Got your goals sorted and your career plan, but only one and the most important thing is left—choosing a city to study. Going abroad to study is a big decision, because the city you will be studying in doesn’t have to be only about the top universities. What makes a city truly livable and worth experiencing once in a lifetime for every student is a bunch of aspects. This can range from the quality of education, affordability, amenities that keep students busy – nightlife, activities and social experiences, transport connections, safety, the number of students in that city and how that city places itself for the world to perceive it. This is what makes the QS Best Student Cities 2027. Most of them you might already know, but a few might come as a pleasant surprise. Continue reading to learn the top 10 student cities as per QS rankings.
QS Best Student Cities 2027: At a Glance
| City | Country | QS Student City Rank | Top Universities |
| Seoul | South Korea | 1 | Seoul National University, Yonsei University, Korea University |
| Tokyo | Japan | 2 | The University of Tokyo, Institute of Science Tokyo, Waseda University, Keio University |
| London | UK | 3 | Imperial College London, UCL, King’s College London, LSE |
| Melbourne | Australia | 4 | University of Melbourne, Monash University, RMIT University |
| Munich | Germany | =5 | Technical University of Munich, LMU Munich |
| Sydney | Australia | =5 | University of Sydney, UNSW Sydney, UTS, Macquarie University |
| Paris | France | 7 | Université PSL, Sorbonne University, Paris-Saclay, Sciences Po |
| Berlin | Germany | 8 | Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt University of Berlin, TU Berlin |
| Vienna | Austria | 9 | University of Vienna, TU Wien |
| Zurich | Switzerland | 10 | ETH Zurich, University of Zurich |
How Does QS Rank the Best Student Cities?
- University Rankings
QS Best Student Cities in 2027 have universities that have consequently been ranked in the top. These are the universities that have performed the best in that city. Such universities offer students a wider range of courses, research opportunities and academic networks.
- Student Mix
This compares the size and diversity of students each city holds. It considers the proportion of students in the total population, the number of them being international and the inclusivity of the city and the country as a whole. For students considering a multicultural environment, this is the best feature that makes it a top study abroad destination.
- Desirability
These are factors that students will consider for the long term. Factors such as safety, pollution levels, as well as the offerings in terms of activities and nightlife. It reflects how appealing a destination is before a student arrives, including its reputation, environment and quality of life.
- Employer Activity
This measures the amount and type of employers students end up getting. This also measures youth employment and how employers view students graduating from that city. The better the city is ranked, the better their chances get at landing internships, graduate roles, and professional networks.
- Affordability
When it comes to affordability in QS Best Student Cities 2027, this refers to the expense, combining rent and the general cost of living for students. This does not mean that every top study abroad destination in a highly ranked city will be affordable. Rent, transport, food, insurance and visa-related expenses can fluctuate even if you’re at the same destination.
- Student View
Feedback on past experiences from students is what shapes one of the deciding factors that makes them the best cities to study abroad. It considers areas based on friendliness, diversity, sustainability and the likelihood of students continuing to live in the city after graduation.
QS Best Student Cities 2027: Top 10 Explained
Seoul, South Korea
The home to K-Pop and K-Drama, Seoul has come out on top for the second consecutive year. The reason it sits at number 1 for QS Best Student Cities 2027 is due to its globally recognised universities, with an advanced technology sector, excellent public transport and a lively cultural scene. Seoul leans more towards a fast-paced lifestyle, combining the best of extensive shopping and dining options, late-night cafés, music and entertainment venues, historic neighbourhoods and easy access to mountains and green spaces.
| Key Information | Details |
| QS Ranking | 1 |
| Average Student Rent | Approximately KRW 500,000–900,000 per month for a room or compact student unit, depending on the area and deposit |
| Top Universities | Seoul National University, Yonsei University, Korea University, Sungkyunkwan University |
| Student Life | Energetic, convenient and highly connected, with cafés, markets, music, gaming, cultural sites and nightlife |
| Job Opportunities | Strong opportunities in technology, electronics, finance, media, gaming, engineering and business |
Shocked to see Seoul, South Korea, first on the list? Then, read this Reddit thread and find out why students are choosing Seoul.
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is one of the largest and most influential cities in the world. Japan ranks at the top for technology and invention, but more so for providing students access to respected universities, a sophisticated public transport system and a broad professional market. One of the leading cities when it comes to employer activity. This is perfect for students who are focused on landing internships and graduate careers. This is not a city for students who want a close-knit community and small environment; students may face considerable time commuting to and fro.
| Key Information | Details |
| QS Ranking | 2 |
| Average Student Rent | Approximately ¥60,000–120,000 per month for a room or shared student accommodation |
| Top Universities | The University of Tokyo, Institute of Science Tokyo, Waseda University, Keio University |
| Student Life | A mix of traditional Japanese culture, technology, restaurants, museums, shopping districts and nightlife |
| Job Opportunities | Strong in finance, technology, engineering, consulting, healthcare, media and international business |
London, United Kingdom
London is one of the top choices for students worldwide and ranks 3rd in the QS Best Student Cities 2027. It offers opportunities across a wide range of industries, and its universities are known for their excellence and variety of programmes. The biggest drawback is cost: rent and daily expenses are among the highest in Europe. Choosing an area further from the centre and budget-friendly student accommodation can help manage costs.
