Dublin moves up in student city rankings

By Alexander Glover | Feb 16 2017

DUBLIN has been ranked as the 31^st best student city in the world. The QS Best Student Cities Index indicates that the Irish capital has risen six places in the 2017 edition.This is the fifth edition of the index since its launch in 2012. For the first time, Paris has been knocked off the top spot. Montreal is now considered to be the best student city in the world.The index rates cities in six categories: University Rankings, Student Mix, Desirability, Employer Activity, Affordability and Student View. To be included, each city must have a population of over 250,000, and be home to at least two universities featured in the most recent QS World University Rankings.Dublin’s highest ranking, 16^th, came in the student mix category, which reflects its high concentration of students and high ratio of international students. Dublin placed 26^th in university rankings, 39^th in desirability and 46^th in employer activity. One area bringing Dublin’s overall score down is affordability, for which it is ranked 112^th.Dublin ranks 22^nd in the new student view category. This means students are enjoying their experience in the Irish capital with praise going to the city’s diversity, nightlife and friendliness. 43% of surveyed students reported an intention to remain in Dublin after graduation.