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Amongst the most prominent perks of studying abroad is the opportunity to embrace a new culture and explore a new country. While exploring the best universities for your chosen program, you must also research the best student cities as per your interests and preferences. This blog brings you a complete list of the best student cities in the world that are home to premium academic institutions and offer high quality of life, affordable living costs, and also safest student cities for international students!
Best Student Cities
The best student cities are determined based on a variety of factors including the presence of eminent institutions, quality of living, affordability and culture. Here are some of the best student cities in the world according to the latest QS Rankings:
| QS Student Cities Rankings 2023 | City | |||||
| #1 | London | |||||
| #2 | Munich | |||||
| #2 | Seoul | |||||
| #4 | Zurich | |||||
| #5 | Melbourne | |||||
| #6 | Berlin | |||||
| #7 | Tokyo | |||||
| #8 | Paris | |||||
| #9 | Sydney | |||||
| #10 | Edinburgh | |||||
| #11 | Boston | |||||
| #12 | Hong Kong SAR | |||||
| #13 | Singapore | |||||
| #14 | Montreal | |||||
| #15 | Toronto | |||||
| #16 | Vienna | |||||
| #17 | Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe | |||||
| #18 | New York | |||||
| #19 | Lausanne | |||||
| #20 | Vancouver |
Now, let’s explore the prominent reasons why these are considered as the best student cities in the world:
London
Becoming an awe-inspiring centre of global academia, London has secured the top position among the QS best student cities. Although the living and studying costs in London are always at an all-time high, when compared to the rest of the United Kingdom, the city offers a vast range of social and professional opportunities with many top international brands like HSBC, Unilever, Barclays and Vodafone headquartered here. Home to many renowned universities in the UK and the world, London is also a cultural hub, mainly because it boasts of the largest number of international students in comparison to any other student city in the world. Some of the best universities in London where you can pursue your degree include:
- University College London
- Imperial College London
- King’s College London
- London School of Economics and Political Science
Tokyo
Situated in the Land of the Rising Sun, Tokyo is home to 11 world-recognised universities and is among the most populous urban centres in the world. Featured at second place in the QS Best Student Cities, Tokyo offers a high quality of living along with promising work opportunities for graduates as it is home to many international brands like Sony Corporation, Honda Motor Company, Mitsubishi, etc. You can explore the vibrant Japanese culture while studying in Tokyo which is a life-changing experience in itself. You don’t have to worry about a thing because it is one of the safest student cities. One of the top preferred student cities in the world, here are some of the popular universities in Tokyo include:
Melbourne
Famously known as the cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne offers a bustling cosmopolitan life, warm and welcoming locals and a happening cultural scene for international students! Ranking third among the best student cities in the world, the city of Melbourne in Australia boasts being home to the most diverse student communities in the world. It hosts many international festivals related to the arts, music, comedy, film, fashion etc. all round the year. One of the most in-demand student cities, Melbourne offers a higher quality of living, although the cost of studying in Melbourne can be slightly higher as well. Some of the most popular universities in Melbourne include:
- University of Melbourne
- Monash University
- Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT)
- Deakin University
Munich
The most desirable student destination in Germany, Munich is another key mention in our list of best student cities in the world! Offering economical costs of living and high-quality education, one of the safest student cities- Munich is a culturally blessed destination and is home to many internationally revered brands like Puma, Microsoft, BMW, Intels, Siemens, Deillotte and the list goes on! Another reason for Munich being a preferred student city is that the public universities offer programs at no tuition fees and only minimal administrative fee charges. The top universities in Munich include:
- Technical University of Munich
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
- Munich University of Applied Sciences
- The University of Music and Performing Arts, Munich
- Munich Business School
Berlin
Another popular German city in our list, Berlin is a global financial hub as well as a cultural nerve centre of the country, thus making it perfect for students with diverse interests. The capital of Germany, Berlin ranks among the top five best student cities in the world. Berlin is also great in terms of affordability as it is also home to many public universities in Germany which do not charge any tuition fees from students (both local and international). The universities in Berlin offer a plethora of English-taught programs especially at the postgraduate level, which has increased its appeal among international students. Some of the top universities in Berlin include:
- Humboldt University of Berlin
- Free University of Berlin
- Technical University of Berlin
Montreal
