London Loses Top Student City Title to Seoul in QS 2026 Rankings

London, UK: For the first time in six years, London has lost its crown as the world’s top student city, according to the QS Best Student Cities 2026 rankings. Seoul, South Korea, claimed the number one spot with a perfect score of 100, surpassing London, which dropped to third place.

The rankings, released by QS Quacquarelli Symonds, assess global cities based on university quality, student diversity, affordability, employer activity, and overall student satisfaction. London, long admired for its prestigious universities and rich cultural scene, faced a steep decline primarily due to high living costs, which significantly impacted its affordability score, ranking 137th worldwide.

Read More: Duolingo Launches UK Welcome Project to Support Disrupted Study Plans

Top Three Cities in 2026 QS Rankings:

1. Seoul, South Korea– Overall 100, excelling in university quality, cultural appeal, and employer connections.
2. Tokyo, Japan – Score 99.9, strong in student satisfaction and career prospects.
3. London, UK – Score 97.1, still highly rated for diversity but hindered by high costs.

QS analysts noted that London’s strong academic reputation remains, with institutions such as University College London, Imperial College, and the London School of Economics continuing to attract global talent. However, the city’s steep rent and living expenses have made it less accessible compared with emerging Asian hubs.

Read Also: Record Number of International Students in Japan in 2024 Surpasses Pre-Pandemic Levels

Seoul’s rise reflects a broader shift in the global student landscape. With top-tier universities like Seoul National University, Yonsei University, and Korea University, alongside vibrant cultural life and strong employer networks, the city now offers an appealing combination of education and career opportunities at a relatively lower cost.

Implications for London
The ranking drop serves as a warning for London’s education sector: while the city remains a world-class study destination, addressing affordability and housing challenges will be key to retaining its competitive edge in attracting international students.

QS emphasized that Asian cities are increasingly dominating the global student market, with Seoul and Tokyo taking the top two spots for the first time in history, signaling a notable shift in international education preferences.

Despite the setback, London still boasts a diverse student population and world-leading universities. Experts suggest that with strategic policies targeting living costs, scholarships, and student support, London could reclaim its position in future rankings.