Leeuwarden proves to be a hidden gem for students
Leeuwarden ranks as hidden gem among the top 10 international student cities in Europe. In the 'EDUopinions Study Guide 2026', the city is listed in the 'Top 10 Hidden Gem Student Cities in Europe'. This makes Leeuwarden the only Dutch student city in the ranking, alongside cities such as Liverpool, Hamburg, Lyon, Coimbra and Lausanne.
The ranking is largely based on student life: how students experience their everyday life in the city. Leeuwarden scores highly once again in this area. Students highlight the personal nature of the education, the accessible support and the feeling that you are truly seen at NHL Stenden. International students are actively integrated into the local community, helping them feel at home from day one.
A Hospitality Management student writes: “Leeuwarden immediately gave me a feeling of ‘home’. I’ve had great opportunities here to learn and develop myself, both within my programme and internationally through internships and exchanges.”
For NHL Stenden, this recognition confirms the strength of its approach. The ranking is entirely based on authentic student reviews collected via EDUopinions, a leading global platform for international students. “Internationalisation is part of who we are. Our educational approach is practice-based, international and personal. Students don’t just learn in the classroom, but also beyond it, in the city and the region. The fact that students value student life so highly is a wonderful confirmation of our vision,” says Marc Otto, Chair of the Executive Board of NHL Stenden.
A city that makes it possible
This experience is shaped not only by the university of applied sciences, but also by Leeuwarden itself. Students describe the city as easy to navigate, open and welcoming, even if you come from far away. Short distances, a strong sense of community, authenticity and the balance between calm and vibrancy create an environment where students feel confident to grow.
The municipality’s commitment to liveability, inclusivity and a welcoming climate for students forms an essential foundation for this international recognition. Abel Reitsma, Alderman for Higher Education, Knowledge and Innovation, explains: “This international recognition shows how strong the connection is between education in Leeuwarden and the city’s student climate. With institutions such as NHL Stenden and an open, accessible city, we create an environment where students can develop themselves and feel connected. That is essential for attracting and retaining talent for Leeuwarden and the wider region.”
