Top QS Best Student Cities For Study Abroad

Going to study in another country is a big choice for international students. Picking the right city is essential for making that experience great. The QS Best Student Cities ranking helps students make this choice. This ranking shows cities that are excellent for studying. They have thousands of schools, in addition to an array of housing options, varying lifestyles, and different cultures, plus thousands of job choices. We have prepared the QS best student cities and universities for students in 2025.

Key Highlights

• London has been named the best student city in the world for the sixth time.
• Tokyo and Seoul are in second and third place, respectively.
• Munich has moved up to fourth place, while Melbourne has dropped to fifth.
• The QS Best Student Cities ranking looks at things like university reputation, student mix, affordability, and job opportunities.
• The ranking helps international students find the best study destination.

QS Best Student Cities for Study Abroad

The QS Best Student Cities ranking is in its 12th year. It serves as an important guide for students from other countries. The ranking looks at 150 cities all over the world. It takes into account things like university ranks, student diversity, cost of living, job opportunities, and feedback from students. The 2025 version presents some interesting changes at the top. European cities, especially in Germany, are in vogue.

Top 10 QS Best Student Cities (2025)

This year's list features well-known cities, like London and Tokyo, famous for their learning standards. In addition, there is a whole new list of cities that attract students because of their low costs and a good quality of life-for instance, Seoul and Munich.

1. London, United Kingdom

London, UK, is famous for its great schools and lively student mix. It often appears at the top of the QS Best Student Cities list. With top schools like University College London, it attracts many international students. London offers a good mix of desirability and affordability, making it a top study destination. According to the most recent QS World University Rankings, London is still one of the best student cities in the world. This helps to support its strong reputation in higher education.

2. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo, Japan, is ranked second in the QS Best Student Cities. It is known for its great mix of students and excellent universities. Tokyo is a lively and varied place for studying. It combines tradition with new ideas. International students can enjoy a rich academic experience here.The city is great because it has good schools and better student life, so the city is considered the best to live in for those who want to have a quality education and rich cultural experience.

Note: Prices are approximate and may vary.

3. SEOUL, South Korea

Seoul has risen to rank third place, and it indeed is a top study destination in Asia. Part of this reason is the amazing showing of South Korean universities in the World University Rankings. There are 23 universities in Seoul that appear in the world rankings. This, along with the city’s low costs, lively culture, and tech progress, makes Seoul a great choice for international students who want a unique and affordable study abroad experience.

Students come to Seoul not just for education but also for its exciting K-pop culture, tasty food, and strong tech scene, giving them a rich experience.

Cost of Living in Seoul for International Students (in South Korean Won):

4. MUNICH, Germany

Now ranked fourth, Munich proves that Germany has become a popular destination to study abroad. The city has mixed history, culture, and modern services, making it one of the most attractive destinations for students. Some great schools like the Technical University of Munich rank very highly in QS World University Rankings. This puts students right in the setting to succeed.

Student life in Munich is also fantastic. Alongside traditional beer gardens, a lively cultural scene makes it rather easy to obtain beautiful Bavarian countryside on the doorstep.

5. MELBOURNE, Australia

Melbourne is famous for its relaxing vibe and lively arts scene. It is the fifth city on the list. The city has many top universities, like the University of Melbourne, which is usually in the top 20 in global rankings. Melbourne's mix of cultures and active arts community gives it a high score in the Student Mix indicator. This shows it is a diverse and friendly place.

Melbourne has many cultures, seen in its varied food scene and many festivals that celebrate art, music, and food. This lively environment offers students a great chance to experience rich cultural life.

6. SYDNEY, Australia

Sydney is a famous city known for its amazing landmarks and beautiful harbor. It ranks sixth overall. The city gets a great score for Student Voice, which shows that students are very happy there. Sydney's universities, such as the University of Sydney, are among the best in the world. They attract many foreign students.

Besides school, Sydney has a lively way of life. There are beautiful beaches, a rich arts and culture scene, and many outdoor activities. This high score in the Student View category indicates that students have a very good experience while studying in Sydney.

This table provides an overview of the cost of living in Sydney for international students in Australian Dollars.

7. PARIS, France

Paris, known as the City of Lights, keeps attracting students and is ranked seventh. This city is famous for its romantic feel and rich history. Paris gives a one-of-a-kind chance for cultural experiences. It is home to top schools like the Sorbonne University and École Normale Supérieure. Many students come here seeking good quality education in many fields.

Paris is also a global center for fashion, art, and food. This makes it even more interesting because it encourages creativity in a student and offers a lively environment for them to be more energetic while learning. Paris is a place of mystery and heritage, holding some of the world's most prominent museums.

Living Cost in Paris for International Students:

8. ZURICH, Switzerland

Zurich, located in the heart of Switzerland, leads the list of other study destinations according to the latest QS World University Rankings. While being one of the best cities in offering quality education that the University of Zurich provides, Zurich sets standards for the quality of life and is proud of its aesthetics. Zurich is known for innovation and research orientation, which attracts the most diverse student mix from all over the world and contributes to this dynamic academic environment. Given its focus on affordability compared to other cities in Europe, Zurich assures that international students can experience world-class higher education without exorbitant tuition fees. As a QS rankings leader, Zurich continues on its way by being one of the world's best cities to be a student at.

Cost of living in Zurich for international students:

9. BERLIN, Germany

Berlin is a city full of energy, art, and history. It ranks ninth on the list of great places for students. The city is affordable when compared to other big cities in Europe. This makes it a great choice for students who need to save money. Berlin also scores high on the Student Voice indicator, showing that many students are happy with their time there.

The city is famous for its lively arts and music scene. It has many museums and memorials, giving students lots of chances to learn and explore the culture.

10. MONTREAL, Canada

Montreal is a vibrant city in Canada. It is a bilingual city that speaks both English and French. This friendly cosmopolitan city features in the list of the top 10 places to live. Montreal holds an important position as a center for higher education. There are great schools like McGill University and the Université de Montréal. Students from different parts of the world study in this great university.

In Montreal, people can delight in both the English and French cultures. A quality lifestyle prevails in this city. Many festivals and events occur annually. Additionally, the cost of living is less compared to other big cities in North America.