Universities in Liverpool - QS Best Student Cities Ranking | Top Universities

Study in Liverpool

By Niamh O

Updated June 30, 2022 Updated June 30, 2022

A vibrant nightlife culture, maritime history, and The Beatles are just few fantastic things about the city of Liverpool.

This year, Liverpool has been ranked 61th in the world in QS Best Student Cities 2023 ranking.

It’s home to two world-class universities which both feature in the QS World University Rankings® 2023These are the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University, with the former being the highest-ranked (=190th).

Everything about Liverpool oozes diversity and the rich cultural heritage of the inhabitants past and present - with this international outlook felt throughout the city's universites. In fact, the city earns its highest rank for student mix, placing =39th.

The University of Liverpool even formed a partnership with Xi’an Jiaotong University in China in 2006, resulting in the creation of the Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University. Students can choose to split their studies between the two universities if they wish, offering a unique twist to a traditional degree.

Best universities in Liverpool: QS Best Student Cities ranking: 59th 

University of Liverpool (=190th); Liverpool John Moores University (801-1000)

More about Liverpool

Number of universities ranked by QS

2

Highest-ranked institution

University of Liverpool (=190th)

Population

902,000

Average international fees (at ranked unis)

US$20,700

Desirability rank

 =79th

Employer Activity rank

 =89th

Affordability rank

 80th

Student Voice rank

 17th

Student Mix rank

=39th

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

Why study in Liverpool?

The Beatles started there

Liverpool is home to the Beatles, who often played in Liverpool’s bars and pubs, including at the now-famous Cavern Club.

The nightlife

With plenty of bars, restaurants and nightclubs, Liverpool’s nightlife is not to be missed. 

Delicious food

Liverpool is known for its quirky cafés, reasonably priced pubs and restaurants and there’ll be something to suit every taste. From Italian to Japanese to Peruvian food, Liverpool has it all. 

The culture

Liverpool has more galleries and museums than any other UK city outside of London. Visit the Walker Art Gallery or the Tate Liverpool and catch a show at the Liverpool Empire Theatre.

Cost of studying in Liverpool

Although not the most affordable city in the world, Liverpool isn't exactly the most expensive city either, ranking 80th for affordability this year.

A year’s tuition will set international students back an average of US$20,700 per year. Although this sounds expensive, it’s cheaper than fellow UK city Bristol, which has average annual tuition fees of US$30,500.

Living costs are also high. Numbeo estimates that a single person living in the city will need around US$885 per month, with an extra US$895 for rent. It’s worth noting, however, that rent in the UK capital, London, is around 64 percent higher than in Liverpool.

Life and culture in Liverpool

Situated in north-west England, and with a population of over two million people, Liverpool offers something for everyone – not just music or football lovers!

The birthplace of many big names in music (most notably The Beatles) and the home of Premier League football clubs Liverpool FC and Everton FC, Liverpool is probably best known for its cultural achievements.

The city's waterfront was an UNESCO heritage site for many years, and was named European Capital of Culture in 2008, recognising the city for its rich maritime history, creative culture and arts heritage.

Whether you’re looking for theatre or sports, nightclubs or concerts, Liverpool has it all. Beaten only by London, Liverpool boasts the second-largest number of museums and galleries in the UK.

If you'd like to get lost in the city's art and culture, why not wander around the Tate Liverpool or head to the Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse to be dazzled by a theatrical production in your free time.

The city’s nightlife is also second to none, with many bars and clubs putting on special student nights with discounted drinks and entry for students, covering an eclectic range of musical genres.

Careers in Liverpool

Ranking =89th in the employer reputation indicator, Liverpool has an abundance of employment opportunities open to graduates who are looking to stay in the city after graduation.  

Tourism forms a large part of Liverpool’s economy so there’s always plenty of jobs available in the service sector. There are often roles available in the business and finance sectors, where the majority of graduate jobs can be found.

This article was originally published in July 2021 . It was last updated in June 2022

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Written by

Niamh is Deputy Head of Content at QS (TopMBA.com; topuniversities.com), creating and editing content for an international student audience. Having gained her journalism qualification at the Press Association, London and since written for different international publications, she's now enjoying telling the stories of students, alumni, faculty, entrepreneurs and organizations from across the globe.  

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