Choosing the right city to study abroad is important to pave a successful career. Beyond academics, it’s also about the culture, career prospects, and lifestyle that each city offers. To help students navigate this decision, QS has unveiled its Best Student Cities of 2025 ranking.
These top destinations blend top-tier education with vibrant, student-friendly environments. London, Tokyo, and Seoul are yet in the spotlight for their academic excellence, employment prospects, cultural richness, and rich quality of life. Let’s dive into the details.
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QS Best Student Cities 2025
The QS Best Student Cities 2025 ranking gives you a roadmap to the world’s most student-friendly destinations. These cities offer more than just academic opportunities—they provide vibrant cultural experiences, career prospects, and a high quality of life that make them the perfect places for students to thrive.
Here are the cities that have made it to the top 30 of the QS Best Student Cities 2025 list:
| Rank | Best Student Cities 2025 | Country | Overall Score |
| 1 | London | United Kingdom | 100 |
| 2 | Tokyo | Japan | 99.2 |
| 3 | Seoul | South Korea | 97.8 |
| 4 | Munich | Germany | 97.7 |
| 5 | Melbourne | Australia | 97.1 |
| 6 | Sydney | Australia | 95.4 |
| 7 | Paris | France | 94.6 |
| 8 | Zurich | Switzerland | 94.5 |
| 9 | Berlin | Germany | 94.4 |
| 10 | Montreal | Canada | 92.1 |
| 11 | Toronto | Canada | 91.9 |
| 12 | Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe | Japan | 90.6 |
| 13 | Edinburgh | United Kingdom | 90.5 |
| 14 | Vienna | Austria | 90.1 |
| 15 | Singapore | Singapore | 89.6 |
| 16 | Boston | United States | 89 |
| 17 | Lausanne | Switzerland | 87.8 |
| 18 | New York | United States | 87.4 |
| 19 | Vancouver | Canada | 87.1 |
| = 20 | Amsterdam | Netherlands | 86.6 |
| = 20 | Stockholm | Sweden | 86.6 |
| 22 | Hong Kong SAR | Hong Kong SAR | 86 |
| 23 | Kuala Lumpur | Malaysia | 85.4 |
| 24 | Auckland | New Zealand | 85 |
| 25 | Brisbane | Australia | 84.8 |
| 26 | Taipei | Taiwan | 84.6 |
| 27 | Manchester | United Kingdom | 84.4 |
| 28 | Adelaide | Australia | 84.1 |
| = 29 | Canberra | Australia | 83.8 |
| = 29 | San Francisco | United States | 83.8 |
How are the QS Best Student Cities Ranked?
The QS Best Student Cities Ranking for 2025 uses a detailed methodology that evaluates cities across six key factors. To be eligible, cities must have a population of over 250,000 and host at least two universities listed in the QS World University Rankings 2025. This ensures that only prominent urban centres with a strong academic presence are considered.
Each of the six parameters is given equal weight, providing a balanced view of what makes a city truly student-friendly. Here’s a breakdown of the factors that shape the rankings:
1. University Rankings- This parameter measures the number and quality of universities in the city, based on their performance in the QS World University Rankings. Cities with multiple high-ranking institutions naturally score higher.
2. Student Mix- This factor looks at the diversity and inclusivity of the student population. It considers:
- The number of international students in the city
- The proportion of students relative to the local population
- How inclusive and welcoming the city is for students from different backgrounds
3. Desirability- Desirability assesses the overall appeal of the city as a study destination. This includes:
- Safety and security of the city
- Pollution levels and environmental quality
- Student interest, measured by how many respondents in the survey expressed a desire to study in the city
4. Employer Activity- This parameter evaluates the city’s job market and how employers view graduates from local universities. Key factors include:
- Youth employment rates
- Employer reputation of graduates from the city’s institutions
- Opportunities for internships and employment during and after study
5. Affordability- Affordability looks at the financial side of studying in the city. It considers:
- Tuition fees at local universities
- The cost of living for students, including accommodation, food, and transport
6. Student Voice- Student Voice captures feedback from students who have lived in the city, focusing on their experiences with:
- Friendliness and inclusiveness of the city
- Sustainability efforts and environmental impact
- Diversity and overall student satisfaction
- The proportion of students who stay in the city after graduation
These six parameters combine to provide a thorough and balanced ranking, giving students the information they need to choose the best city for their academic and personal growth.
