Submitted by chloe@qs.com
on Wed, 07/24/2019 - 16:11
Top 10 Student Cities According to Students in 2019 main image
The QS Best Student Cities 2019 includes a ‘Student View’ indicator, based on a short survey completed by 87,000 students and recent graduates.
The survey takes into account several factors; arts and culture, affordability, nightlife, employment opportunities, diversity, tolerance and inclusion, ease of getting around, and friendliness. The indicator also considers students’ overall opinion of the city, as well as perceptions of employment opportunities after graduation− its availability and the quality of the graduate employers. It is worth noting that the student experience is different to desirability, suggesting that students’ experience may be different to their expectation of the city.
Honorable mentions
Despite not being in the top 10 for student view, these cities certainly deserve a mention!
Tokyo - best in the world for desirability and 24th in student rank, as well as second overall in the Best Student Cities index.
Sydney - ranked as one of the top five for staying after graduation and coming 22nd for the student view indicator and ninth overall.
Budapest - ranked highest for affordability and placed in the top 50 in the student view indicator.
Edinburgh - narrowly missing out by one place in the top 10 of the student view ranking, Edinburgh comes in at 15th overall in the Best Student Cities index.
Known as the ‘Big Apple’, this awe-inspiring city comes joint ninth in the student view indicator this year and comes in at 19th overall in the Best Student Cities index. Known for its magnificent display of skyscrapers, New York City is long renowned for being the land of opportunity. Proving this to be true, with no less than 10 top ranked universities, including prestigious Ivy League institution Columbia University, ranked 18th in the world in the QS World University Rankings® 2020, New York is most definitely amongst the best cities in the world in terms of education.
As Frank Sinatra sang in ‘New York, New York’, "if you can make it here you’ll make it anywhere”, and indeed, many international students have made it there, and when asked about what they like about the city that never sleeps, were able to sum up the city’s appeal in a very simple way; "You always have something to do - it’s New York!”
The UK’s capital city, and the home of many great leaders, writers and artists, London has captured the hearts and minds of many travelers with its rich cultural heritage. It is officially ranked number one in the world in the Best Student Cities 2019, and takes third place for the employer activity indicator.
This city falls down on only one indicator -- its affordability. This is due to its high cost of living and high rents compared to the rest of the UK. Despite this, the 18 esteemed universities in the UK featured in the QS World University Rankings (the highest number in any city in the world) arguably make up for this.
London shares ninth place in the student view indicator this year, with one student remarking: "It is one of the global financial capitals as well as one of the most historic places in the world. London is steeped in culture and has endless amount of things to do. Finally, there are great employment opportunities in this city."
In eighth place according to students is the capital of the Czech Republic, Prague, which places 35th in the Best Student Cities index this year. A top European travel destination, Prague’s breath-taking architecture is known worldwide. Prague is also in possession of four top universities, which all feature in the QS World University Rankings.
It also scores highly in the student mix indicator, climbing seven places this year to 34th, reflecting the diversity in the student population. The third highest in the affordability indicator on this list, students tell us they enjoy the "affordability of everything and the fantastic sights”, as well as the city’s “integration of culture and diversity”, meaning that international students can enjoy this incredible city without breaking the bank.
With an eclectic array of skyscrapers, historical buildings and parks, as well as a fusion of modern features with bygone landmarks, it’s unsurprising that Boston features in seventh in the student view indicator, and also climbed one place this year to 12th overall in the QS Best Student Cities. It also claims the highest score in the US for the student view indicator, beating New York by three places.
Describing itself as having ‘a small town feel with big city attributes’, Boston is home to the world leading Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as well as the prestigious Harvard University, which rank first and third respectively. Undoubtably thanks to its first rate educational facilities, Boston is a great place to be a student, with students and graduates describing it as “a beautiful and diverse city” with “a number of opportunities available for students”.
The Czech Republic’s second-largest city, Brno rises three places this year to rank sixth in the student view indicator. At 60th place in the QS Best Student Cities this year, Brno has the highest student ratio of all the cities in this list, indicating that this is a city with a large student presence (great for meeting new people!) One student commented on Brno’s student diversity: "The exposure you get in this city is awesome - so many different people from different countries come here to study".