| Key Information | Details |
| QS Ranking | 3 |
| Average Student Rent | Approximately £850–1,500 per month for a room, depending on the location and accommodation type |
| Top Universities | Imperial College London, UCL, King’s College London, LSE |
| Student Life | Diverse, fast-paced and culturally rich, with museums, theatres, parks, music venues, restaurants and nightlife |
| Job Opportunities | Strong in finance, consulting, technology, media, fashion, marketing, law and the creative industries |
| Explore the best of student accommodation in London with UniAcco. Get in touch with our experts now. Explore student accommodation in London and get a fully furnished room with all utility bills included. |
Melbourne, Australia
A city that provides the advantages of city and beach life to its students. Melbourne ranks number 4 on the QS Best Student Cities 2027, due to its welcoming atmosphere, multicultural population, cafe culture, transportation connectivity and the availability of creative industries. Students can enjoy galleries, live music, sporting events, beaches, restaurants and regular cultural festivals.
| Key Information | Details |
| QS Ranking | 4 |
| Average Student Rent | Approximately A$1,000–1,800 per month for a room or shared student accommodation |
| Top Universities | University of Melbourne, Monash University, RMIT University, Deakin University |
| Student Life | Multicultural and creative, with cafés, festivals, sport, live music, galleries and a strong food scene |
| Job Opportunities | Opportunities in healthcare, technology, finance, education, engineering, design, retail and hospitality |
| Look for your ideal job from the comfort of your student accommodation with UniAcco. Book student accommodation in Australia and get a fully furnished room with all utility bills included. |
Munich, Germany
Munich and Sydney share the same position at number 5 for QS Best Student Cities 2027. Germany has always been the strongest destination for technology, engineering and business. Compared with London, Sydney or Zurich, Munich can offer better value in certain areas, although the rent still remains on the higher side. Munich is more suited for students who value academic quality, career prospects and access to nature. Understanding and learning German beforehand can open up career opportunities – even when a degree is taught in English.
| Key Information | Details |
| QS Ranking | =5 |
| Average Student Rent | Approximately €600–1,200 per month for a room in a shared flat or student residence |
| Top Universities | Technical University of Munich, LMU Munich |
| Student Life | Safe, organised and lively, with museums, parks, cafés, cultural events and access to the Bavarian Alps |
| Job Opportunities | Strong in engineering, automotive, technology, finance, consulting, research and manufacturing |
Sydney, Australia
Sydney combines reputable universities with a lifestyle built around beaches, outdoor activities, restaurants and cultural events, making it one of the best cities to study abroad. Like most popular cities, its cost of living is relatively high, but students can find better value by living a little farther from the beaches and the city centre.
| Key Information | Details |
| QS Ranking | =5 |
| Average Student Rent | Approximately A$1,200–2,200 per month for a room or shared student accommodation |
| Top Universities | University of Sydney, UNSW Sydney, UTS, Macquarie University |
| Student Life | Outdoor-focused and multicultural, with beaches, markets, festivals, sport and nightlife |
| Job Opportunities | Strong in finance, technology, healthcare, education, tourism, professional services and hospitality |
Paris, France
Paris is known for more than just the charm the city holds and the Eiffel Tower. It stands at 7th in the QS Best Student Cities 2027, and is one of the most recognisable academic and cultural destinations. The city also offers access to museums, galleries, theatres, historic landmarks, fashion houses, restaurants and a large network of international companies.
| Key Information | Details |
| QS Ranking | 7 |
| Average Student Rent | Approximately €700–1,400 per month for a room or student residence |
| Top Universities | Université PSL, Sorbonne University, Paris-Saclay, Sciences Po, HEC Paris |
| Student Life | Rich in art, fashion, architecture, food, history, music and nightlife |
| Job Opportunities | Opportunities in luxury, fashion, finance, consulting, technology, media, tourism and international business |
Berlin, Germany
Berlin ranks eighth and achieves the highest Student View score among the top ten cities in the QS 2027 results. Students often value the city’s creative atmosphere, relatively accessible lifestyle and diverse cultural scene. Berlin has been towards the more affordable side, but over the years the price of rent has been increasing, and limited accommodations make it essential for students to look for stays early to secure the best ones. A city like Berlin is more suited for those students who want a less traditional university experience and enjoy independent city living.
