Studying in a new city is an exciting experience for students. A good student city offers great education, safety, fun places to visit and a friendly environment. Many cities around the world welcome students and give them a chance to learn and grow. In this article, we will look at the top-5 best student cities in the world and what makes them special for students.
Top-5 Best Student Cities in the World in 2026
Choosing the right city to study in is just as important as choosing the right course. The best student cities offer a mix of good universities, affordable living, job opportunities, safety and fun experiences. Based on QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2026, here are the top-5 student cities in the world:
| City | Overall Score | Student View | Student Mix | Employer Activity | Desirability | Affordability | Rankings |
| Seoul, South Korea | 100 | 79.3 | 77 | 93.3 | 90.2 | 51.8 | 100 |
| Tokyo, Japan | – | 87.1 | 68 | 100 | 91 | 57.1 | 87.8 |
| London, UK | 97.1 | 98.3 | 92.7 | 92.9 | 86.2 | 12.6 | 94.7 |
| Munich, Germany | 96.3 | 94.8 | 88.3 | 90 | 87.4 | 52.1 | 60.8 |
| Melbourne, Australia | 95.7 | 98.2 | 100 | 87.7 | 88.5 | 25 | 71.2 |
Seoul, South Korea
Seoul is now the best student city in the world, taking the top spot in 2026. The city is famous for its top universities, modern lifestyle and high job opportunities after graduation. It also scores high in ”Employer Activity” and ”University Rankings,” making it great for both learning and future careers.
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo remains strong and is now the second-best student city. It gets a perfect score in job opportunities and is also loved by students for its safety, culture and high quality of life. Tokyo blends traditional and modern living, giving students a unique and exciting experience.
London, United Kingdom
London, once number one, now ranks third. It is still one of the most popular cities for international students. With world-famous universities, a vibrant student life, and a diverse population, London has much to offer. However, the high cost of living makes it less affordable for many.
Munich, Germany
Munich ranks fourth and is one of the best cities in Europe for students. It offers affordable education, a high standard of living and safe surroundings. Students also enjoy the city’s culture, parks and friendly environment.
Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne rounds out the top five. Known for its cultural diversity and friendly people, it has top universities and a fun student lifestyle. It scores highest in Student Mix and Desirability, showing how much students enjoy studying there. However, it is a bit expensive to live in.
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