15 Best Student Cities in the World 2024

Studying in a city that adds value to your academics and career is a top priority and in this article, we will be looking at the best student cities in the world.

Generally, picking the right institution and location to study comes with an advantage. As a student, you need to make the right choices when selecting a place to study.

Your decision determines how things will turn out after your graduation. The aim is to secure the best jobs and find institutions where you can further your education or pursue a career of your choice.

Several cities across the world are home to top-tier colleges and universities. But what are the best student cities in the world and what are their rankings?

If you want the answers to these questions, then stay with us as list the best student cities worldwide.

How to Choose the Best Student Cities in the Word

As a student who wants to pursue academic goals, making the best decisions is crucial. There are a few important factors you need to consider, before making your decisions.

Attending some of the best colleges and universities in popular cities across the world can be quite steep. So, here are a few factors to consider as a student.

Academic Opportunity

As a student, you need to ensure that the institution you want to study in is located in a city with good academic opportunities. Remember you will be spending time and money studying at a college or university, so it’s important you choose wisely.

Ensure the institution you want to attend is accredited and offers a variety of courses. Do a little research about your preferred college or university before submitting your application.

It will be unwise not to do a little research. Your finds will help you discover what your preferred institution has to offer.

Also Read: Best Countries to Study Abroad in Asia

Career Opportunity

After graduating from a college or university, the next step could be getting a job or studying at a grad school. As a student, make sure that you study in a city that provides better career options.

Studying in an institution that provides the best learning environment and resources should be your priority. Make sure that your preferred institution offers good internships, as well as great co-op programs.

Locality

Studying in a city where the locals are friendly and hospitable is something you should also consider. Life outside campus should be fun and exploring the cultures of the city where you live should not be a problem.

This can only be possible if you choose to study in a city where the cost of living is not high, and you can easily get around town with no issues.

Choose a city that is accommodating and has a good reputation when it comes to student life.

What Are the QS Student City Rankings?

The yearly QS World University Rankings are one of the most read education rankings worldwide. The annual student cities ranking was initiated in 2014 and there have been several listings since then.

Each year, over 100 cities are listed as the best student cities in the world. The annual listing is determined by a few important factors which include;

University Rankings
Student Mix
Desirability
Employer Activity
Affordability
Student View

List of the Best Student Cities in the World

Here are the best student cities in the world. Let’s look at the top 15 cities for students worldwide.

London, England
Munich, Germany
Seoul, South Korea
Zurich, Switzerland
Melbourne, Australia
Berlin, Germany
Tokyo, Japan
Paris, France
Sydney, Australia
Edinburgh, Scotland
Boston, United States of America
Hong Kong SAR, Hong Kong
Singapore, Singapore
Montreal, Canada
Toronto, Canada

15 Best Student Cities in the World

Generally, there are thousands of cities across the world where you will find various colleges and universities. When you look at the list above, you will discover that some cities where some of the top 10 universities in the world are located are not on the list.

Cities like Stanford, Pasadena, and Cambridge are not on the list. These cities are home to institutions such as Stanford University, Caltech, MIT, and Harvard University.

#1. London, England

London has been in the number one position as the best student city since 2018. The city of London remains one of the best cities where students can explore great career options.

The city is home to one of the best and oldest universities in the world, dating back over 700 years ago.

The cost of living in the British capital can be quite expensive, especially for students. This is where the city scored a very low number in the top QS Best Student Cities Rankings.

The British capital is one of the most important financial centres in the world. it offers lots of opportunities to graduates, especially for those who cooperate minded.

Top-tier universities in London include the London School of Economics and Political Science, Imperial College London, The Royal Academy of Music, and the University of London.

#2. Munich, Germany

Munich and Seoul, the capital of South Korea are joint in second place as the best student cities in the world.

Over the years, Germany has become a preferred destination for international students. Germany houses some of the best universities in Europe.

Currently, a university in Munich is in the top 50 universities in the world. International students are making the trip to study at one of the top universities in Germany.

Why are international students choosing Germany as a preferred location?

Attending college can be quite expensive, but Germany is making education affordable for students. Institutions in Germany offer affordable programs, so international students are taking that advantage.

Munich takes the number two spot, overtaking the capital city of the country. Besides offering affordable programs for international students, Munich also provides the perfect atmosphere for students to live comfortably.

The Technical University of Munich is ranked at the 49th position, while Ludwig-Maximilians- Universität München is ranked 59, according to QS World University Rankings (2024).

#2. Seoul, South Korea

South Korean universities are ranked in the top 42 universities in the world. Seoul is home to top Asian universities. The city is the perfect location for international students who want to pursue careers in tech and medicine.

South Korea shares its culture with students in the capital city. Studying in this Asian city is an access to explore the rich culture of Korea. There is a lot to enjoy, as local cuisines are available for students to try something new.

According to QS World University Rankins, Seoul National University currently sits at the 23rd spot and KAIST- Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology is ranked 42nd.

Also Read: 20 Top Rated Cheapest Universities in Germany for International Students

#4. Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich is one of the best student cities in the world. The Swiss city is regarded as one of the wealthiest European cities. The city is a safe place to study and it accommodates international students from various countries around the world.

If you want to study in any of the institutions in Zurich, it’s important you know that the cost of living in the city is a bit expensive. On the other hand, tuition fees are affordable compared to studying in countries like the United States, the U.K. and Australia.