| Key Information | Details |
| QS Ranking | 8 |
| Average Student Rent | Approximately €600–1,100 per month for a room in a shared flat or student residence |
| Top Universities | Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt University of Berlin, TU Berlin |
| Student Life | Creative, independent and multicultural, with galleries, clubs, parks, music venues and festivals |
| Job Opportunities | Strong in technology, start-ups, engineering, media, design, research and the creative industries |
| Discuss what comes next once you’ve found your ideal stay. Get in touch with us at UniAcco now to fast-track your way to comfort. |
Vienna, Austria
Vienna is number 9 on the QS Best Student Cities 2027. This Austrian capital is known for its safety, architecture, public transport, music, museums and high quality of life. A city like Vienna is meant to offer a more relaxed pace than some of the larger European cities. This city is ideal for students who prioritise quality of life, cultural experiences and a relatively affordable tuition fee.
| Key Information | Details |
| QS Ranking | 9 |
| Average Student Rent | Approximately €450–900 per month for a room or student residence |
| Top Universities | University of Vienna, TU Wien |
| Student Life | Cultural and relaxed, with concert halls, museums, cafés, historic buildings, parks and seasonal markets |
| Job Opportunities | Opportunities in international organisations, finance, technology, engineering, tourism and public administration |
Zurich, Switzerland
This is number 10 on the list. Zurich is one of the most scenic and stunning locations for students. This city in Switzerland is ideal for students pursuing careers in research, engineering, technology, finance and innovation. The top attractions here are very picturesque and nature-focused, with Lake Zurich and the Swiss Alps among them. With a high standard of living and excellent infrastructure, Zurich makes for an ideal student city. However, the high living costs are a bit of a disadvantage even when the tuition fees are affordable.
| Key Information | Details |
| QS Ranking | 10 |
| Average Student Rent | Approximately CHF 800–1,500 per month for a room or shared accommodation |
| Top Universities | ETH Zurich, University of Zurich |
| Student Life | International and outdoors-focused, with museums, lake activities, hiking, skiing and cultural events |
| Job Opportunities | Strong in finance, banking, technology, engineering, healthcare, consulting and research |
QS Best Student Cities 2027: Which City Is Best for What?
| If you prioritise… | Consider |
| Academic strength | London, Seoul, Tokyo, Melbourne |
| Graduate career opportunities | Tokyo, London, Seoul, Munich, Zurich |
| Global university choice | London, Seoul, Tokyo, Paris |
| International student community | Melbourne, Sydney, London, Zurich |
| Student experience | Berlin, London, Melbourne, Sydney |
| Quality of life | Vienna, Zurich, Melbourne, Sydney |
| Engineering & technology | Seoul, Tokyo, Munich, Zurich |
| Business & finance | London, Tokyo, Paris, Zurich |
| Arts, fashion & culture | Paris, London, Berlin, Melbourne |
How to Choose the Right Student City for You?
- Start with your university and course
The most obvious way to start your city search is to start with the university and course that you want to pursue. While you really may want to live in one city, if that city won’t have your course, then it doesn’t make sense at all. That’s why we recommend always starting with shortlisting your universities and courses.
- Calculate your actual annual budget
Different cities, universities and courses will have different costs and fees associated with them. To properly calculate your annual budget, you may need to look at accommodation and utility bills, food and household expenses, transportation, health insurance, visa and residence-permit charges, flights and airport transfers, books, equipment and course materials, and leisure and emergency expenses.
- Compare accommodation before choosing a city
Some cities may have really spacious accommodations at an affordable rate, while some, such as London, may offer a one-bedroom with prices that may seem crazy. It is always wise to look through accommodation in different cities, or even find an affordable stay a little far away from the city centre. Compare different property types, including university halls, purpose-built student accommodation, shared flats, private rooms and studios before finalising on your choice.
- Think beyond tuition fees
Tuition fees are only one part of the cost. You also need to budget for rent, travel, food, social life and everyday expenses. A cheaper room far from campus can lose its advantage once you add daily transport costs.
- Consider employability
While the QS Best Student Cities 2027 all come with excellent employment opportunities, focus on the cities that will land you a job in the skill you’re working towards. Look at the industries that are strong in your shortlisted cities and go with the one with the most prospects. International students should also research post-study work rights, part-time work restrictions and the language requirements for their preferred industry.
- Think about student experience
Consider the kind of lifestyle you want. Do you prefer a large, fast-paced capital city or a smaller destination with a quieter atmosphere? Would you rather live near museums and restaurants, beaches and outdoor spaces, or a close-knit university campus? Your student experience will involve much more than time spent in lectures.
- Don’t choose a city just because it is #1
The QS Best Student Cities 2027 is just a list based on findings and surveys. If you go according to this list and choose Seoul, but Korea doesn’t have the kind of lifestyle and career opportunities you want, this list isn’t doing you any good. Compare everything and then choose a city, because it is a financial decision and a decision that can shape your life.
| Ready to finally make the move? UniAcco’s experts are here to guide you through every step of the way. Book with us now. |
The QS Best Student Cities 2027 are meant to highlight which cities are ideal for what. Students will still have to do their own research and choose the city that offers what they’re looking for. These best student cities in the world have a combination of culture, universities, amazing reviews, student population and desirability. This guide breaks down how each of them is placed and their strengths and weaknesses – in the end, it is the decision of the student to make the final move.
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