Dubai: As you weigh your options for studying abroad, the QS Best Student Cities ranking for 2025 highlights the top destinations for an exceptional academic and living experience.
Here’s a snapshot of the best cities to study, work, and live in, as highlighted by QS.
1. London, England, a consistent favourite
London retains its crown as the world's best student city for the sixth year in a row. Known for its prestigious universities, vibrant job market, and rich cultural scene, it remains unbeatable.
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Top universities: Imperial College London (6th globally), University College London (9th), King’s College London (40th)
Employment opportunities: 4th globally for internships and job placements
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Affordability: Ranked 126th; high living costs, but rich cultural offerings
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Safety: Highly secure
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Student Mix: 7th globally for diversity
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Student Satisfaction: 3rd globally
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Monthly expenses range from 5,000 dirhams to 5,800 dirhams.
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Dagenham; luxury spots are Knightsbridge and Mayfair.
2. Tokyo, Japan: Asia’s top destination
Tokyo ranks second, offering a dynamic blend of tradition and modernity. It's renowned for its high quality of life and ample career prospects.
Top universities: University of Tokyo (32nd globally), Tokyo Institute of Technology (84th), Waseda University (181st)
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Employer activity: Leads globally in professional and internship opportunities
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Affordability: 85th globally; competitive despite high costs
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Desirability: 1st for quality of life
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Student Mix: 79th
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Student Satisfaction: 22nd globally
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Students should budget 3,600 dirhams to 5,400 dirhams per month. Affordable neighborhoods include Ikebukuro and Kichijoji; Roppongi and Shibuya are more expensive.
3. Seoul, South Korea, a thriving hub
Seoul stands out for its excellent education, vibrant culture, and strong job market.
Top universities: Seoul National University (31st globally), Yonsei University (56th), Korea University (67th)
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Employment opportunities: 9th globally
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Affordability: 91st globally; competitive costs
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Student Mix: 41st
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Student Satisfaction: 46th globally
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Annual tuition fees average 23,000 dirhams, with relatively low living costs.
4. Munich, Germany: Quality and value
Munich excels with its high living standards, affordable costs, and vibrant job market.
Top universities: Technical University of Munich (28th globally), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (59th)
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Employment opportunities: 8th globally
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Affordability: 54th; good value
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Student Mix: 11th
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Student Satisfaction: 10th globally
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Annual tuition fees are about 1,100 dirhams, with low living costs.
5. Melbourne, Australia: Cultural richness
Melbourne is celebrated for its vibrant culture and top universities.
Top universities: University of Melbourne (13th globally), Monash University (37th)
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Employer activity: 20th globally
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Affordability: 131st; high quality of life
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Student Mix: 1st globally
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Student Satisfaction: 2nd globally
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Monthly costs range from 5,200 dirhams to 14,500 dirhams.
6. Sydney, Australia: A dynamic choice
Sydney offers a lively lifestyle and excellent educational institutions.
Top universities: University of Sydney (18th globally), University of New South Wales (19th)
- Employer activity: 18th globally
- Affordability: 130th; high costs
- Student Mix: 4th
- Desirability: 4th globally
- Monthly expenses are between 5,200 dirhams and 14,600 dirhams.
7. Paris, France: Charm and excellence
Paris combines historic charm with academic excellence and cultural vibrancy.
Top universities: Universite PSL (24th globally), Institut Polytechnique de Paris (46th), Sorbonne University (63rd)
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Employment opportunities: 27th globally
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Affordability: 74th
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Student mix: 7th
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Desirability: 7th globally
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Monthly living costs range from 3,200 to dirhams5,000 dirhams.
8. Zurich, Switzerland: Quality of life
Zurich stands out for its high quality of life and strong educational institutions.
Top universities: ETH Zurich (7th globally), University of Zurich (109th)
- Affordability: 102nd
- Employment opportunities: 10th globally
- Student mix: 19th
- Monthly expenses are between 6,000 dirhams and 10,500 dirhams.
9. Berlin, Germany: Cultural and affordable
Berlin’s vibrant cultural scene and affordability make it a top choice.
Top Universities: Freie Universitat Berlin (97th globally), Humboldt-Universitat zu Berlin (126th), Technische Universitat Berlin (147th)
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Affordability: 30th; reasonable costs
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Student mix: 6th
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Monthly costs range from 3,200 dirhams to 5,000 dirhams.
10. Montreal, Canada: Bilingual and affordable
Montreal offers a bilingual environment, cultural richness, and affordability.
Top Universities: McGill University (29th globally), Université de Montréal (159th), Concordia University (415th)
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Affordability: 14th globally
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Employment Opportunities: 39th
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Student mix: 10th
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Monthly expenses are between 3,600 dirhams and 5,500 dirhams.
These cities each offer a unique blend of academic excellence, cultural vibrancy, and living affordability. Choose the one that best suits your study and lifestyle goals!