Ridden with canals, and with pieces of history dotted around the city, the capital of the Netherlands will not disappoint. Every corner of this city screams fun, and consequently it has risen two places this year to become students’ fifth favorite student city. Amsterdam also ranks highly in the desirability indicator, again coming in at fifth worldwide, indicating that it truly is one of students’ top choices when it comes to cities. And why not? With no shortage of museums, bars, galleries and nightclubs, Amsterdam is a student’s dream city!
The capital and largest city in Germany, Berlin comes in at an impressive fourth place in the student view indicator, climbing four places from last year. This city gains a high score in the ‘staying after university’ indicator, displaying the draw of Germany’s booming economy and strong graduate prospects.
An interesting fact about Berlin is that the city has more museums than it has rainy days in the year (with 180 museums, and only 106 rainy days on average)—meaning there’s plenty to entertain yourself with when the weather isn’t so good! When asked what they liked most about studying in Berlin, students told us they liked the “laid-back attitude” of the city and "the opportunities that are available in both your work and your social life".
Coming third overall in both the student view indicator and overall in the Top Student Cities list, Melbourne is Australia’s number one city in the Best Student Cities list. The city also scores well for desirability, rising one place to rank seventh worldwide.
Known as Australia’s cultural capital, Melbourne ranks top in the student mix indicator and is home to a very diverse student community. Students state that they loved the city’s “beautiful suburbs” as well as having the opportunity to “explore the hustling and bustling city life while receiving quality education”.
Last year students voted Montréal in Canada as their top student city, but this year’s results see it drop to second place. Despite this, the city still enjoys a high score for desirability and is in the top 20 for students staying in the city after graduation. Diversity is something that students mentioned frequently when asked about their favorite thing about Montréal, and this is reflected in the student mix indicator, where it comes in at 10th place overall.
Other aspects of the city that were pointed out by students include the city’s excellent transport links, with one student stating "It’s so easy to get around”, as well as having a friendly and inclusive atmosphere.
Surpassing Montréal, Germany’s Munich reaches the top spot this year, ranking first in the student view indicator and earning the title of students’ best student city. It has also rose by two spots in the overall Best Student Cities ranking, getting to fourth place, again overtaking Montréal as well as Paris. The city ranks well in all areas; particularly desirability and employer activity (where it is within the top 20 for both) so it’s understandable that it takes third place in the ‘staying after graduation’ category.
So why do students love Munich? One student praises the "safety and cleanliness of the city” while another admires its "great universities and career development opportunities”. It’s also undoubtedly a very fun and lively city to study in, with the Oktoberfest beer festival attracting millions of visitors every year.
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Does your student city deserve to be in this list? Take our short survey to tell us why and help create next year’s edition of the QS Best Student Cities index.
Find out which student cities were ranked among the top 10 by students themselves, according to the ‘Student View’ category of the QS Best Student Cities.
With business school application season upon us, we thought now would be as good a time as ever to consider what you should and shouldn’t do when it comes to submitting that all-important business school application.
Although it can feel overwhelming at times, it’s good to know what you can do to help make the rigorous process a little easier, while ensuring that business schools are getting the best of you in your application.
So, we’ve teamed up with IE Business School to find out what 10 things you should bear in mind when it comes to applying to business school.
Don’t follow the crowd – pick the perfect degree program for you
There are a lot of options out there when it comes to finding the perfect postgraduate degree program for you. Whether it’s an on-campus experience you’re after, or you’re thinking of pursuing an online degree so you can study at a time and pace that suits you, you’ll need to do your research.
IE Business School offers a wide range of degree programs that cater to the diverse needs and interests of current and aspiring business professionals around the world.
You may have heard about a dozen different business schools which offer outstanding master’s programs in finance or management, but if your passion is to study an MBA, you’d do well to pursue a course that you’re passionate about and is right for you.
This is where university rankings can help…
Do make the most of university rankings
Although university rankings can only offer a snapshot of what an institution and its degree programs have to offer, they’re still a very useful resource especially when it comes to whittling down your options between multiple business schools.
Do get in touch with the business school (or schools) you’re interested in
Once you’ve got a good idea of not just what you want to study, but where you want to study, getting in touch with business schools is a great way to find out more information.
