QS Student Cities 2026: Why Seoul, Tokyo & London Lead the List?
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Students all over the world, especially from India, choose to study abroad for many reasons. What attracts them includes the enhanced scope for a bright career and elevated living standards.
Here are the top student cities in the world, ranked by QS for 2026. Let’s see why they are ranked, what the cost of living is in each city, and how secure international students are in these cities.
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Why Does the Ranking Matter?
The QS best student cities rankings consider factors such as affordability, employer activity, student diversity, and overall desirability of overseas education aspirants. For students planning their higher education abroad, these rankings offer a clearer picture of the city they will be calling home.
Factors considered for city rankings:
- Quality of life
- Affordability
- Student diversity and culture
- Job vacancies and openness
- Personal experience
Top QS Student Cities for 2026
According to the latest QS rankings, the top 10 student cities are the following:
- Seoul – South Korea
- Tokyo – Japan
- London – United Kingdom
- Munich – Germany
- Melbourne – Australia
- Sydney – Australia
- Berlin – Germany
- Paris – France
- Zurich – Switzerland
- Vienna – Austria
| Check other rankings: Explore the full list of the top student cities in the official QS Best Student Cities 2026 rankings |
Reasons These Cities Take the Lead
There are 5 points based on which the QS ranks a student city:
- Student View – Review by global students living in.
- Student Mix – Data on the ethnic diversity of students.
- Employer Activity – The percentage of global students hired from the city.
- Desirability – Compares the standards of infrastructure and living conditions.
- Affordability – Checks if the city is affordable to international students
The reasons why these cities are best for your global study goals include:
Top universities and a rich culture
These cities are home to the world’s top universities with an academic reputation and a rich history. Many of these cities have a rich history.
High quality of living at affordable rates
Considering the top infrastructure and living standards, the cost of living in the top student cities is affordable for international students.
Diverse and inclusive communities for students
These cities are diverse, with students and the working class from different parts of the globe. The inclusiveness and peace of living are major criteria in ranking the best student cities.
Strong prospects for a career
Many of these cities are major business hubs, offering internships, part-time work, and post-study job opportunities across industries.
Great balance of life and work
Top student cities are known for the ease of life-work management. These cities offer a satisfying management of both.
Average Living Cost in the Top Student Cities 2026
Housing, food, transport, clothing, groceries, and other expenses must be managed by international students. Smart decisions, like choosing a shared apartment over a single room, can help you. Needless to say, all international students must budget their expenses before moving abroad.
| City | Housing Cost for A Single Person | Total Average Living Cost |
| Seoul | $265 | $1,411 |
| Tokyo | $544 | $1,400 |
| London | $1,011 | $1,850 |
| Munich | $900 | $1,750 |
| Melbourne | $450 | $1,200 |
| Sydney | $550 | $1,250 |
| Berlin | $600 | $1,400 |
| Paris | $800 | $1,450 |
| Zurich | $800 | $2,200 |
| Vienna | $520 | $1,400 |
Global Peace Rankings vs Best Cities for Students
According to the Vision of Humanity global peace rankings, the countries housing the top-10 student cities rank under 100. 9 out of 10 cities ranked under 50.
| City | Country | Global Peace Ranking |
| Seoul | South Korea | 41 |
| Tokyo | Japan | 12 |
| London | United Kingdom | 30 |
| Munich | Germany | 20 |
| Melbourne | Australia | 18 |
| Sydney | Australia | 18 |
| Berlin | Germany | 20 |
| Paris | France | 74 |
| Zurich | Switzerland | 4 |
| Vienna | Austria | 4 |
Conclusion
The QS ranking shows how best a city is for international students, considering all factors that matter. Check the living costs and every other aspect before making your study abroad decision.
Discover your ideal cities, tailored to your goals. Nomad Credit guides you with a complete route map to achieve your study abroad goals. Connect with us today for personalized guidance at zero cost to accomplish global success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country has more number of the top-10 student cities in the world?
According to the QS ranking for 2026, Germany and Australia have 2 cites in the top-10. Other countries with cities featured in the top-10 are the UK, France, Switzerland, Austria, Japan, and South Korea.
Why should you choose a top-ranked city to study abroad?
Choosing a city with high global rankings is suggested for the elevated living standards, career opportunities, and overall well-being. These cities house top universities and companies with top opportunities.
Is it expensive to live in top-ranked student cities?
Fact to be told, it can be expensive for international students to live in the top-ranked cities for students, according to QS. Cities like Zurich, London, Vienna, and Tokyo are considered cities with the highest cost of living.
How to manage the living costs in the best student cities?
A part-time job is the best way to manage your expenses while studying abroad. Opting for low-rent housing, cooking at home, and budgeting your expenses are smart ways to manage your finances abroad as an international student.
What should you consider when choosing a city abroad to study in?
Research the academic and career opportunities, as well as the cost of living. If a city offers the best education and career opportunities, you can prioritize it, but make sure you can manage your expenses well.
Gaurav Jangde Updated on July 28, 2025
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