At the moment, 1,335,878 Indian students study abroadAccording to the latest data released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, finding a good university was not the only challenge for everyone: studying in a “city with good students” was also a factor to consider. Each year, the QS Best Student Cities ranking offers a comprehensive guide to cities around the world that stand out for providing exceptional student experiences. This ranking evaluates cities based on factors such as affordability, diversity, employment opportunities, student satisfaction and academic excellence.
The 10 best European cities to study in according to QS Best Student Cities 2025
While London topped the list of the world’s best student cities for the sixth consecutive year, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai were ranked 111, 113, 130 and 140 respectively in the QS Best Student Cities 2025 ranking.
Saif Iqbal, Vice President of ApplyBoard, an online platform that connects international students, recruitment partners and educational institutions and has access to over 1,500 institutions across Canada, the US, the UK, Australia and Ireland, takes a closer look at the QS ranking of the world’s best cities for students.
Here are the 10 best cities in the world for students.
1. London, England: London retains its title as the world’s best student city for the sixth consecutive year. The city’s impressive academic environment, rich cultural diversity, and extensive career opportunities all contribute to its top spot.
● Top universities: Imperial College London (6th worldwide), University College London (9th), King’s College London (40th)
● Employment opportunities: Ranked fourth in the world, London is a hotbed for internships and job placements.
● Affordability: Despite high living costs, London’s cultural richness helps it rank 126th for affordability.
● Security: Known for its secure environment.
● Student mix: London ranks seventh for its diverse student population.
● Number of Universities: 18 in the QS World University Rankings.
● Student opinion ranking: 3rd worldwide in student satisfaction.
Students should budget between £1,100 and £1,300 per month for living expenses. Affordable neighbourhoods include Barking and Dagenham, while Knightsbridge and Mayfair offer luxury housing.
2. Tokyo, Japan: Ranked second overall, Tokyo is Asia’s leading student city and one of the most dynamic urban centers in the world.
● Top universities: University of Tokyo (32nd worldwide), Tokyo Institute of Technology (84th), Waseda University (181st)
● Employer activity: World leader in professional and internship opportunities.
● Affordability: Tokyo ranks 85th and is competitive despite high living costs.
● Desirability: It ranks first for its high quality of life.
● Student mix: 79, offering a diverse environment.
● Number of Universities: 18.
● Student Views Ranking: 22nd worldwide.
Students can expect to spend between ¥100,000 and ¥150,000 per month. Affordable areas include Ikebukuro and Kichijoji, while Roppongi and Shibuya are more expensive.
3. Seoul, South Korea: Seoul takes third place, recognized for its excellent educational environment, vibrant culture and strong career prospects.
● Top universities: Seoul National University (31st worldwide), Yonsei University (56th), Korea University (67th)
● Employment opportunities: ranked ninth worldwide.
● Affordability: Seoul’s affordability ranking, at 91st, is competitive.
● Student mix: 41st, attracting a diverse international student body.
● Number of Universities: 23.
● Student Views Ranking: 46th worldwide.
International students face average annual tuition fees of approximately $6,300, with relatively affordable living costs compared to other major cities around the world.
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4. Munich, Germany: Coming in at number four, Munich is known for its high quality of life, affordable living standards, and vibrant career opportunities.
● Top universities: Technical University of Munich (28th worldwide), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (59th)
● Employment opportunities: 8th worldwide.
● Affordability: 54th, indicating good value for money
● Student mix: 11th grade, offering a diverse environment.
● Number of Universities: 2.
● Student views ranking: 10th worldwide.
International students face average annual tuition fees of approximately $300, with relatively affordable living costs compared to other major European cities.
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5. Melbourne, Australia: Melbourne, ranked 5, is known for its vibrant culture, diverse community, and excellent academic institutions.
● Top universities: University of Melbourne (13th worldwide), Monash University (37th)
● Employer Activity: 20th.
● Affordability: 131st, reflecting its high quality of life.
● Student mix: 1st in multiculturalism.
● Student feedback: 2nd in the world for student satisfaction.
● Number of Universities: 7.
Students can expect to spend between $1,400 and $3,920 per month on living expenses.
Read also: Australia caps number of foreign students at 270,000 by 2025 as part of crackdown on migration
6. Sydney, Australia: Ranked #6, Sydney is known for its vibrant lifestyle, diverse community, and excellent educational institutions.
● Top universities: University of Sydney (18th worldwide), University of New South Wales (19th)
● Employer Activity: 18.
● Affordability: 130º.
● Student mix: 4th in inclusion.
● Desirability: 4th worldwide.
● Number of Universities: 6.
Students should budget between $1,400 and $4,000 per month for living expenses.
7. Paris, France: Paris comes in at number seven, known for its historical charm, vibrant culture, and academic excellence.
● Top universities: PSL University (24th worldwide), Polytechnic Institute of Paris (46th), Sorbonne University (63rd)
● Employment Opportunities: 27th.
● Affordability: 74.
● Student mix: 7th.
● Desirability: 7th.
Students can expect to spend between €800 and €1,200 per month on living expenses.
Read also: Good news for Indian skilled workers: Germany reduces visa processing time from 9 months to 2 weeks
8. Zurich, Switzerland: Ranked 8th, Zurich is known for its high quality of life, strong educational institutions, and vibrant economy.
● Top universities: ETH Zurich (7th worldwide), University of Zurich (109th)
● Affordability: 102.
● Employment opportunities: 10th worldwide.
● Student mix: 19th.
● Number of Universities: Several top-level institutions.
Students should budget between CHF 1,500 and CHF 2,500 per month for living expenses.
9. Berlin, Germany: Berlin, ranked 9, is famous for its vibrant cultural scene, affordable living, and dynamic educational environment.
● Top universities: Free University of Berlin (97th worldwide), Hu
● MBoldt University of Berlin (126), Technical University of Berlin (147)
● Affordability: 30º.
● Employment Opportunities: 41st.
● Student mix: 6th.
● Number of Universities: Several top-level institutions.
Students can expect to spend between €800 and €1,200 per month on living expenses.
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10. Montreal, Canada: Montreal rounds out the top 10, known for its bilingual vibe, cultural richness and affordable living.
● Top universities: McGill University (29th worldwide), University of Montreal (159th), Concordia University (415th)
● Affordability: 14th.
● Employment opportunities: 39th worldwide.
● Student mix: 10th.
● Number of Universities: Several top-level institutions.
Students should budget between CAD1,000 and CAD1,500 per month for living expenses.
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