Dig deep and find out whether they have any events, such as open days where you can visit the campus, and meet with professors and current students. Of course, if you’re looking to apply to an international institution, this may not be as easy. Many business schools offer a virtual campus tour, and even run their own international event fairs.
Do take the GMAT/GRE exams seriously
Although you need to be sure to check the specific entry requirements for each school you apply to, the GMAT/GRE exams are almost always necessary when it comes to applying to business school.
The GMAT is the most common entry exam for business school admissions and focuses more on your numerical and analytical skills, while the GRE is more versatile and assesses the way you think about business.
Don’t apply too early
Wait, what? It may sound counter-productive, and we’re not saying the opposite and for you to leave your application until the last minute. What we’re saying is, don’t rush anything. Give yourself enough time to do the best job possible and make sure it’s the best it can be.
Don’t be afraid to criticize your own application
You’re going to want to make sure your application shines brightest when the admissions team filter through the myriad of other stand-out applications, so you need to make sure every possible qualification, skill and experience you have is on it.
However, you’re going to need to be strict and consider what are the most critical elements of your application that need to be kept in, and what can be chucked out.
You’d benefit from having some fresh eyes look over your application, so ask a friend or family member to go over it and see how it comes across to them. Does your application sound genuine? Are you playing down your achievements? Don’t give the admissions team any reason to doubt your application.
Which brings us on to our next point…
Do make each application personal
Your application is essentially the digital version of you as a person. If you can get your personality and positive attitude across in words before the admissions team have even met you yet, then you’re doing well.
But be careful! If you’re applying to several business schools, make sure you demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of what each school stands for. Make sure your admissions essay is honest and reflects your interest in that particular business school and the degree program you’re applying to.
Do stick to the deadline
Mark your calendar as deadlines can come around a lot quicker than you may realize, and most business schools refuse to give extensions.
Do make sure to prepare all necessary documents
This includes an up-to-date CV, degree transcripts (which may need to be translated depending on where you studied your undergraduate degree), admissions essay (see above), up-to-date TOEFL exam results, as well as GRE or GMAT scores.
Business schools all have their own checklist when it comes to what is required when you apply, so double check with each school before you send anything off.
And finally… don’t panic!
If something goes wrong, or you weren’t successful the first time round, you may want to take a step back and think about what it is you could do to try and make your application even stronger next time. You haven’t missed your only shot at an MBA, so relax and start the process again.
This article was originally published on July 24th, 2019.
Every year for the last 10 years, the Hult Prize has challenged young entrepreneurs to think innovatively and come up with a solution that responds to a pressing social global challenge. Previous challenges have included finding solutions for access to clean water, the refugee crisis and the global food crisis.
This year, the brief was to solve the problem of youth unemployment, and the winning proposal has to generate 10,000 jobs for young university students.
Daniela Chiang, Ana Paula Dianderas, Anthonella Mondragón and Cesar Barriga from the University of Lima took on this challenge. In April this year, they travelled to Ecuador to take part in the regional stage of the competition, and won over 50 proposals from around the world as well as being placed among the 25 best proposals that passed the Accelerator stage.
With Daniela and Anthonella both studying industrial engineering, Cesar studying system engineering, and Ana studying finance, the group have a broad base of knowledge. They worked together to create their innovative program ‘Superminds After School’, which provides private classes to school students to improve their learning.
We spoke with the group of four students to find out more about their experience so far and how they think it’s benefitted them personally, professionally and academically.
Can you give us some background information about the competition? What is it? What is the aim of the competition? What is the prize?
The Hult Prize is akin to the Nobel prize. Together with the United Nations, the organizers train young leaders from all over the world to create a business model which sustainably solves the world’s most complicated global and social problems. This year more than 200,000 students from 120 countries competed for 35 places in the Acceleration program in London.
At the end of the program, six teams will be chosen to present their ideas at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, and one team will win one million dollars in start-up capital.
Can you tell us a bit about 'Superminds After School' and how you came up with the idea?
The idea was born with Daniela and Ana Paula who used to teach after-school classes. They started with two students, but the demand kept growing until they couldn’t maintain it by themselves.
