Seoul Tops QS 2026 Student City Rankings

The 2026 QS Best Student Cities Rankings saw Seoul claim the top global spot, with Tokyo second and London dropping to third, highlighting the rise of Asian cities in higher education. London’s fall in the rankings is attributed to declining affordability, while Munich, Melbourne, and Sydney also secured places in the top ten. Four Indian cities—Mumbai (98), Delhi (104), Bengaluru (108), and Chennai (128)—were recognized for strong educational infrastructure and student communities, with Delhi ranked as the most affordable student city worldwide. Kuala Lumpur climbed to 12th place globally, driven by robust employer activity and student diversity, though affordability remains a challenge. The rankings consider factors such as affordability, employer activity, student mix, desirability, and university quality to guide prospective students. These developments reflect Asia’s growing influence and competitiveness in the global education landscape.