QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2026

Londonslips,Seoulcrowned #1,Asiarises

LONDON,July 15, 2025/PRNewswire/ --Seoulis crowned the world's best study destination, theQS Best Student Cities Ranking shows, endingLondon'ssix-year run at the top. Seoul rises two spots, reflecting strong international appeal and its excellent selection of universities.Londonslips to third place due to a decline in theAffordabilityindicator.

QS Quacquarelli Symonds Limited Logo

QS ranks 150 cities across 58 countries and territories. The US and UK are the most represented, with 16 cities each.Viennajoins the top 10 whileKuala Lumpur(12th),Taipei(14th), andHong Kong, (17th) enter the top-20.

Ju-Ho Lee, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education of the Republic of Korea,said:"We are proud thatSeoulhas been recognised as the best student city in the world. This achievement reflects the global confidence in Korea's higher education system and highlightsSeoul'sability to blend academic excellence with vibrant culture, cutting-edge innovation, and a safe, welcoming environment."

QS Best Student Cities 2026: Top-10 

2026

2025



1

3

Seoul 

2

2

Tokyo 

3

1

London 

4

4

Munich 

5

5

Melbourne 

6

6

Sydney 

=7

9

Berlin 

=7

7

Paris 

9

8

Zurich 

10

14

Vienna 

Global highlights

  • In the UK, onlyNottingham(49th) andLeeds(51st) have improved. The UK performs exceptionally inDesirabilitybut struggles inAffordability.
  • Of all ranked US cities, onlyBoston(15th) climbs; US cities face challenges inStudent MixandDesirability.
  • All four Canadian cities drop but all remain in the top-100, led byMontreal(18th).
  • Melbourne andSydneyremain in the top-10, affirmingAustralia'sposition as one of the world's premier study destinations.
  • Tokyo comes second, leading globally inEmployer Activity.
  • Beijing ranks 13th—its highest ever position. It leads Mainland China's eight ranked cities.
  • All Indian cities rise;Mumbaienters the top-100 placing 98th. It boasts strongAffordability(11th) andEmployer Activity(37th).
  • GermanyandAustraliaare the only locations with two top-10 cities.MunichandBerlinare both exceptionally well-regarded by students and graduates who have studied and lived there.
  • Parisremains seventh. It is the European leader in theQS'World University Rankings indicator, reflecting its outstanding universities.
  • Madridbreaks into the Top-30,whileMilanandRomein the Top-50
  • Amman is the highest ranked city in the Arab Region, placing 64th, up an impressive 19 places year-on-year.Cairoleads inAfrica, ranking 71st.
  • Buenos Aires leads inLatin America, placing 32nd, up 10 places. It is followed bySantiagoin 50th.

Methodology

 

SOURCE QS Quacquarelli Symonds Limited