For students planning to study abroad, several factors need to be considered. From choosing the right course to selecting the best country, each one matters a lot. To help students make informed decisions while prioritizing their best interests, QS has released updated rankings each year since its launch in 2012, simplifying the decision-making process for international students seeking a home away from home in a foreign country. Please refer to the updated list below for this year.
Seoul has been crowned the world’s best city for international students in the 2026 QS Best Student Cities Rankings, earning a perfect score of 100. The South Korean capital scored high for academic excellence, employer reputation, and overall student desirability.
After holding the top position for six consecutive years, London has dropped to 3rd place, primarily due to its low affordability score (12.6), despite strong performance in student mix and academic reputation. Tokyo climbed to 2nd place, performing exceptionally well in employer activity and student satisfaction.
Asian Cities Lead - See the Top 10 List (2026):
City – Overall Scores
1. Seoul – 100
2. Tokyo – 99.9
3. London – 97.1
4. Munich – 96.3
5. Melbourne – 95.7
6. Sydney – 94.7
7. Berlin – 93.3
8. Paris – 93.3
9. Zurich – 91.5
10. Vienna – 90.8
The United States did not feature in the top 10, with Boston ranking highest at 15th. You can check out the complete list here-> QS Best Student Cities 2026.
Are you curious about what it’s really like to study in the world’s top student cities? Don’t just Google it — discuss it!
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Source: Economic Times