Lima

QS Best Student Cities ranking: 98^th

The capital and largest city of Peru and home to around a third of the country’s population, Lima was founded in 1535 by Spanish colonialists and is now one of South America’s largest and most desirable cities.

Located in an idyllic setting on the west coast overlooking the southern Pacific Ocean, Lima boasts stunning white sand beaches, found at the northern and southern ends of the city and ideal for relaxing when taking a break from your studies.

Lima is a melting pot of cultures, languages and people, strongly influenced by other cultures as well as its interesting colonial and indigenous history. The city is full of fascinating contrasts between the traditional and modern, with the Historic Centre of Lima listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is where you’ll find a mix of colonial architecture, such as the Monastery of San Francisco.

In terms of culture, Lima has a vibrant and dynamic theater scene, from experimental theater to more traditional, classical shows. Also home to a range of sports venues, Lima will host the 2019 Pan American Games, a major international sporting event. And if you’re a foodie, Lima should be top on your list – it’s an ideal place to try out the best Peruvian food on offer, with the city known as ‘Gastronomical Capital of the Americas’.

Universities in Lima include the oldest continually operating institution in the Americas, the National University of San Marcos, founded in 1551 during the Spanish colonial rule.

The city received praise for its diversity, affordability and culture in our student survey, with one respondent saying: “Studying in Lima is an awesome experience because of the mixture of cultures and different points of view.”

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Internationally ranked universities in Lima

More about Lima

To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.