Top 10 Best Cities for International Students in 2025: QS Rankings Revealed

Choosing a university is no longer just about academic rankings. For international students, the environment of the host city—including its safety, cultural diversity, affordability, and employment opportunities—plays a crucial role in decision-making. Each year, Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), a UK-based global education analyst, publishes the Best Student Cities ranking. Based on six core metrics—university rankings, student diversity, desirability, employer activity, affordability, and student feedback—QS identifies cities that offer the most holistic international student experiences. Here are the top 10 cities for higher education in 2025 according to QS, with detailed insights into what makes each city stand out.

Score: 100/100

Why it's top-ranked:
London holds the crown for the fourth consecutive year as the best student city in the world. It is home to elite institutions like Imperial College London, University College London, King’s College London, and the London School of Economics.

Student appeal:
With over 100,000 international students, London offers a multicultural experience. The city's cultural heritage, iconic landmarks, and thriving arts scene provide enriching experiences beyond academics.

Affordability and career opportunities:
Despite being one of the costliest cities, London provides various part-time job opportunities and an extensive public transport system, making student life manageable. Graduates also benefit from proximity to global job markets.

Score: 99.2/100

Why it stands out:
Tokyo blends futuristic innovation with traditional culture. The University of Tokyo and Tokyo Institute of Technology rank among the best for science, technology, and engineering.

Student environment:
Tokyo is renowned for its cleanliness, low crime rate, punctual transport systems, and high-tech infrastructure. Students interested in research, particularly in physics, chemistry, or robotics, thrive here.

Cultural advantage:
Living in Tokyo offers access to centuries-old shrines, pop culture, and cuisine—all within a global economic hub.

Score: 97.8/100

Academic institutions:
Leading universities like Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University make Seoul a global education center.

Vibrant urban life:
Seoul is known for its dynamic mix of old and new—from palaces and temples to K-pop and digital innovation. Areas like Gangnam and Hongdae are cultural hotspots for young people.

Affordability and safety:
The city offers high safety, excellent infrastructure, and relatively low living costs compared to Western cities.

Score: 97.7/100

Engineering and business hub:
Munich is a magnet for students in technology, manufacturing, and entrepreneurship. Top universities include Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and Technical University of Munich.

Startup culture:
With strong ties to industries like automotive and biotech, Munich has a vibrant startup ecosystem. Internships and post-study work options are abundant.

Affordability and lifestyle:
Students benefit from subsidized tuition, public health insurance, and access to a beautiful, safe, and well-organized city.

Score: 97.1/100

Academic excellence:
The University of Melbourne, Monash University, and RMIT University attract tens of thousands of international students each year.

Multicultural inclusivity:
Melbourne is known for its open and inclusive society, with diverse student communities from Asia, Europe, and Latin America.

Quality of life:
High livability, excellent healthcare, public transport, and a buzzing arts scene make it a favorite among students.

Score: 95.4/100

Leading universities:
The University of Sydney, University of New South Wales, and UTS are globally respected institutions with strong industry links.

Natural and urban blend:
Sydney combines natural beauty—harbors, beaches, and parks—with a fast-paced urban lifestyle. Students can unwind at Bondi Beach or attend lectures at world-class facilities in the same week.

Employment prospects:
As one of Australia’s business capitals, Sydney offers plentiful job opportunities post-graduation, especially in finance, tech, and healthcare.

Score: 94.6/100

Cultural and intellectual legacy:
Paris is not just the city of love, but also one of intellect and innovation. Institutions like the University of Paris, PSL Research University, and Pantheon-Sorbonne are globally recognized.

Art and lifestyle:
From the Louvre to French cuisine, Paris offers an immersive cultural experience. Students often get access to discounted art events and transport.

Academic environment:
The French education system is rigorous and research-oriented, especially in humanities, art history, and political science.

Score: 94.5/100

Top academic institutions:
ETH Zurich consistently ranks among the world’s top universities for science and engineering.

Clean and efficient living:
Zurich’s public transport is exceptionally punctual. The city is clean, safe, and economically stable.

Job market:
Low unemployment rates and the presence of many international companies make Zurich attractive for students seeking long-term career paths, especially in finance, pharma, and engineering.

Score: 94.4/100

Diverse education system:
Berlin’s institutions like Humboldt University, Freie Universität Berlin, and Technical University of Berlin offer tuition-free or low-cost education for many international students.

Alternative culture and freedom:
Berlin is a haven for creatives, tech innovators, and politically active youth. It’s known for its vibrant art scene and progressive attitudes.

Low cost, high value:
Despite being a capital city, Berlin remains affordable with student discounts on housing, transport, and public amenities.

Score: 92.1/100

Bilingual academic culture:
Montreal offers education in both English and French, with top universities like McGill University and Université de Montréal.

Research and innovation:
Montreal excels in AI, biotechnology, and arts education. It’s a top choice for students in both STEM and humanities fields.

Affordable and friendly:
Montreal’s cost of living is lower than cities like Toronto or Vancouver. Its inclusive society and easy transit make student life comfortable and engaging.

Conclusion

The QS Best Student Cities 2025 ranking reaffirms that studying abroad involves much more than academics—it’s about the full ecosystem of the city. Whether it’s London’s global allure, Tokyo’s technological brilliance, or Montreal’s cultural fusion, each city offers a unique blend of education, lifestyle, and opportunity. As global mobility continues to increase, these cities are leading the way in shaping the next generation of global citizens.