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The capital and largest city of Peru and home to around a third of the country’s population, Lima was founded in 1535 and is now one of South America’s largest and most desirable cities.
Notable 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.”
Home to one of Latin America’s largest financial districts and a large industrial district, Lima has plenty of job opportunities for its graduates.
The food
Having received the Chef’s Choice Award in 2017, people from all around South America (and the world) come to Lima to taste its delicious cuisine. The city is often referred to as Peru’s culinary capital.
The culture
Immerse yourself in Lima’s rich culture by visiting attractions such as the Plaza de Armas, the Monastery of San Francisco, Plaza Mayor and the Cathedral of Lima.
Cost of studying in Lima
Lima has fairly low living costs in comparison to other student cities. Numbeo estimates a single person living in the city will need around US$510 per month in addition to the US$555 per month for rent.
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. This 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. It’s also home to a range of sports venues - Lima hosted the 2019 Pan American Games, a major international sporting event.
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 ‘the Gastronomical Capital of the Americas’.
Careers in Lima
Lima continues to grow every year and has become one of the largest financial centres in Latin America, attracting companies from around the world to its business district.
Lima’s industrial sector accounts for more than two thirds of all of Peru’s industrial production, manufacturing textiles, food and clothing, generating plenty of jobs for graduates in the area.
For this reason, Lima scores highly in the employer reputation indicator.
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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Study in Lima
Niamh Ollerton
Updated Jul 25, 2025Save
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The capital and largest city of Peru and home to around a third of the country’s population, Lima was founded in 1535 and is now one of South America’s largest and most desirable cities.
Notable 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.”
Would Lima get your vote? Tell us why.
Top universities in Lima
QS World University Rank
QS World University Rank
QS World University Rank
QS World University Rank
QS World University Rank
QS World University Rank
QS World University Rank
Lima's QS Best Student Cities performance
Why study in Lima?
Plenty of employment opportunities
Home to one of Latin America’s largest financial districts and a large industrial district, Lima has plenty of job opportunities for its graduates.
The food
Having received the Chef’s Choice Award in 2017, people from all around South America (and the world) come to Lima to taste its delicious cuisine. The city is often referred to as Peru’s culinary capital.
The culture
Immerse yourself in Lima’s rich culture by visiting attractions such as the Plaza de Armas, the Monastery of San Francisco, Plaza Mayor and the Cathedral of Lima.
Cost of studying in Lima
Lima has fairly low living costs in comparison to other student cities. Numbeo estimates a single person living in the city will need around US$510 per month in addition to the US$555 per month for rent.
Testimonials
Life and culture in Lima
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. This 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. It’s also home to a range of sports venues - Lima hosted the 2019 Pan American Games, a major international sporting event.
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 ‘the Gastronomical Capital of the Americas’.
Careers in Lima
Lima continues to grow every year and has become one of the largest financial centres in Latin America, attracting companies from around the world to its business district.
Lima’s industrial sector accounts for more than two thirds of all of Peru’s industrial production, manufacturing textiles, food and clothing, generating plenty of jobs for graduates in the area.
For this reason, Lima scores highly in the employer reputation indicator.
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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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