Choosing the perfect study abroad destination can make a big difference in your academic and personal growth. Find out which cities QS ranked as the best for international students in 2025

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Studying abroad gives students the opportunity to gain new experiences and expand their horizons. However, students, choosing a place to study, pay attention not only to the quality of education. They also think about life in this city and possible prospects. Choosing the right city to study abroad is just as important as choosing the right educational institution.

To make it easier for future students to choose a city, the QS Best Student Cities 2025 rating was created. Which cities have become the best for studying abroad? How are the best cities chosen? Let's talk further.

What criteria are analyzed when choosing the best student cities QS 2025?

The QS World University Rankings is an annual list of the world's best universities published by TopUniversities.com. This year, more than 1,500 universities were included in the list.

The QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2025 looks at several key things:

- University rankings – quality and global reputation of universities in the city.

- Student population - diversity of student youth.

- Desirability – quality of life, safety and general attractiveness of the city.

- Employer activity – employment prospects and opportunities for students after graduation.

- Affordability – cost of living and tuition fees.

The best cities to study abroad in 2025

1st place - London, Great Britain

- Total score: 100.

- Top universities: Imperial College London (best for engineering), University College London (best for arts and humanities), London School of Economics (LSE) (best for studying economics).

London is a global hub for finance, technology and culture, offering numerous internships and placements at leading companies. This city boasts a large international student community, making it easy to find support and cultural connections. Students have access to a variety of resources, including libraries, research facilities and networking opportunities. London is generally considered a safe city, with a low risk of violence.

 2nd place - Tokyo, Japan

- Total score: 99.2.

- Top universities: University of Tokyo (best for technology and engineering), Waseda University (best for business), Keio University (best for social sciences).

Tokyo is a major economic center with a high demand for skilled graduates, especially in the technology and business sectors.

Students can expect to spend between US$650 and US$980 per month to live in Tokyo. Many universities offer scholarships to help international students.

Excellent public transport makes traveling to school easy and affordable.

Tokyo is one of the safest cities in the world with a very low crime rate, especially violent crime.

More affordable areas include Ikebukuro and Kichijoji, while Roppongi and Shibuya tend to be more expensive.

3rd place – Seoul, South Korea

- Total score: 97.8.

- Top universities: Seoul National University (best for business and management), Korea University (best for law), Pohang University of Science and Technology (best for engineering).

Seoul offers a dynamic job market, particularly in the technology and business sectors, where many multinational companies are located. This Korean cultural center combines modernity and tradition, a rich cultural scene and great food. Seoul offers international students an affordable place to study, with an average annual tuition fee of around US$6,300 and relatively low living costs compared to other major cities around the world, providing a budget-friendly option for students.

4th place – Munich, Germany

- Total score: 97.7.

- Top universitie: Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (best for engineering), Technical University of Munich (best for technology), Munich Business School (best for business).

Munich is a leading economic center in Germany with great employment prospects in the field of technology. Also, this city is well known for its high-quality education and scientific institutions. It offers numerous programs taught in English, making it accessible to international students. Munich is valued for its friendly student atmosphere and cultural offerings, including museums, festivals and outdoor activities. The average annual tuition fee for international students is around $300 USD and relatively low living costs.

You can get advice on education abroad on the Visit World portal. Our lawyers can answer all your questions about the current rules for admission to certain educational institutions, as well as help with the preparation of documents for admission and study abroad. To order a specialist consultation, follow this link.

5th place - Melbourne, Australia

- Total score: 97.1.

- Top universities: University of Melbourne (best for arts and humanities), Monash University (best for business), RMIT University (best for design and art).

Melbourne stands out for its excellent education system and vibrant lifestyle. The University of Melbourne is known for its wide range of programs and research facilities. Monash University offers strong programs in business, law and engineering, while RMIT University specializes in design, media and technology. Melbourne's cultural diversity and vibrant arts make it a great place to study.

6th place - Sydney, Australia

- Total score: 95.4.

- Top universities: University of Sydney (best for arts and humanities), University of New South Wales (best for business), Macquarie University (best for education).

Known for its iconic landmarks and beautiful beaches, Sydney provides a wonderful environment for students. The city has a number of educational institutions offering different courses and degrees. A student rating of 96.2 highlights Sydney's strong reputation among international students who value its vibrant lifestyle and community.

Sydney is a major financial and cultural center offering numerous employment opportunities in various sectors.

Students should plan for monthly living expenses in the range of $1,400 to $4,000.

7th place – Paris, France

- Total score: 94.6.

- Best universities: Sorbonne University (best for arts and humanities), École Normale Supérieure (best for sciences), Paris University of Science and Letters (best for business).

Paris is a global hub for art, fashion and business, providing numerous internship opportunities. In addition, the city offers a rich cultural experience with world-class museums, theaters and historical sites. The iconic sights of Paris and vibrant cultural life create a vibrant environment for students.

 Paris is generally safe, although students should be careful in crowded areas due to pickpocketing. In Paris, international students should set aside a monthly budget of 800-1,200 euros per month for living expenses.

8th place – Zurich, Switzerland

- Total score: 94.5

- Best universities: ETH Zurich (best for engineering), University of Zurich (best for social sciences), Zurich University of the Arts (best for arts and humanities).

Zurich offers a unique combination of high-quality education and picturesque landscapes. Zurich is a financial center with numerous job opportunities in the finance and technology sectors. Zurich's stunning natural beauty and high level of education make it an attractive destination for students. Students should plan to set aside between 1,500 and 2,500 Swiss francs per month for living expenses.

Each of these cities offers a unique study abroad environment Whether you're looking for cutting-edge research centers, diverse academic programs, or enriching cultural experiences, these destinations offer exceptional opportunities for international students.

We will remind you! In 2024, three Dutch cities were included in the top 50 best student cities in Europe. We have already told you where you can get a good education in the Netherlands and which cities are considered the best for international students.