Superminds is a movement of young people who believe that quality education can change lives. They connect young adults with students through a platform so they can capitalize on their knowledge by becoming tutors.
Taking a class with Superminds allows children in vulnerable situations to receive academic reinforcement.
What made you decide to take part in the competition?
The challenge of being able to generate 10,000 jobs for young people was very attractive. Above all, it was aligned to our objectives as an enterprise since we want to be a scalable and replicable platform.
What expectations did you have when it came to the competition?
It was the first time we participated in a contest outside of Peru. We had a lot of expectation to see projects and young people like us who are looking for new ways of do business where social impact is the central axis of entrepreneurship.
When we arrived at the competition, we felt an empowering environment that inspired and motivated everyone to be part of a generation that is looking forward to making a positive impact on society.
What elements of your degrees do you think have helped you prepare and create a winning regional project?
We are an interdisciplinary team, which allows us to have different perspectives and contributions that enrich our proposal. We have found in our differences a synergy that complements us, the passion of working while doing good and the power of education.
We think it’s very important to work individually and as a team. In doing so, we will be the best version of ourselves to communicate and inspire.
In what ways do you think you’ve benefited from taking part in the competition?
Being part of Hult Prize has been an incredible adventure. During each part of the process we have learned so many different things. When we started, we had the challenge of explaining our business model in five minutes, then we had to build the business plan for our enterprise.
There’s also the challenge of creating a network of people who believe in the idea and can guide us throughout the journey.
All the benefits and opportunities that have been given to us by participating in this, we hope to give back by generating opportunities for other young people to live this experience.
What has the experience been like so far, both academically and socially?
Academically we have been able to practice what we learned in our classes, and socially we’re creating a network with global mentors and leaders who support us by sharing their knowledge and experience.
How do you feel about the final in New York in September?
The experience of being in the Accelerator program in London and learning from great leaders is a dream come true. Nevertheless, we are working very hard to be one of the final teams that go to New York in September. We believe it’s a great challenge to represent our country and entrepreneurship in Latin America.
We truly believe in this new business model, so we plan to continue with this project with all the tools which we will learn during the competition.
The Hult Prize is one of the most prestigious awards in the world of education. Find out what’s in store for these four University of Lima students after they won the regional stage of the prize.
Submitted by craig@qs.com
on Tue, 07/23/2019 - 16:37
QS-Concordia University Scholarship: 2019 Winner main image
Every year, QS and Concordia University in Canada collaborate to offer a scholarship to one lucky international postgraduate student. The scholarship has this year been awarded to Camelia Layachi, who will now be exempt from paying the international fee rate at Concordia.
We caught up with Camelia to learn more about how this scholarship will benefit her and also to find out her top tips for anyone applying for a scholarship this year.
What are you planning to study, and why did you choose Concordia University?
I have an Interior Architecture and Environmental Design degree and I'm planning to study for a thesis-based Master in Design.
The reason why I choose Concordia and design studies is that I've always been captivated by creative and collaborative environments. In my previous architectural projects, I have always placed a particular emphasis on issues related to sustainability whether environmental or social.
It was, therefore, natural to opt for Concordia, known for being the first Canadian university to issue a sustainable bond and to actively support sustainability culture on campus.
What do you hope to gain from your degree? How will it affect your career plans?
In my home country of Morocco, architectural practice mostly addresses issues within the discipline's boundaries, so few societal and environmental features are being implemented in the design process.
My degree, along with my research, will allow me to come up with design strategies by examining the social dimension of sustainability in order to create a new understanding of sustainable interiors.
How did you find the scholarship application process? How many sources of financial aid did you approach?
The scholarship application process was pretty comprehensive. The questions of the essay encourage you to express your individuality and your motivations which I think are fair selection criteria.
I had very few sources of financial aid, probably due to my lack of knowledge of what steps need to be taken. Applying for financial aid can be intimidating at first but attending the QS World Grad School Tour definitely helped me get the needed guidance.
What was your experience of a QS event like? What were the highlights of your time there, and what would you recommend to future attendees?
I would definitely recommend being well informed about the participating universities, as preparing the right questions can help you save time and get the most out of the QS experience
What difference will this scholarship make to you? How would your plans have differed without this financial support?