London, United Kingdom
Studying abroad in London is a life-changing experience. Being one of the world’s leading cities, it opens doors to huge opportunities for professional growth. With the top prestigious institutions like Imperial College of London and the University of London, it sets major student-life goals and makes it rank in the list of best student cities of 2025.
The city is known for being the best to offer affordable housing for students in the United Kingdom. The capital city is famed for its academia, arts, and multicultural experiences, making it a magnet for students to choose it as the right destination to study abroad.
Also Read: If you are looking for accommodation in London, check out our blog on Cheapest Cities To Live In The UK For International Students
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is home to 20 national and public universities and 130 private universities with junior home colleges. It has the right opportunities to offer students who want to advance their careers in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and much more.
Seamlessly blending tradition with cutting-edge technology, Tokyo is one of the best student cities offering the perfect educational hub. Its historic and modern sightseeing buildings make sure that you spend a worthwhile time enjoying Tokyo life.
Seoul, South Korea
No destination like Seoul’s bustling with life and excitement. This city never sleeps- which is one of the reasons you’ll love exploring the streets of Seoul, Gangnam, Busan, and many more. It is known for its trendsetting fashion industry and helps you discover plenty of opportunities to tweak your wardrobes.
The icing on the cake is that Seoul’s public transportation will make it easier to navigate places near the top-tier Seoul National University. Living in Seoul will truly help you unlock your potential for academic growth by learning about its rich cultural heritage, tradition, and technology.
Munich, Germany
Several factors make Munich one of the best student cities for 2025 to study abroad. It’s buzzing with tech opportunities providing many start-up establishments. From offering an affordable quality of life to being one of the safest cities in the world, Munich provides awesome prospects to lead a successful life as a student and thereafter.
If you’re looking to kickstart your career in the fields of Arts, Science, Engineering, and Business, keep it on your list.
Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne is Australia’s second-largest city. Its inclusive and vibrant culture will provide you with an environment that will aid in your adjustment to living abroad. The city offers top-notch educational institutions like the University of Melbourne, Monash University, and RMIT University along with top-notch student housing in Australia.
You can pursue undergraduate, post-graduation, and research programs- offering you multiple opportunities for personal as well as professional growth.
Also Read: It is important to look for accommodation that offers all the necessary amenities. Read the blog on Student Accommodations in Melbourne with Parking Facilities
Sydney, Australia
Sydney is another incredible city in Australia after Melbourne that’s more than kangaroos and surfboards. It’s popular for a world-class education at the University of Sydney with a breathtaking view of beaches. This gem city offers you learning of amazing historical sites, communities, and ancient cultures.
From catching up in local cafes to finding a delightful study spot, Sydney will keep you all organized and focused on your work. Get ready to experience your good days in the Land Down Under by choosing the subject you want and working with the professionals in the industry you choose.
Paris, France
Bienvenue to the city of love, romance, and endless learning opportunities! Paris is not all about the Eiffel Tower and Chanel (though that’s awesome too), it’s also popular for being one of the top recommendations as a study destination and the best student city.
Top universities like the University of Paris, Pantheon-Sorbonne University, and PSL Research University, offer excellent research and development opportunities, delivering successful entrepreneurs and innovators. This city truly nurtures your academic prowess amidst an artsy vibe.
Zurich, Switzerland
When talking about Zurich, there’s nothing to leave behind. From Swiss chocolates to watches, beautiful churches to wonderful lake views Zurich has it all. With its most prestigious Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich), the city offers top-notch educational programs.
