QS Best Student Cities 2026: Seoul Ranks 1; Tokyo and London Follow
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As per the QS best student cities 2026 ranking, which was released recently, Seoul is resting in the top spot globally, signalling a shift in student preferences toward cities that offer both academic excellence and a high quality of life. Traditional education hubs like London and Tokyo are giving close competition, while cities across Europe and Australia continue to appeal with their unique cultural offerings, affordability, and openness to international students.
This ranking offers a detailed look at urban destinations that offer a top-notch experience and promotes balancing academic quality, career opportunities, affordability, student satisfaction, and lifestyle.
Top 10 Best Student Cities 2026 as per QS
These destinations made it to the list by analysing different criteria such as desirability, affordability, university rankings, student mix, and employer activity by QS rankings. Find out top 10 cities on the basis of these parameters below:
Rank | City | Overall Score | Student View | Student Mix | Employer Activity | Desirability | Affordability | University Rankings |
1 | Seoul | 100.0 | 79.3 | 77.0 | 93.3 | 90.2 | 51.8 | 100.0 |
2 | Tokyo | 99.9 | 87.1 | 68.0 | 100.0 | 91.0 | 57.1 | 87.8 |
3 | London | 97.1 | 98.3 | 92.7 | 92.9 | 86.2 | 12.6 | 94.7 |
4 | Munich | 96.3 | 94.8 | 88.3 | 90.0 | 87.4 | 52.1 | 60.8 |
5 | Melbourne | 95.7 | 98.2 | 100.0 | 87.7 | 88.5 | 25.0 | 71.2 |
6 | Sydney | 94.7 | 96.5 | 98.7 | 87.1 | 92.0 | 20.7 | 70.6 |
=7 | Berlin | 93.3 | 100.0 | 77.6 | 85.5 | 84.2 | 53.7 | 57.9 |
=7 | Paris | 93.3 | 81.2 | 80.9 | 87.5 | 85.6 | 45.4 | 78.3 |
9 | Zurich | 91.5 | 94.4 | 92.4 | 85.8 | 88.7 | 25.3 | 63.4 |
10 | Vienna | 90.8 | 89.9 | 86.5 | 77.9 | 92.7 | 54.9 | 44.5 |
Here鈥檚 a more detailed look at the top 10 cities where students from all around the world dream of studying:
1. Seoul, South Korea
Overall Score: 100
Perks:
- Stands first in the race of top 10 destinations, is home to top universities like Seoul National University and KAIST, and has a successful innovation infrastructure.
- It offers a vibrant modern tech infrastructure and deep-rooted tradition, making it an exciting and culturally rich place to live.
2. Tokyo, Japan
Overall score: 99.9
Perks:
- Offers a blend of innovation and centuries-old culture. Home to some of the world鈥檚 top universities, like the University of Tokyo, a hub for engineering, science, and business studies.
- Efficient transport system, clean environment, and safety. The city also drafts highest for employer activity.
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3. London, United Kingdom
Overall score: 97.1
Perks:
Promotes diversity and rich academic heritage.
Home to prestigious institutions like UCL, Imperial College London, and LSE, and offers access to internships and vibrant social science.
4. Munich, Germany
Overall score: 96.3
Perks:
- Offers a high-quality education experience at a lower cost compared to many English-speaking cities.
- Clean environment, safety, and startup scene making it appealing to others.
5. Melbourne, Australia
Overall score: 95.7
Perks:
- Cultural capital, diverse student population, and home to universities like the University of Melbourne and Monash University.
- Reflects multiculturalism; students comment on the city鈥檚 art, music, food, and green spaces.
6. Sydney, Australia
Overall score: 94.7
Perks:
- Features stunning beaches, an outdoor lifestyle, and homes to leading institutions like the University of Sydney and UNSW.
- Focuses on global connections, startup scene, and sustainability
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7. Berlin, Germany (tie)
Overall score: 93.3
Perks:
- Best for budget-conscious students looking for high-quality education, it offers a lower cost of living.
- Home to many free public universities, artistic energy, and progressive culture.
7. Paris, France (tie)
Overall score: 93.3
Perks:
- Offers a blend of elegance, history, and academic excellence.
- Moderate cost of living continues to appeal to students looking for a dynamic intellectual and cultural experience.
9. Zurich, Switzerland
Overall score: 91.5
Perks
- Home to prestigious universities like ETH Zurich, high cost of living, and quality of life.
- Perfect destinations for students in STEM business, and finance, thanks to their proximity to global firms and research hubs.
10. Vienna, Austria
Overall score: 90.8
Perks:
Offers affordability, public safety, and academic reputation.
known for its classical music heritage, student-friendly transport, and multicultural programs.
By the end, we advise that when you are deciding on your university, it should go beyond rankings; consider your budget, career goals, and personal preferences. Whether you鈥檙e drawn to Seoul鈥檚 tech-driven energy, London鈥檚 historic academic prestige, or Berlin鈥檚 creative affordability, each city offers unique advantages.
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