Seoul has been named the world’s best student city in the QS Best Student Cities Ranking, ending London’s six-year streak at the top. The South Korean capital climbed two spots this year, praised for its international appeal, outstanding universities, and rich student experience.
The QS ranking evaluates 150 cities across 58 countries based on factors such as university quality, affordability, student diversity, and desirability. While the United States and the United Kingdom each have 16 cities represented, Seoul’s rise to the top highlights the growing global recognition of Asia’s education hubs.
London fell to third place due to a decline in affordability, while Vienna entered the top 10 for the first time. Kuala Lumpur (12th), Taipei (14th), and Hong Kong (17th) also made notable gains, reflecting Asia’s increasing prominence in global education.
Ju-Ho Lee, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education for South Korea, celebrated the ranking, saying:
“We are proud that Seoul has been recognized as the best student city in the world. This reflects global confidence in Korea’s higher education system and Seoul’s unique blend of academic excellence, vibrant culture, cutting-edge innovation, and a safe, welcoming environment.”
With this recognition, Seoul solidifies its status as a leading destination for international students, combining world-class academics with a dynamic and inclusive urban experience.
Here is a complete list of the Top 50 Student Cities in the QS Best Student Cities 2026 ranking including overall scores and countries:
Top 50 Student Cities – QS 2026
Rank | City | Country | Overall Score |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Seoul | South Korea | 100 |
2 | Tokyo | Japan | 99.9 |
3 | London | United Kingdom | 97.1 |
4 | Munich | Germany | 96.3 |
5 | Melbourne | Australia | 95.7 |
6 | Sydney | Australia | 94.7 |
=7 | Berlin | Germany | 93.3 |
=7 | Paris | France | 93.3 |
9 | Zurich | Switzerland | 91.5 |
10 | Vienna | Austria | 90.8 |
11 | Singapore | Singapore | 90.6 |
12 | Kuala Lumpur | Malaysia | 90.3 |
13 | Beijing | China (Mainland) | 89.7 |
14 | Taipei | Taiwan | 89.1 |
=15 | Boston | United States | 88.5 |
=15 | Edinburgh | United Kingdom | 88.5 |
17 | Hong Kong SAR | Hong Kong SAR | 88.3 |
=18 | Kyoto | Japan | 87.8 |
=18 | Montreal | Canada | 87.8 |
20 | Amsterdam | Netherlands | 87.4 |
21 | Lausanne | Switzerland | 87.1 |
22 | Toronto | Canada | 87.0 |
23 | New York | United States | 86.1 |
24 | Stockholm | Sweden | 85.2 |
25 | Auckland | New Zealand | 84.7 |
26 | Brisbane | Australia | 84.3 |
27 | Shanghai | China (Mainland) | 84.0 |
28 | Madrid | Spain | 83.9 |
=29 | Prague | Czech Republic | 83.4 |
=29 | Vancouver | Canada | 83.4 |
31 | Adelaide | Australia | 82.9 |
32 | Buenos Aires | Argentina | 82.8 |
33 | Leuven | Belgium | 82.5 |
34 | Copenhagen | Denmark | 82.3 |
=35 | Barcelona | Spain | 82.2 |
=35 | Glasgow | United Kingdom | 82.2 |
37 | Perth | Australia | 81.4 |
=38 | Canberra | Australia | 81.2 |
=38 | Dublin | Ireland | 81.2 |
40 | Manchester | United Kingdom | 80.8 |
=41 | Newcastle Upon Tyne | United Kingdom | 80.7 |
=41 | San Francisco | United States | 80.7 |
43 | Los Angeles | United States | 79.5 |
44 | Milan | Italy | 78.3 |
45 | Coventry | United Kingdom | 76.2 |
46 | Rome | Italy | 75.9 |
=47 | Bristol | United Kingdom | 75.4 |
=47 | Chicago | United States | 75.4 |
49 | Nottingham | United Kingdom | 75.3 |
50 | Santiago | Chile | 75.2 |
How QS Ranks These Cities
QS Best Student Cities 2026 ranks urban study destinations based on six equally weighted lenses (each ~16.7% of total score):
- University Rankings – Count & quality of universities via QS World University Rankings.
- Student Mix – Proportion and volume of students, including international diversity and tolerance.
- Desirability – Safety, pollution, transport, healthcare, climate, and student preference.
- Employer Activity – Employer surveys on graduate recruitment and youth employment levels.
- Affordability – Tuition costs, cost of living, and purchasing power.
- Student Voice – Surveys of student satisfaction across culture, sustainability, nightlife, etc.
To qualify, cities need ≥250,000 people and at least two universities ranked by QS
