pass by as you watch the world from a cozy café, or take a date to explore all the famed architectural artifacts and artistic legacies, Vienna is your city.
QS Best Student Cities ranking: 16th
Vienna is home to Austria's two highest-ranked universities, the University of Vienna at 153rd in the world and the Vienna University of Technology at 197th. It's also frequently ranked as one of the world's most livable cities, and offers some of the lowest tuition fees around for international students. In fact, according to the QS Best Student Cities 2016, Vienna is the most affordable city in the world’s top 20 after Berlin and Munich.
One of Europe's most historic capitals, Vienna is awash with cultural riches, from the theaters and concert halls that witnessed the earliest performances of masterpieces by Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert, to the Sigmund Freud Museum, and numerous galleries displaying the works of Viennese artists such as Gustave Klimt and Egon Schiele.
As well as consistently ranking strongly in the “desirability” category (which draws on several indicators designed to assess quality of living), Vienna also scores very well in the “student mix” field, thanks to its relatively large and internationally diverse student community. So while its selection of internationally ranked universities is much smaller than cities such as London or Paris, Vienna is pretty hard to beat as a European city offering high quality of living combined with cultural activity and affordable tuition fees.
QS ranked universities
University of Vienna; Vienna University of Technology
Top universities in Vienna: University of Vienna (153rd in the world), Vienna University of Technology (197th).
More about Vienna
| Number of universities ranked by QS | 2 |
| Top ranked institution | University of Vienna (153rd in the world) |
| Population | 2,420,000 |
| Students (% of total population) | 2.5% (based on ranked institutions) |
| International students | 30.0% (of students at ranked institutions) |
| Average tuition fees | US$500 |
| Global Liveability Ranking | 2nd (out of 140) |
| Mercer Cost of Living rank | 56th (out of 214) |
| Cost of a Big Mac | US$3.71 |
| Cost of an iPad | US$545.64 |
| Numbeo safety rank | 98th (out of 446) |
| Numbeo pollution rank | 273rd (out of 300) |
| Transparency International score | 26th (out of 177) |
3. Athens
Known as the birthplace of academia, the Greek capital is also the home of ‘Eros’, the god of love and son of Aphrodite – the counterpart to the Roman figure of Cupid. Like these deities, the city itself holds significant powers of attraction, keeping the senses saturated with dazzling sun, vivid hues, delicious Mediterranean cuisine and a multitude of modern and historic sites to explore. Rekindle flames old or new as you watch the sun set over the iconic Acropolis, and muse on all the great thinkers – and lovers – who’ve visited the same spot before.
Top universities in Athens: National Technical University of Athens (joint 376th in the world), National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (601-650), Athens University of Economy and Business (701+).
4. Buenos Aires
Although you might argue that Buenos Aires is usually associated with passion rather than romance, the Argentinian capital is nonetheless renowned as a city of seduction. It’s not just the famously sensuous tango getting people all het up; the city also offers an eclectic mix of cuisines, cultural sights and natural surroundings, perfect for exploring with a loved one or even to seek out for that perfect study abroad partner. The city also comes in at 32nd in our Best Student Cities index.
QS Best Student Cities ranking: 32nd
Part of Latin America’s second-largest metropolitan area and at the heart of the ‘Latin American boom’ of the early 21st century, Argentina’s capital is a dynamic city with growing opportunities for international students and graduates.
Argentina’s universities are renowned across Latin America for the quality of the graduates they produce, and this is reflected in Buenos Aires’ high score in the ‘employer activity’ category of the Best Student Cities index, which measures the reputation of the city’s universities among graduate recruiters. Nine universities in Buenos Aires are featured in the QS rankings, led by the Universidad de Buenos Aires at joint 124th in the world.
For students considering studying at one of the many universities in Buenos Aires, the lifestyle is likely to offer a major draw. World-renowned nightlife, enticing cuisine, a pleasant climate and one of the continent’s most vibrant arts and culture scenes combine to make Buenos Aires a favored destination for travelers of all ages and interests.
The city still has its very poor areas, accounting in part for its moderate score in the “desirability” category of the Best Student Cities index, which measures the overall quality of living, though this does mean that for many international students general living costs in Buenos Aires will be lower than at home.