My parents have always made significant financial sacrifices for my education. I could only contribute throughout the years by working part-time to cover my expenses and excelling in my studies so that their efforts will not be in vain. The scholarship definitely alleviated the burden and I'm relieved to know I will be able to maximize my graduate school experience and dedicate myself fully to my research.
What advice do you have for other prospective students who are applying for scholarships?
I strongly believe that a hope-filled attitude is a powerful fuel to success. Being self-confident and authentic are the keys to a successful application and you should never sacrifice your personality to fit in.
The scholarship, offered every year, is worth US$10,000 and provides support to a student commencing a master’s or PhD program anywhere in the world. Applicants are assessed based on their academic achievements to date, as well as the potential they show to make a contribution within academia or another area.
We caught up with María to find out more about how this scholarship will impact her studies and to find out if she has any top tips for this year's applicants.
What are you planning to study, and why did you choose the University of East Anglia?
I am starting a Master’s in International Development at University of East Anglia, focusing on water security issues in the developing world. I chose UEA because I found a program that seemed to fit my needs perfectly.
I was an engineer looking for a program in the social sciences that could give me a better understanding of the processes that shape development in a country like mine, and of the relationship between access to clean water and life quality.
This program is so flexible that I can tailor it to my precise needs, and it's hosted by a university of excellent academic quality, ranked in the top 15 universities in the world for development studies. Many of my future professors have actually worked on-field solving water conflicts in Africa and the Middle East. What better way to learn about water security and its impact on development from those who have had first-hand experience of contexts similar to mine?
What do you hope to gain from your degree? How will it affect your career plans?
My job has taken me to diverse regions within my country and I've discovered there's a huge inequality problem regarding access to public services. With my degree, I expect to become a decision maker in the public sector, to develop strategies that improve access to clean water in those regions of my country where it is currently scarce and of bad quality.
I want to devise solutions that address the needs of the least favoured population and improve their life quality. A master’s degree is fundamental to acquire such a job position, so it was definitely a key decision that I needed to make to have the chance of fulfilling my career goals, and I expect it to be really enriching on an academic level because it will broaden my abilities and the way I learn.
How did you find the scholarship application process? How many sources of financial aid did you approach?
For me, applying to scholarships was a long process, especially since I had to juggle lots of other activities. Applications can be simple, but they also tend to be quite time-consuming.
Thankfully it tends to get easier with time, as you gain some experience. I submitted applications to all the scholarships that I could find for each specific program, and general scholarships such as this one. I submitted about six applications overall.
What was your experience of a QS event like? What were the highlights of your time there, and what would you recommend to future attendees?
Being able to attend the QS World Grad Tour at Bogotá was really interesting for me because I got the chance to speak with the representative of UEA for Latin America in person, and he gave me lots of information about the university and the city where it's located, which motivated me even further towards selecting that university for my master’s.
For future attendees, I recommend taking a look at the universities that will be present ahead of time, check out the degrees they offer, and have a clear idea of what you're looking for ahead of time. This way, you can get the most out of meeting the university’s representatives in person. Emailing them questions afterwards is always an option, but I find that communication tends to be easier in person.
What difference will this scholarship make to you? How would your plans have differed without this financial support?
This scholarship will make a huge difference to me because tuition for a graduate degree is quite expensive compared to the average income of a professional in Colombia. Without this support, I would have needed to take out a larger student loan and probably would have needed to take up a part time job for extra income.
With this support, I can now focus more on my studies and participate in student societies in my spare time, which I have heard are great ways to learn new things and make friends.
What advice do you have for other prospective students who are applying for scholarships?
To students looking for scholarships, my advice is to always have hope that you are the right candidate, and to apply to all the scholarships that you can find.
I know that applying can become tedious after a while, but you never know just what might make you stand out from the crowd, and the only scholarship that you have 100 percent chance of not receiving is the one you don’t apply to!
Personally, I recommend looking for a program you're really passionate about, keeping in mind it’s not just the reputation of the university but the actual program content and academic quality that count the most.
