The Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Best Student Cities Ranking for 2026 has been released, with Seoul, South Korea emerging as the best city in the world for students. This marks a major shift in global education hubs, as London, which held the top spot in previous years, has now moved to third place, while Tokyo takes the second position, making it the first time two Asian cities have topped the list.
QS, a global authority in higher education analysis, compiles the rankings based on factors such as affordability, student diversity, desirability, university quality, and employment prospects after graduation.
Top 15 QS Best Student Cities 2026:
- Seoul, South Korea
- Tokyo, Japan
- London, United Kingdom
- Munich, Germany
- Melbourne, Australia
- Sydney, Australia
- Berlin, Germany
- Paris, France
- Zurich, Switzerland
- Vienna, Austria
- Singapore
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Beijing, China
- Taipei, Taiwan
- Boston, United States
This year’s rankings reflect a growing dominance of Asian cities in the global academic landscape, attributed to robust education systems, vibrant cultural scenes, and increasing international student appeal.
4 Indian Cities Make it to Top 150 List
India has made a commendable entry into the top 150, with four cities earning global recognition:
- Mumbai – Rank 98
- Delhi – Rank 104
- Bangalore – Rank 108
- Chennai – Rank 128
These cities were praised for their expanding higher education infrastructure, diverse student population, and improving global reputation. The inclusion of Indian cities highlights the country’s growing presence in international education and offers encouragement to students considering studying locally.
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