ETH Zurich is ranked in the 9th, while the University of Zurich occupies the 83rd position.

#5. Melbourne, Australia

Australia is another destination where international students travel to pursue their academic goals and careers.

Melbourne offers an exciting atmosphere for students. Universities in Melbourne are ranked in the top 100 institutions in the world.

Expect top-quality education and the best learning environment at the University of Melbourne or Monash University. These institutions are ranked 33rd and 57th according to QS World University Rankings.

#6. Berlin, Germany

The capital city of Germany is one of the largest European cities. Berlin is a major city with opportunities for students to excel in biotechnology, manufacturing, construction, and digital media.

Public universities in Berlin provide courses in English. International students can study any program of their choice in English.

Berlin is a suitable destination for international students. If you are wondering what is the cost of living in the German capital, well, let me tell you that Berlin is a city where students can live comfortably.

The cost of living in Berlin suits the lifestyle of the average student. The Humboldt University of Berlin and Freie Universitaet Berlin as the top-tier universities in the German capital.

#7. Tokyo, Japan

The city of Tokyo is one of the best student cities in the world. Tokyo is one of the cities in Asia where international students across the globe want to study.

A city that is taking technology to the next level, through innovative research.

Japan’s economy is one of the best in the world, with Tokyo providing opportunities for various careers.

According to QS World University Rankings, the University of Tokyo and the Tokyo Institute of Technology are ranked in the 23rd and 55th positions.

#8. Paris, France

Paris is one of the top European cities with a rich cultural heritage. The French capital city hosts big fashion events that attract top celebrities to visit. Besides that, Paris is a preferred destination for honeymooners and tourists.

So, there is more to explore outside academics, combined with opportunities the city offers. Paris is the perfect place where graduates can connect with top clients.

Paris is home to some of the best universities in Europe, which includes Université PSL and Institute Polytechnique de Paris.

Also Read: List of 10 Tuition-Free Universities in Germany for International Students

#9. Sydney, Australia

Here is another Australian city on the list of best student cities in the world.

Institutions in Sydney welcome thousands of international students every year. The majority of international students studying at universities in Sydney are mainly from China or India.

Sydney is open to students from different countries around the world and it also offers career opportunities to graduates.

Top universities in Sydney include the University of New South Wales and the University of Sydney.

#10. Edinburgh, Scotland

The city of Edinburgh comes in at number 10 on this list.

Edinburgh is home to one of the world’s oldest universities. Outside academics, there is more you can explore as a student.

International students can explore the rich cultural heritage of the city embedded in the ancient castles in Edinburgh. Living in Edinburgh gives you a first-hand experience of Scottish culture.

The University of Edinburg currently tops the likes of Yale, Princeton, and Cornell University in the recent QS World University Rankings.

#11. Boston, United States

This is the first city in North America on this list.

Boston is a city that is popular for its culture and arts. Universities in Boston attract thousands of international students every academic year. The city is diverse and accommodates everyone regardless of social status, religion, or ethnicity.

Some of the top universities in Boston include Boston University, Northeastern University, Harvard Medical School, and UMass Boston.

#12. Hong Kong SAR, Hong Kong

Hong Kong was previously ranked number 10 on QS Best Student Cities in the World back in 2019. It currently occupies the 12th position in the recent rankings.

People from different parts of the world travel to Hong Kong to study. International students, even from the United States study at universities in Hong Kong.

When you are not studying, you can go cycling, enjoy a fun time at the beach, or engage in any outdoor sport.

Some of the top universities in Hong Kong include the University of Hong Kong ranked 21st and the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CHUK) ranked 38th.

#13. Singapore, Singapore

Singapore is one of the preferred destinations for international students. It offers a top-quality education at affordable prices and many students are taking this advantage to study at the best universities in Asia.

Over the last decades, Singapore achieved the status of a first-world country. They have also improved their education system to become one of the best worldwide.

Singapore upgraded their status and today, its universities are in the top 20 institutions in the world. Currently, the National University of Singapore (NUS) occupies the 11th position on the QS World University Rankings, while Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is ranked 19th.

Also Read: A Helpful Guide To Finding A Job In Singapore

#14 Montreal, Canada

Another North American city on the list of best student cities in the world.

Montreal is a city for everyone to explore career opportunities. The city provides a safe environment and getting around Montreal is very easy.

McGill University currently occupies the 31st position on the QS World University Rankings. It’s one of the universities in Canada that offers top-notch education at affordable prices.

#15. Toronto, Canada

Toronto comes in at number 15 on the list of best student cities in the world.

Every year, thousands of international students travel to Canada to study and many of them end up in Toronto.

Programs offered at universities in Toronto are a bit affordable. When students are not learning, they can enjoy the entertaining lifestyle Toronto has to offer.

Conclusion

The cities we have listed in this post offer career opportunities and affordable education. Berlin is one the best student cities worldwide, as its public universities offer free tuition.

Recommendations

References:

Yocket.com: Best Student Cities In The World: 20 QS Best Student Cities Ranking
Hotcoursesabroad.com: What are the best student cities?
Savethestudent.org: Best student cities in the world
Top Universities: QS World University Rankings 2024: Top global universities

15 Best Student Cities in the World 2024