QS ranked universities
Universidad de Buenos Aires; Universidad Austral; Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina Santa María de los Buenos Aires (UCA); Universidad de Belgrano; Instituto Tecnológico de Buenos Aires (ITBA); Universidad de Palermo (UP); Universidad de San Andrés; Universidad Torcuato Di Tella; Universidad Tecnológica Nacional (UTN)
Top universities in Buenos Aires: Universidad de Buenos Aires (joint 124th in the world), Universidad Austral (joint 309th), Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina Santa María de los Buenos Aires (UCA, 350th), Universidad de Belgrano (411-420), plus five more universities ranked within the top 800 in the world.
For more of the top universities in Latin America, see the latest QS University Rankings: Latin America.
More about Buenos Aires
| Number of universities ranked by QS | 9 |
| Top ranked institution | Universidad de Buenos Aires (joint 124th in the world) |
| Population | 12,740,000 |
| Students (% of total population) | 2.5% (based on ranked institutions) |
| International students | 10.0% (of students at ranked institutions) |
| Average tuition fees | US$5,500 |
| Global Liveability Ranking | 62nd (out of 140) |
| Mercer Cost of Living rank | 19th (out of 214) |
| Cost of a Big Mac | US$3.07 |
| Cost of an iPad | US$1,500.32 |
| Numbeo safety rank | 373rd (out of 446) |
| Numbeo pollution rank | 124th (out of 300) |
| Transparency International score | 106th (out of 177) |
5. Kyoto
A more tranquil alternative to the Japanese capital, Kyoto offers one of the most picturesque places to study abroad, especially during the spring and summer months, when the city’s historic temples are complemented by an abundance of cherry blossom. Ranked 21st among the world’s top cities for students in the QS Best Student Cities 2016 alongside nearby cities Osaka and Kobe, Kyoto is widely admired for its historic Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, as well as its traditional tea ceremonies. Who will you share a cup with?
Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe QS Best Student Cities ranking: 21st
This combined metropolitan area of three cities, Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe (also known as Keihanshin) is home to over 19 million people and contains seven universities ranked in the QS World University Rankings ? 2015/16. The combined GDP of the area is so strong that if it was a country, it would be within the top 20 of the world’s economies.
The former capital of Imperial Japan, Kyoto is one of the country’s leading destinations for both tourists and international students, second only to capital Tokyo. Kyoto University is currently the highest ranked institution in Japan, at 38th in the QS World University Rankings ? 2015/16.
For those who want to study in Japan but feel overwhelmed by the size and pace of Tokyo, Kyoto offers city life on a smaller scale, with plenty of opportunities to explore both traditional and modern Japanese culture – from beautiful Buddhist temples, to all-night karaoke bars and an eclectic selection of pubs and clubs.
Around 40km from Kyoto, Osaka has a long history of being an international gateway for trade, politics and knowledge. Today, it remains a key economic and cultural hub, with a large and diverse population and an economy bigger than some entire countries. It offers a good selection of art exhibitions, live music and drama, as well as being known for its excellent and varied cuisine. Universities in Osaka also hold their own, with Osaka University placing 58th in the QS World University Rankings.
The sixth largest city in Japan, Kobe is the capital of the Hyōgo Prefecture, and is home to Kobe University, which ranks joint 361st in the world. Around 1.5 million people live in Kobe, which is located about 30km west of Osaka, in a picturesque location wedged between the sea and the Rokko mountain range. It is another vibrant cosmopolitan city and strong economic hub, with international companies such as Nestlé and Procter & Gamble having bases here.
QS ranked universities
Kyoto University; Osaka University; Kobe University; Osaka Prefecture University; Osaka City University; Ritsumeikan University; Doshisha University
Top universities in Kyoto: Kyoto University (38th in the world), Ritsumeikan University (701+),Doshisha University (701+)
More about Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe
| Number of universities ranked by QS | 7 |
| Top ranked institution | Kyoto University (38th in the world) |
| Population | 19,340,000 |
| Students (% of total population) | 0.7% (based on ranked institutions) |
| International students | 5.0% (of students at ranked institutions) |
| Average tuition fees | US$5,900 |
| Global Liveability Ranking | --- |
| Mercer Cost of Living rank | --- |
| Cost of a Big Mac | US$2.99 |
| Cost of an iPad | US$488.31 |
| Numbeo safety rank | --- |
| Numbeo pollution rank | --- |
| Transparency International score | 18th (out of 177) |
6. Paris
A constant feature in lists of the world’s most romantic cities, Paris is undoubtedly one of the most amorous places to study in Europe, as well as being a frontrunner in style and sophistication across the board. Indulge in gourmet cuisine and haute couture, or enjoy the simple pleasures in life – grab some bread, cheese and your loved-one and stake out a picnic spot with a view of the Eiffel Tower. With relatively affordable fees and a huge selection of universities, Paris is also the overall number one in the QS Best Student Cities for the fourth year in a row.
