Seoul Ranked Best Student City in the World in QS Best Student Cities 2026 Rankings; Mumbai Breaks Into Global Top 100
India’s Financial Capital Leads National Rankings While Asian Cities Dominate Global Education Hubs
The Impressive TimesEducation Correspondent
info@impressivetimes.com
In a significant shift, Seoul has been named the world’s best city for students in the latest QS Best Student Cities 2026 rankings, displacing London from the top position. The South Korean capital, known for its dynamic culture, technological infrastructure, and globally reputed universities, now ranks #1 globally, as announced by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) on July 15.
In a strong showing for Asia, Tokyo secured the second spot, while London fell to third place. This marks a new trend in global higher education preferences, with students increasingly drawn toward cities that offer academic excellence, affordable living, and cultural richness—all of which Asian cities like Seoul and Tokyo provide.
The top five cities in the QS Best Student Cities 2026 rankings are:
#1 Seoul
#2 Tokyo
#3 London
#4 Munich
#5 Melbourne
Other notable entries include Sydney (#6), Berlin and Paris (tied at #7), Zurich (#9), and Vienna (#10). These cities were ranked based on key parameters such as university rankings, student mix, employer activity, affordability, and desirability.
India has made a visible mark on the QS global map, with Mumbai emerging as the best student city in India, securing the 98th position globally. Mumbai’s diverse academic ecosystem, improved global connectivity, and relatively lower living costs make it an attractive destination for both domestic and international students.
Following Mumbai, Delhi ranks #104, Bangalore at #108, and Chennai at #128. While these cities may not yet rival global education hubs in infrastructure or institutional rankings, they score high in affordability, one of the most important factors for students.
Delhi: 96.5
Mumbai: 86.3
Bangalore: 84.3
Chennai: 80.1
QS emphasized that affordability continues to be India’s strongest advantage, with Indian metros offering significantly lower tuition fees and cost of living compared to Western cities.
The QS Best Student Cities ranking evaluates destinations based on five core indicators:
University Rankings – Academic performance of universities.
Student Mix – Diversity and inclusivity of the student population.
Desirability – Safety, pollution levels, and quality of life.
Employer Activity – Availability of job opportunities post-study.
Affordability – Tuition costs and living expenses.
The 2026 rankings signal a shift in student mobility trends, with more students considering Asian cities like Seoul, Tokyo, and Singapore over traditional Western favorites, thanks to innovation, affordability, and expanding global recognition of Asian institutions.
The QS Best Student Cities 2026 rankings highlight a growing realignment in global education trends, where Asia emerges as a top choice for international students. With Mumbai’s entry into the top 100, India is steadily positioning itself as a competitive educational destination, especially for budget-conscious students seeking quality education.
For students aspiring to study abroad or explore global education hubs, Seoul, Tokyo, and Mumbai are cities to watch in 2026 and beyond.
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