The business landscape is always subject to change. With the introduction of innovative technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT), it’s becoming increasingly important that today’s business professionals are equipped with the specialist skills and business acumen in order to plug the knowledge gap thanks to such advancements.
Cue, the Digital MBA. This specialized program has been designed by ISDI with aspiring business professionals in mind, and allows you to put theory into practice with the ‘Backbone Project’ which involves digitizing a real business.
If you’ve got a passion for all things digital, but also have a keen interest in understanding how a business is run, you may want to consider a Digital MBA.
We spoke with three students, Janik Obstmayer, Marta Butler, and Koro López de Uralde, who are all currently studying the Digital MBA at ISDI to find out what their experience has been like so far.
Why did you choose to study the Digital MBA at ISDI?
Janik: It’s an alternative to doing a traditional MBA at one university and then doing a digital technology master’s at another one. I’m also interested in digital business and would like to eventually create my own company.
Marta: I chose to study the Digital MBA because I wanted to know about the digital world and find a better job. And to be up-to-date in the market because nowadays if you don't know about the digital ecosystem, you are dead!
Koro: I decided to join the Digital MBA because I wanted to have a broader vision of digital business. I already knew a bit about performance and digital marketing, but I lacked the strategic vision to become a leader.
What do you enjoy most about studying the Digital MBA?
Marta: The Backbone Project. It’s where you learn the most in the Digital MBA, because it’s where you get to know different backgrounds of people and they give you different ideas. It's the most fun part as you learn a lot and you can see how your ideas are being implemented and getting results, so it’s very motivating.
Koro: Even though it is a demanding program, I have really enjoyed it. What made me learn the most was the Backbone Project, which was tough work, but I also loved the classes, which were like TED talks from experts in a digital field.
Janik: It’s great to have a mixed group of people with different backgrounds and goals. The networking opportunities have been great too.
In what ways do you think you will benefit from studying the Digital MBA?
Koro: Nowadays, there is a high demand of young profiles with digital knowledge. I think it will help me find new opportunities and understand the digital revolution we are experiencing.
What opportunities (such as internships) have you experienced at ISDI?
Koro: I was already working when I joined the program, and not looking for a different job. However, most of my colleagues have changed their position, several of them receiving internships and scholarships from international leading companies such as Accenture.
Marta: We’ve had the opportunity to visit Salesforce and Accenture. It’s been really cool because you can see how people have been working in the environment you want to be in, so it motivates you a lot for the future and it’s very helpful. Thanks to the MBA, I’m working at Accenture and doing an internship there. My job is to digitally transform the operations of a very traditional company, so it’s very exciting to see how it evolves with all the things I can apply from the Digital MBA.
What aspects of the Digital MBA do you think will help you progress in professional opportunities after graduating?
Marta: Working in AGILE methodology and presenting in front of CEOs and CPOs. We present the work we’ve been doing in front of the whole class, CPOs, or chief product owners.
Koro: During the program we had several leadership sessions, which I think will help me a lot in my professional career, as I learned to know myself better and improved myself as a leader. There was also a lot of content about new working methodologies such as Agile, which will also be very useful, as most large companies are beginning to implement these kinds of working methods.
Janik: Learning more about the benefits of networking, and knowing how to take the initiative.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of studying the Digital MBA?
Koro: I would tell them they have to be very determined to do it because it is a really demanding program and isn’t easy to keep your motivation levels up all of the time. You need to be really willing to engage!
Janik: Do it if you’re interested in digital ways of working, such as agile and digital marketing.
What does the day in the life of a Digital MBA student look like?
Ever wondered what happens when you mix business with digital technology? You get the Digital MBA. Read our short article to find out what it’s like to study one.
We’ve also surveyed thousands of students living around the world to find out what they think of their home city. You’ll be able to read some of their comments by clicking on the cities in this year’s ranking table.
Last year, London overtook Montreal to be crowned the best city for students, overcoming the high cost of living by performing extremely well in the ranking’s other indicators. Tokyo and Melbourne were in second and third place respectively.
Whether London remains a desirable, diverse city for students in the wake of the UK’s ongoing exit from the European Union remains to be seen. Come back on July 31 to find out if it’s managed to keep its crown.
Top 10 Student Cities: QS Best Student Cities 2018