QS Best Student Cities ranking: 1st
As the French capital continues to deal with the aftermath of the recent terror attacks, it retains its place at the top of the QS Best Student Cities index – topping the list for the fourth year running.
Paris’ strong placing in the ranking is largely due to its high concentration of internationally ranking universities. Home to 18 universities featured in the QS World University Rankings? 2015/16, it lays claim to comfortably more world-leading institutions than any other city on the planet except for London, which has 19.
And while Paris does have a reputation for being an expensive place to live, relatively low tuition fees mean that for students, it actually represents a more affordable destination when compared to many other popular student cities – though of course enjoying all the delights of life in this iconic European capital is certainly likely to demand quite a substantial student budget.
Elite Parisian universities and specialized schools such as ENS Paris, Ecole Polytechnique ParisTech,Sciences Po Paris, Université Paris-Sorbonne (ParisIV) and HEC Paris have produced some of the most important philosophers, theorists, scientists, politicians, business leaders and mathematicians of the last 100 years, along with seminal movements in literature, film and art. Today, Parisian graduates are targeted by a vast range of employers across the continent, as is reflected in the ‘employer activity’ component of the index.
In the end, all the measurements used to create the QS Best Student Cities still don’t capture the real appeal of studying in Paris – one of the world’s most historic, culturally vital and beautiful cities.
QS ranked universities
Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris (ENS Paris); Ecole Polytechnique ParisTech ; Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC); CentraleSupélec; Université Paris-Sorbonne (ParisIV); Sciences Po Paris; Université Paris I Pantheon-Sorbonne; Université Paris-Sud 11; Université Paris Diderot – Paris 7; Ecole Normale Supérieure de Cachan; école des Ponts ParisTech; Université Paris Dauphine; Université Paris Descartes; Université Panthéon-Assas (Paris 2); Université Paris Ouest Nanterre La Défense; ESCP Europe; ESSEC Business School, Paris; HEC Paris
Top universities in Paris: ENS Paris (23rd in the world), Ecole Polytechnique ParisTech (40th), Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC, joint 137th), Université Paris-Sorbonne (Paris IV) (222nd). For more top universities in Paris, see this article.
More about Paris
| Number of universities ranked by QS | 18 |
| Top ranked institution | ENS Paris (23rd in the world) |
| Population | 12,292,895 |
| Students (% of total population) | 2.1% (based on ranked institutions) |
| International students | 18.0% (of students at ranked institutions) |
| Average tuition fees | US$2,300 |
| Global Liveability Ranking | 29th (out of 140) |
| Mercer Cost of Living rank | 46th (out of 214) |
| Cost of a Big Mac | US$4.49 |
| Cost of an iPad | US$556.80 |
| Numbeo safety rank | 324th (out of 446) |
| Numbeo pollution rank | 122nd (out of 300) |
| Transparency International score | 22nd (out of 177) |
7. New York City
What could be more romantic than road-side pretzels, glistening skylines and honking taxis? Although you might not think of New York City as one of the world’s most romantic cities, anyone who spends much time here is bound to end up falling in love with the place. The city’s diverse array of venues and scenes means that whatever your interests, you’re guaranteed to find a likeminded soul. To add to the attraction for students, New York also boasts one of the world’s most impressive selections of internationally ranked universities. Whether it’s love at first sight or a slow-burning affair, NYC wins every heart in the end.
QS Best Student Cities ranking: 20th
From architecture and arts to finance and innovation, New York City is one of the world’s undoubted leaders in almost every field imaginable – and this includes higher education. With 11 internationally ranked universities located in the New York City area, it’s long been a magnet for international students seeking the finest education money can buy – not to mention the chance to live in such an iconic and dynamic metropolis.
Few other cities can rival the high concentration of world-class universities in the NYC area – New York is one of the highest scoring cities in the ‘university rankings’ category of the QS Best Student Cities index. The main factor preventing NYC from getting a higher overall position is its low score for affordability; top-dollar tuition fees combine with relatively high overall living costs to make this one of the world’s more expensive study options.
