Seoul Tops 2026 QS Best Student Cities, London Slips as Australia Holds Ground

Seoul has claimed the top spot in the newly released 2026 QS Best Student Cities rankings with a perfect score of 100, dethroning London which had held first place for six straight years

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Tokyo secured the second position with a score of 99.9, while London dropped to third place (97.1), weighed down by low affordability despite strong student diversity and reputation

Germany’s Munich took fourth place, followed by Melbourne (#5) and Sydney (#6) both retaining their top-10 positions from the 2025 rankings. Australia also sees Brisbane (#26), Adelaide (#31), Perth (#37), Canberra (=#38), and the Gold Coast (#95) among the global top 100

Read Also: QS World Rankings 2026: MIT Tops Again as Asia and India Rise, Students React to Global Competition

What Makes This Ranking Significant?
Affordability is increasingly crucial: London’s sharp drop reflects high living costs, while Australian cities showed modest improvements in affordability rankings

Student mix & international experience: Melbourne and Sydney led in diversity and international-student services, helping to maintain their places despite affordability issues

Shift toward Asia: Seoul and Tokyo’s top places reflect growing investments in student infrastructure, employer engagement, and vibrant urban environments

Top 10 Student Cities (QS 2026)Seoul
Tokyo
London
Munich
Melbourne
Sydney
7 = Berlin
7 = Paris
Zurich
Vienna

For aspiring students, Seoul now offers a more balanced blend of affordability, student life, and career readiness. In Australia, cities like Melbourne and Sydney remain strong contenders—but improving affordability and employer-reputation scores will be key to maintaining their status.