An awesome little city situated in the heart of Canada, Montreal is also amongst the highest-ranked travel destinations in North America and hosts many international cultural events throughout the year. Endearingly referred to as the cultural capital of the country, it attracts a large number of international students all around the year and presently international students constitute around 29% of the student population in the city. The reasons for Montreal being a top choice among international students are its globally acclaimed universities, along with the relatively low cost of living and cultural vibrancy of the city. Montreal is also safest student cities. The most popular universities in Montreal include:
- McGill University
- University of Montreal
- Concordia University
Paris
Home to delicious macaroons, amazing view from the Eiffel Tower and Disneyland, the romantic city & heart of Europe is also renowned for its world-class education system. Paris offers splendid opportunities in research & development. Paris is quite costly but the career growth here can not be compared. Further, you can pursue part-time jobs in France as an international student as well. While studying in Paris, you can intern at luxurious fashion brands and big MNCs. You don’t have to worry about the language barrier because most of the courses are available in English as well, students are also eager to learn french as it will help them in the future. Paris is also one of the safest student cities. Studying in Paris gives students an opportunity to build an international network with diversity in culture. Here are the top universities in Paris:
- PSL Research University
- University of Paris
- Pantheon-Sorbonne University
- Sciences Po
- École Polytechnique (ParisTech)
Check Out: Study in France
Sydney
If we rate Sydney in terms of student support, degree recognization, adventure sports, weather, it would be 11/10. From beautiful beaches to top universities, Sydney is all in one. Sydney universities provide ample opportunities to gain experience while studying with various internships & workshop programs. The employment sector in Sydney is flourishing & students are able to grab excellent jobs even after graduation. To help international students from basic necessities to help with language & finances student support is always upfront & available for help. Check out the top universities in Sydney:
- Macquarie University
- University of New South Wales
- University of Sydney
- University of Technology Sydney
Seoul
A degree from South Korea is in higher demand & desired among recruiters around the world. Seoul holds a strong ground in the innovation, research & development sector. Popular universities around the world are located in Seoul and the city also has a reputation for prominent employment opportunities and also the safest student cities. Students get to experience and learn about the rich Korean culture while studying here at Asia’s top universities! Here are the best universities in Seoul:
- Seoul National University
- Korea University
- Yonsei University
- Ewha Womans University
Best Student Cities in India
| QS Student Cities Rankings 2023 | Cities |
| #103 | Mumbai |
| #114 | Banglore |
| #125 | Chennai |
| #129 | Delhi |
Safest Student Cities
Studying abroad is a major decision. Moving to a different city, university life, accommodation, finances, culture are just some of the concerns of every student. One of the major concerns while moving to another country or city is safety. To help you make this decision we have curated a list of the 20 safest student cities around the world.
- Boston
- Melbourne
- Washington DC
- Toronto
- Sydney
- Amsterdam
- Osaka
- Singapore
- Tokyo
- Zurich
- Munich
- Vienna
- Brno
- London
- Paris
- Montreal
- Berlin
- Prague
- Madrid
- Barcelona
Boston
The largest city in New England, Boston is also the capital of Massachusetts. Being a part of Boston gives you once in a lifetime opportunity to explore and study at the best universities in USA. With the quality of education, students will also get a chance to explore the oldest cities in USA. Boston is one of the safest cities to start your study abroad journey. Here are some of the popular colleges in Boston:
- Regis College
- Wheaton College
- Gordon College
Madrid
Are you planning to study in Spain? You don’t have to look beyond because Madrid is the perfect fit. From vibrant city life to top-class education, Madrid offers nothing but the best to its international students. All year round Madrid is filled with some fantastic events. You don’t have to think twice before applying to universities in Madrid. Check out the list of universities you can consider:
- Polytechnic University of Madrid
- University Carlos III of Madrid
- University of Navarra
Amsterdam
Home to more than 180 nationalities, Amsterdam is one of the safest student cities in the world. Amsterdam is not just a place to wander with friends. It is also the perfect place to start your dream course. Students get to enhance their knowledge and explore the beautiful city together. Check out the list of universities and colleges in Amsterdam:
- University of Amsterdam
- Amsterdam School of the Arts
- Pieter Nieuwland College
Toronto
Other than Tim Horton and Ice Hockey, what are the things Canada is famous for? Canada is one of the safest countries for international students. Toronto ranks 81% on the safety index. Students feel at home while pursuing their dream courses from top universities in Toronto. Check out some of the best universities in Toronto:
- University of Toronto
- York University
- Ryerson University
We hope that you found this blog on the best student cities in the world useful. Want to pursue your higher education in one of these top student destinations in the world? Our experts at Leverage Edu can help you in identifying the best universities as per your requirements and interests, along with guiding you through the application process. Sign up for a free session with us today!
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