International students have so many important decisions to make, from choosing the perfect course,and the right university to the right country and city. Knowing which cities around the world have ranked as the best student cities can help students make the right choice. Global university rankings focus on the standard of education, research and quality of teaching within institutions from around the world, but international students’ choices reflect a bigger picture. When choosing where to study abroad, students want world-class education as well as great experiences offered by quality of living, culture and affordability of education. To help you make your decision, we’ve explored the best student cities for 2025 according to the QS Best Student Cities.
1. London (UK)
London is rated as the number one student city in the world. One of the world's great centres of culture, learning, and creativity, London offers a wide choice of study and lifestyle options to any student. It’s also one of the most important cities in the world for media and art lovers and is known for its reputation as a financial centre. London is a multicultural city where people from many different cultures interact daily.
The city is home to 40 universities and approximately 130,000 international students. Five universities are ranked in the world’s top 200 by the QS World University Rankings 2025. Some of the institutions in London where you could study include:
- Imperial College London
- University College London
- King’s College London (KCL)
- London School of Economics and Political Science
- Queen Mary, University of London (QMUL)
- Brunel University
- City University London
- Birkbeck College, University of London
Discover more about how to apply to study in the UK.
2. Tokyo (Japan)
Coming in second place, Tokyo is the perfect study destination for students who enjoy the dynamism of a big city. Tokyo is a leading cultural and fashion capital and one of the world’s top financial and technology centres. This capital city offers plenty of work opportunities and chances to gain international experience. Over 280,000 international students choose to study in Japan each year, with the Japanese government hoping to raise this to 400,000 students by 2033.
Tokyo has approximately 144 institutions, of which 130 are private institutions. One of its most well-known universities is the University of Tokyo, which ranks in the world’s top 25 for graduate employment (QS). Other notable institutions in the Japanese capital are:
- Tokyo Institute of Technology (32nd)
- Waseda University (181st)
- Keio University (188th)
- Hitotsubashi University (539th)
Explore more on how to choose a student destination.
3. Seoul (South Korea)
An increasingly popular destination for international students, with six institutions ranking in the top 200 worldwide for 2025 (QS), this Asian capital offers prestigious universities as well as entertainment and beautiful scenery. Seoul also ranks highly for the strength of its economy receiving a high score for employer activity and international recognition of qualifications.
If you’re looking for an authentic study experience, Seoul could be the perfect choice for you. Students can soak up the South Korean culture, learning about different traditions and local food while also enjoying the vibrant urban landscapes. Some of the top-ranked (QS) universities in Seoul are:
- Seoul National University (31st)
- Yonsei University (56th)
- Korea University (67th)
- Sungkyunkwan University (123rd)
- Hanyang University (162nd)
Learn more about the top reasons to study abroad.
4. Munich (Germany)
Germany has become more and more desirable for international students. Over 55,000 international students call the Bavarian capital home. This is partly because of low tuition costs, but also the quality of education and lifestyle on offer. It’s no surprise to see a German city in the top five. Munich has now overtaken Germany’s capital, Berlin as the top student city in the country. As an undergraduate student at a public university in Munich, you will not be expected to pay any tuition fees, regardless of your country of origin. If this doesn’t help you to make your decision, then maybe the nightlife, cost of living and distinctive culture in Munich will get you thinking about studying here.
Munich also has a high employer activity ranking, demonstrating the opportunities available to students and graduates alike. Two universities in the city rank in the world’s top 100 (QS):
- The Technical University of Munich (49th)
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (59th)
Did you know you can get more information about an institution from a university prospectus.
5. Melbourne (Australia)
A popular city for many international students, Melbourne is considered one of the world’s most liveable cities with a diverse student community. This Australian city, located in the south east of the country, is also known for its creativity and culture, offering students an exciting and unique study experience outside of lectures. Two of Melbourne’s seven universities are ranked in the world’s top 100 institutions (QS). Universities in Melbourne include:
- The University of Melbourne (13th)
- Monash University (37th)
- Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (123rd)
- Deakin University (197th)
- La Trobe University (217th)
- Swinburne University of Technology (291st)
Read more about the top universities in Australia.
6. Sydney, Australia
As a key Australian financial hub, Sydney attracts thousands of international students every year. 208,000 international students call New South Wales, of which Sydney is the capital, home. With the stunning panorama of Sydney Harbour, its famous opera house and glistening beaches, Sydney offers students the chance to study from some of the most famous attractions on the planet.
If you decide to study there, be sure to visit the top places in Australia. Sydney is considered to be on the more expensive side, but does offer good graduate opportunities and some top universities, including three in the top 100 (QS) globally:
- University of Sydney (18th)
- University of New South Wales (19th)
- University of Technology Sydney (UTS) (88th)
- Macquarie University (133rd)
- Western Sydney University (384th)
Discover the most in-demand jobs in Australia.
7. Paris, France
Situated in the heart of Europe, Paris is frequently rated as one of the most liveable cities in the world. It’s also one of the most historic, culturally vital and beautiful cities: a perfect place to study. With 31 universities, Paris is an attractive choice for international students. You have plenty of choices for different types of institutions. Graduates can also develop contacts with businesses and employers from all across Europe. The city has an employer activity rating in the top six globally.
The city boasts top-ranked universities, with four in the top 100 (QS) worldwide. These include:
- Université PSL (24th)
- Institut Polytechnique de Paris (46th)
- Sorbonne University (63rd)
- Université Paris-Saclay (73rd)
- Ecole des Ponts ParisTech (205th)
Explore some of the best countries to study abroad in.
8. Zurich (Switzerland)
Zurich is one of the wealthiest cities in Europe, with a reputation for being clean, safe and affluent. This gives students a high quality of living, green streets and a secure city to study in. While living expenses can be high, tuition fees remain comparably lower than other leading study destinations such as the USA, Australia , and the UK. Students can also enjoy a balance of city life and surrounding nature while studying in Zurich.
Swiss institutions also compete with their counterparts in the UK and USA, with two Zurich-based universities ranking in the world’s top 150 (QS):
- ETH Zurich (7th)
- University of Zurich (109th)
Read more on some of the most affordable study destinations.
9. Berlin (Germany)
Berlin is known as one of the coolest cities in the world. With a lively cultural scene, the city is a major centre of design, fashion, music and art that rivals New York and London. Berlin, however, is still easily affordable on a student budget. Comfortably the most affordable city in the top ten, Berlin offers free tuition at public universities with a greater provision of courses in English for international students. Three universities in the city rank in the world’s top 150 (QS):
- Humboldt University of Berlin (97th)
- Freie Universität Berlin (126th)
- Technische Universität Berlin (147th)
Get more information on how you can apply to study abroad.
10. Montreal (Canada)
Montreal is the largest city in Quebec, located in eastern Canada, and is often called the cultural heart of the country. It is a multicultural and bilingual city, where both English and French are spoken. Over 40,000 international students from 150 countries study in the city each year, where they enjoy a vibrant arts and culture scene, diverse communities and a high standard of living.
Montreal also has some highly regarded educational institutions, including the number two university in the country. If you choose to study in Montreal you could study at one of the following universities:
- McGill University (29th)
- Université de Montréal (159th)
- Concordia University (415th)
Now that you have a full view of the best student cities you can continue your research. Read more about the costs of studying abroad, top tips for applying for a student visa, and understanding student travel insurance.
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