20 Best Cities for International Students in 2026

When choosing a city to study abroad, an applicant takes a vital step. A step that will affect not only the quality of education but also the student's overall life experience. Therefore, when taking such an action, everyone is worried about making the right choice. When choosing among different cities and continents, prospective students read numerous reviews and ratings. The rankings of the best student cities consider a variety of factors. These include academic reputation, accessibility, cost of living, and cultural environment. They also consider the possibility of employment after graduation. So below, we offer you a list of the best cities for international students, namely the top twenty, in 2025. We will rely on the latest data and feedback.

First Steps to Success

So, choosing the right city for studying abroad is a pivotal decision. The one that will influence both your education and overall life experience. One essential aspect you should consider when applying to top universities is to ensure your application stands out. It is crucial to craft a strong resume and personal statement. That is why many students turn to a writing forum for advice. The next one is how to present your academic background and skills effectively. These forums provide valuable insights. The ones on writing impactful resumes, essays, and even dissertations. All of these can help you gain admission to the best cities for international students. So, before you apply, check out the resources available to refine your application, and boost your chances of success.

20 Best Cities for International Students

1. London, United Kingdom

QS Best Student Cities Ranking: 1st

Safety Index: 46.8

Cost of Living Index: 79.92

This capital has been at the top of the best student cities rankings. And for several years in a row. We know this city worldwide for its prestigious universities. So, we may attribute it to the best cities for international students.

• University College London (UCL): A globally top-ranked multidisciplinary university known for pioneering research and academic excellence in the heart of London.
• Imperial College London: A world-leading institution focused on science, engineering, medicine, and business, renowned for innovation and cutting-edge research.
• London School of Economics and Political Science: A prestigious social science university shaping global leaders in economics, politics, law, and international relations.

Although the cost of living is high, London attracts students with the following advantages:

• Multiculturalism
• Ample opportunities for internships
• Rich cultural life.

2. Tokyo, Japan

QS Best Student Cities Ranking: 2nd

Safety Index: 75.2

Cost of Living Index: 53.89

It is the second among the best places for international students. This is due to the high quality of education. Also, the attractiveness of the city. That’s why we may also attribute this city to the best cities for international students. The following educational institutions are known for their research, innovation, and more.

• University of Tokyo: Japan’s leading university, renowned for its excellence in research and education. The university has produced many notable alumni, including Nobel laureates, politicians, and business leaders.
• Tokyo Institute of Technology: Known for its cutting-edge research and innovation. Tokyo Tech offers undergraduate and graduate programs in engineering, science, and technology-related fields.
• Keio University: It is known for its strong academic reputation in business, economics, law, and social sciences. The university actively cooperates with international educational institutions.

The city is also famous for its:

• A safe and efficient public transportation system
• Rich cultural heritage.

3. Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom

QS Best Student Cities Ranking: Not Ranked

Safety Index: 58.9

Cost of Living Index: 63.37

Newcastle offers excellent opportunities for study and research in engineering, science, and medicine. The city provides a high level of support for international students, with a cost of living lower than in major capitals, making it one of the best study-abroad cities for students on a budget

• University of Newcastle: Founded in 1834, it is a member of the Russell Group, known for its excellence in research, teaching, and innovation. The university offers a wide range of programs across science, engineering, humanities, and medicine, attracting students from around the world.
• Northumbria University: The university offers a diverse range of programs in business, law, engineering, arts, and health sciences. Known for its focus on innovation and industry collaboration, Northumbria has strong ties with global companies.

4. Melbourne, Australia

QS Best Student Cities Ranking: 4th

Safety Index: 56.1

Cost of Living Index: 64.35

The city received high marks for its amenities and multicultural environment. All this makes it attractive to international students as one of the best study-abroad cities.

• University of Melbourne: It is regularly included in the list of top 50 universities in the world according to various world rankings.
• RMIT University: One of the leading technical universities in Australia, known for its programs in design, arts, engineering, and information technology.

5. Sydney, Australia

QS Best Student Cities Ranking: 7th

Safety Index: 60.2

Cost of Living Index: 70.24

Sydney consistently ranks as one of the top student cities globally, renowned for its world-class universities and vibrant international student community.

• University of Sydney: Known for programs in medicine, science, technology, business, and the humanities.
• UNSW Sydney: A top university in Sydney. It is famous for its programs in engineering, computer science, law, and business.

The city is also renowned for its:

• Beautiful beaches, 
• Cultural diversity, 
• Numerous job opportunities after graduation.

