QS Best Student Cities considers the rankings, student mix, desirability, employer activity and affordability of university cities. The 2026 iteration saw the UK capital’s affordability score decline, with London slipping to third place, overtaken by the rising cities of Seoul and Tokyo – a shift that underscores Asia’s growing appeal as a global hub for world-class education.
Deputy Prime Minister and minister of education of the Republic of Korea, Ju-Ho Lee, described it as an honour as Seoul was named the world’s best student city.
“This recognition reflects the growing global trust in Korea’s higher education system and highlights Seoul’s unique strengths – a blend of academic excellence, cultural vibrancy, innovation, and safety,” he said.
Three Seoul-based universities – Seoul National University, Yonsei University, and Korea University – are ranked among the top 100 in the QS World University Rankings. Over 200,000 international students are currently studying in Korea, and the country’s ministry of education has signalled its ongoing commitment to supporting students from around the globe by “helping them study, grow, and thrive in Korea”.
Meanwhile, Tokyo – maintaining its second place spot – leads globally in the employer activity metric.
As for London, despite being home to 18 top-ranked universities, its affordability challenges significantly impacted its overall score. The city ranked 137th in the affordability category, placing it behind rivals like Seoul and Tokyo.
Notably, this challenge extends beyond the capital, as all 16 UK cities featured in the rankings have declined in this key metric, with none placing among the world’s top 100 for affordability. Scotland’s Aberdeen is currently the most affordable UK city, ranking 106th in this category.
In contrast, UK cities performed notably well in the Desirability metric. All – except Leicester, which slipped just one spot – saw improvements, with every city now ranked within the global top 80. Edinburgh leads at 12th, followed by London at 16th.
Based on the Economist’s Price Index, Numbeo’s Cost of Living Index, and average tuition fees, London received an affordability score of 12.6 – placing it lower than all but one of the top 20 cities in the student city rankings. The only city to score lower was Boston, ranked joint 15th overall, with a score of 7.2.
Commenting on the shift, Liz Hutchinson, executive of London Higher, outlined the “complex” challenges the city of London is facing.
“London offers a world-class experience for students across a whole range of measures from student voice and employer activity. It continues to have huge appeal for prospective students the world over, through its globally recognised universities, vibrant culture and diverse employment opportunities,” she said.
However, she described a “chronic shortage” of affordable housing affecting students and the wider community alike – part of the wider cost of living crisis felt across the UK.
“Our members are working with the Greater London Authority through their London Plan to develop policies and practices to ease pressure on the broader rental market and accelerate the provision of genuinely affordable homes for all Londoners including students,” continued Hutchinson.
London also experienced a decline in the student mix indicator, which considers a city’s international student population, diversity, and inclusivity.
“London’s diversity and warm welcome to students from the world over has always been a big pull factor for applicants. It’s concerning to see a drop in this rating,” said Hutchinson.
This serves as a stark warning about the potential consequences of policy changes – such as the proposed levy on international students
Liz Hutchinson, London Higher
“This serves as a stark warning about the potential consequences of policy changes – such as the proposed levy on international students – which risk undermining further still our status as a truly global, inclusive city.”
Despite the drop, Ben Sowter, QS senior vice president, maintained: “Simply put, London is one of the world’s premier cities for learning.”
“From Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore to Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, London has long been a beacon for global changemakers. Today, that legacy lives on through students like Aliza Ayaz, a Pakistani climate activist who studied at UCL and became the UK’s first UN Youth Ambassador for Climate Action.”
“But London’s brilliance is being dimmed by a deepening affordability crisis… This is no longer just a concern – it’s a barrier. Without urgent reform, we risk transforming London into a city that only the wealthiest can afford to study in.”
Sowter pointed to research from from Unipol and HEPI which laid out the average student rent in London – £13,595 – now surpasses the maximum maintenance loan – £13,348 – tended to cover all living costs. Additionally, 14% of student rooms in London now cost over £20,000 a year and rent levels have soared 18% in just two years.
“Higher education in London should be defined by talent and aspiration, not by postcode or parental income. It’s time for policymakers, universities, and the private sector to work together to make the capital more accessible for the next generation of global leaders,” said Sowter.
Other notable global insights delivered in the 11th edition of the QS Best Student Cities include Boston (15th) being the sole US city to climb, while others faced challenges in student mix and desirability.
Meanwhile, all four Canadian cities slipped in the rankings but remain within the top 100, led by Montreal at 18th.
Australia’s Melbourne and Sydney remain firmly in the top 10, affirming the country’s position as a premier destination for international students.
Beijing achieved its highest-ever ranking at 13th, topping Mainland China’s eight ranked cities. Indian cities all saw gains, with Mumbai entering the top 100 at 98th, supported by strong scores in affordability (11th) and employer activity (37th).
Germany and Australia are the only countries with two cities in the top 10, with Munich and Berlin both highly regarded by students and graduates.
Paris retains seventh place, leading Europe in the QS World University Rankings indicator. Madrid broke into the top 30, while Milan and Rome are firmly placed in the top 50.
In the Arab region, Amman is the highest-ranked city at 64th, rising 19 places year-on-year, while Cairo leads Africa at 71st. Latin America’s Buenos Aires leads at 32nd, climbing 10 places, followed by Santiago in 50th.