But for those for whom it is a financially viable option, New York offers a virtually inexhaustible supply of things to see and do. Home to many of the most important movers and shakers in world culture, business, finance and the media, and pulsating with energy 24/7, the Big Apple will keep throwing up enough surprises and new experiences to keep you going for an entire lifetime, let alone the duration of your degree program.
QS ranked universities
Columbia University; New York University (NYU); Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick; Yeshiva University; University of Delaware; City University of New York; Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey, Newark; New School University; Stevens Institute of Technology; Fordham University; Rockefeller University
Top universities in New York: Columbia University (22nd in the world), New York University (NYU, 53rd), Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick (joint 269th). For more top universities in New York, see this article.
More about New York
| Number of universities ranked by QS | 11 |
| Top ranked institution | Columbia University (22nd in the world) |
| Population | 20,090,000 |
| Students (% of total population) | 1.5% (based on ranked institutions) |
| International students | 13.0% (of students at ranked institutions) |
| Average tuition fees | US$35,000 |
| Global Liveability Ranking | 55th (out of 140) |
| Mercer Cost of Living rank | 16th (out of 214) |
| Cost of a Big Mac | US$4.79 |
| Cost of an iPad | US$540.17 |
| Numbeo safety rank | 247th (out of 446) |
| Numbeo pollution rank | 140th (out of 300) |
| Transparency International score | 19th (out of 177) |
8. Prague
A city of pretty archways, medieval architecture and vibrant nightlife, Prague has got to be another of the most romantic places to study in Europe. The Czech capital offers many charms comparable to those of Paris – beautiful riverside views, world-renowned art, great food and drink – as well as an even more attractive price tag. Wander the historic cobblestoned streets arm in arm, and find your own favorite among the city’s many cozy places to eat and drink. Regardless of how long your romance lasts, Prague promises to keep offering new delights.
QS Best Student Cities ranking: joint 39th withShanghai
Having entered the QS Best Student Cities in the 2014 edition, Prague retains its place among the world’s top cities for students in 2016, climbing 10 places this year. The capital of the Czech Republic boasts three universities ranked among the world’s best. Its leading institution, Charles University, is joined in the QS World University Rankings? 2015/16 by the Czech Technical University in Prague and the University of Economics, Prague.
The resulting large and internationally diverse student community gives Prague a strong score in the “student mix” category of the index. It gains its second strongest score for “affordability”; while international tuition fees are in the mid-range, Prague is a less expensive place to live than many of the other entrants in the QS Best Student Cities, according to Mercer’s Cost of Living Survey.
Though still establishing itself as an international study destination, Prague is already a staple in the list of top European city-break destinations, thanks to its striking castle, UNESCO-listed medieval Old Town, and thriving arts, museums and nightlife. In recent years, it’s also been recognized as an international innovation hub, ranked 29th in the Innovation Cities Index.
QS ranked universities
Charles University; Czech Technical University in Prague; University of Economics, Prague
Top universities in Prague: Charles University (279th in the world), Czech Technical University in Prague (451-460), University of Economics, Prague (NA)
More about Prague
| Number of universities ranked by QS | 3 |
| Top ranked institution | Charles University (279th in the world) |
| Population | 2,160,000 |
| Students (% of total population) | 4.2% (based on ranked institutions) |
| International students | 15.0% (of students at ranked institutions) |
| Average tuition fees | US$4,800 |
| Global Liveability Ranking | 59th (out of 140) |
| Mercer Cost of Living rank | 142nd (out of 214) |
| Cost of a Big Mac | US$2.83 |
| Cost of an iPad | US$557.09 |
| Numbeo safety rank | 122nd (out of 446) |
| Numbeo pollution rank | 201st (out of 300) |
| Transparency International score | 57th (out of 177) |
9. Istanbul
Finally, Turkey’s Istanbul is the perfect place to study for loved-up explorers, ready to combine the vibrant life and bustle of the city center with opportunities for quieter quality time together. Escape from the busy streets by visiting the islands just off of the city’s shores, or spend a special moment together soaking in a dazzling sunset across the seascape. Istanbul’s vibrant culture and centuries of historic architecture provide two more reasons to fall in love with the place, from the all-round sensory immersion of the spice market to the luxury-laden Topkapi Palace.
Top universities in Istanbul: Bogazici University (441-450 in the world), Koc University (481-490),Istanbul Technical University (551-600), Istanbul University (701+)
