Seoul Crowned Best Study Destination in QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2026
Seoul Takes the Top Spot in QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2026
In a dramatic shift, Seoul has been declared the best city for students worldwide, ending London's six-year dominance at the top of the QS Best Student Cities Ranking for 2026. This significant recognition not only highlights Seoul's appealing university landscape but also its status as an international education hub.
Seoul's rise in the rankings, moving from third to first place, signals its robust global reputation and the attractiveness of its educational offerings. Factors contributing to this success include the city's vibrant culture, state-of-the-art facilities, and a strong emphasis on student support and safety. Ju-Ho Lee, the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Education of South Korea, expressed pride in this achievement, noting it reflects growing confidence in the Korean higher education system and the unique blend of academic excellence and cultural vibrancy that Seoul offers.
A Closer Look at the Rankings
According to the QS rankings of 150 cities across 58 countries, the United States and the United Kingdom dominate the list, each featuring 16 cities. Following Seoul, Tokyo secured the second place, maintaining its reputation for employer activity, while London fell to third due to decreased affordability indicators. Munich, Melbourne, Sydney, Berlin, Paris, Zurich, and Vienna rounded out the top ten, with Vienna making a notable entry into this elite circle.
Interestingly, this year also saw the emergence of various Asian cities in the top 20, with Kuala Lumpur at 12th, Taipei at 14th, and Hong Kong now positioned at 17th. These cities exemplify the increasing appeal of Asia as a hub for international students.
In the UK, despite setbacks in affordability, cities like Nottingham and Leeds showed some improvement in their rankings. Conversely, the only American city to advance in the standings is Boston, now ranked 15th, amidst challenges in factors like Student Mix and Desirability.
Global Highlights
In Canada, all four ranked cities saw a downturn, yet Montreal remains the flagship at 18th place. Australia continues to assert its dominance in the educational sector with Melbourne and Sydney both maintained within the top ten.
Despite the shift in rankings, Paris remains a robust contender, holding the seventh spot and boasting the top position in Europe in terms of QS's World University Rankings. Madrid is also making waves by entering the top 30, while Milan and Rome are both within the top 50.
Across the Arab region, Amman has made significant progress in the rankings, now placed at 64th—a jump of 19 places from the previous year. In Africa, Cairo is the top-ranked city at 71st, while Buenos Aires leads in Latin America, climbing ten spots to 32nd.
These rankings reflect the ongoing evolution of global education, where affordability, desirability, and a city’s international reputation play crucial roles in shaping students' choices.
Methodology
The QS rankings are based on a comprehensive methodology that considers various factors including university rankings, student mix, affordability, and employer activity, ensuring a holistic assessment of each city’s educational landscape. This comprehensive approach allows prospective students to make informed decisions about their educational pursuits abroad.
As we look towards the future, it's clear that cities like Seoul are not only positioning themselves as leaders in higher education but are also setting a standard for global academic excellence.
For aspiring students, this ranking is more than just a list; it serves as a valuable guide in navigating their educational journeys, ensuring they choose environments that foster both academic and personal growth.