The institutes have the best teaching facilities and methodologies that are based on active learning. Plus, Switzerland is a country with high salaries and low unemployment rates, so as a matter of fact, it opens doors to great job opportunities.
Berlin, Germany
Think of this: studying at Humboldt University by day, exploring street art in the afternoon, and exploring its famous clubs at night. Yes, that’s Berlin! You not only get to enjoy the hustle-bustle of the city but also get quality education at exceptional institutes. Berlin provides you with varying global perspectives on how to solve real-world problems.
Keep this city on your radar as the cost of living here is budget-friendly in comparison to other European cities.
Also Read: Discover How to Find Student Accommodation in Berlin and enjoy hassle-free stays in fully-furnished and affordable properties.
Montreal, Canada
Montreal is a vibrant, bilingual city where education meets culture in the most exciting ways. Known for its top universities like McGill and the Université de Montréal, it’s a city that attracts students from all over the world. Whether you’re into tech, arts, or science, Montreal offers cutting-edge research opportunities and a rich academic environment that keeps students engaged and inspired.
But it’s not all about books! Montreal’s festivals, quirky neighbourhoods, and world-class food scene make it a fun place to study and live. With affordable living costs, easy access to public transport, and a job market buzzing with opportunities, Montreal is an ideal destination for students looking to balance academics with adventure. Plus, the city’s mix of French and English cultures means there’s always something new to explore!
These top 10 QS Best Cities for Students 2025 are not just educational but holistic experiences as well to make you the global citizens of tomorrow.
I hope you liked our blog where we have covered the top 10 Best Student Cities for studying abroad aspirants, according to QS Ranking consideration.
For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
FAQs
Following London, Tokyo, Seoul, Melbourne, and Munich are highly ranked in 2025 for their academic excellence, quality of life, and affordable living.
According to the QS World Rankings, London remains the best student city in 2025. It offers top-tier educational programs, a welcoming environment for international students, and a vibrant cultural scene, making it an ideal destination for studying abroad.
In 2025, India’s premier institutions continue to shine. IIT Bombay is ranked 48th, followed by IIT Delhi at 46th, and IIT Madras at 54th, out of 148 universities featured in the QS World University Rankings for India and Asia.
Berlin and Munich in Germany remain some of the most affordable cities for students in Europe in 2025. Additionally, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia continues to be an economical choice for those looking to study abroad on a budget.
Yes, Canada continues to be an excellent choice for studying abroad in 2025. According to the QS Best Student Cities ranking, Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver are ranked 11th, 13th, and 18th respectively, thanks to Canada’s strong education system, high quality of life, and diverse culture.
In 2025, London remains the top-ranked student city worldwide. Following closely behind are Tokyo and Seoul. These cities are praised for their affordability, cultural vibrancy, academic excellence, employment prospects, and overall quality of life.
Popular fields for international students in 2025 include computer science, engineering, business administration, healthcare, and data science, offering excellent job prospects and global opportunities.
Tokyo ranks highly in 2025 due to its world-class universities, high safety standards, cultural diversity, and strong job prospects for graduates.
Yes, cities like Munich, Berlin, and Barcelona remain affordable in 2025, offering a balance of quality education and lower living costs compared to other major cities.
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Life is Germany is much more expensive for foreign students.
You have listed many countries and did not include Lithuania. Lithuania is by far one of the most friendly and cheapest environment for foreign students
You can work more than 40hrs a week. You can get a university for €1500 per semester, coffee is still €1
Bus ticket per month can be €15
Working studies and night life for students is best in Luthuania. I think you should make stats based on reality and not emotions.
Estonia dont have nice jobs for foreigners but its on the list. Polish migration is not very friendly with foreigners
Do more research
Please go through the list. We have mentioned the countries that are provided in the list of best student cities as per QS Rankings 2024.
Please get more info on Germany scholarships for international undergraduate students
Hi, Please check out and for more details. You can also contact us on – [email protected] or call on 1800-572-118