6. Munich, Germany

QS Best Student Cities Ranking: 5th 

Safety Index: 79.4

Cost of Living Index: 62.69

Munich also offers numerous opportunities for internships at international companies. BMW, Allianz, or Siemens. Therefore, we may also consider it as one of the best cities for international students.

• The Technical University of Munich: It is one of the best technical institutions in Europe. 
• The Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität: It is also a leading European institution. We know it for its research and innovation.

The city is also known for its:

• Cultural scene, 
• Festivals, 
• Well-developed infrastructure. 

7. Berlin, Germany

QS Best Student Cities Ranking: =8th 

Safety Index: 60.0

Cost of Living Index: 62.79

Berlin is a large city where students can succeed in a wide variety of fields. In particular, biotechnology, manufacturing, and digital media. Among them are the following:

• Technische Universität Berlin: TU Berlin is known for its strong research output, innovation, and interdisciplinary approach.
• Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft Berlin: HTW Berlin focuses on innovation, entrepreneurship, and hands-on learning, with strong industry connections.
• Freie Universität Berlin: FU Berlin is a leading institution in social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, and medicine.

8. Vienna, Austria

QS Best Student Cities Ranking: Not Ranked

Safety Index: 73.0

Cost of Living Index: 71.58

Vienna has earned its place among the top student cities, offering a blend of world-class universities, rich cultural history, and a vibrant student life. With its affordable living and exceptional quality of education, it's no wonder that international students are drawn to this historic yet modern city year after year.

• University of Vienna: It has an excellent academic reputation. In particular, in the fields of humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and law. It is famous for its international atmosphere and research.
• Vienna University of Technology: The university is one of the main centers of innovation. It attracts students who seek a career in technology and engineering.

9. Seoul, South Korea

QS Best Student Cities Ranking: 3rd

Safety Index: 75.5

Cost of Living Index: 65.00

Seoul stands out as a top destination for students, home to prestigious universities and a dynamic cultural scene. With its high-quality education and vibrant atmosphere, Seoul is considered as one of the best cities for international students looking for a blend of tradition and innovation.

• Seoul National University: The city offers a unique combination of traditional culture and modern life. In addition, there are opportunities for career growth in technology companies.

10. Zurich, Switzerland

QS Best Student Cities Ranking: =8th 

Safety Index: 76.7

Cost of Living Index: 105.30

Zurich is known as one of the safest and most student-friendly cities in Europe. With its world-class universities and high quality of life, it's no surprise Zurich consistently ranks among the top cities for international students.

• The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich. A world-renowned engineering and technology institution pioneering groundbreaking research and shaping the leaders of tomorrow in science, engineering, and innovation.

Zurich is characterized by a high level of:

• safety,
• quality of life,
• stable economy,
•  numerous career opportunities.

11. Paris, France

QS Best Student Cities Ranking: 6th

Safety Index: 49.0

Cost of Living Index: 74.90

Paris consistently ranks as one of the best student cities in the world, renowned for its prestigious universities and vibrant cultural scene. This city attracts international students year after year, making it a top destination for academic and personal growth.

• Université PSL: Located in the heart of Paris, unites 11 esteemed institutions, offering interdisciplinary education and research across science, arts, and humanities. Ranked among the top global universities, it provides a dynamic environment for students seeking excellence. ​
• Institut Polytechnique de Paris: Established in 2019, it ranks among the world's top universities, offering a dynamic environment for students and researchers.

12. Montreal, Canada

QS Best Student Cities Ranking: Not Ranked

Safety Index: 63.0

Cost of Living Index: 66.00

Montreal is a vibrant, bilingual city and one of the best cities for international students in Canada, known for its top universities, rich cultural diversity, and thriving arts scene. It offers a unique blend of academic excellence, student-friendly living, and a dynamic international atmosphere.

• McGill University. It is famous for its strong programs in medicine, science, law, business, and engineering.

13. Toronto, Canada

QS Best Student Cities Ranking: Not Ranked

Safety Index: 59.0

Cost of Living Index: 69.00

It is one of the best places for international students. All is due to its diversity of cultures and high quality of education. We can refer to it as one of the best cities for еxchange students.

• University of Toronto: The University of Toronto is a globally top-ranked institution, renowned for its innovative research and academic excellence, particularly in fields like Medicine, Engineering, Computer Science, and Humanities.

14. Singapore

QS Best Student Cities Ranking: Not Ranked

Safety Index: 75.2

Cost of Living Index: 81.10 

Singapore is a thriving global hub, known for its top-ranked universities, cutting-edge research, and vibrant multicultural atmosphere. It consistently ranks as one of the best cities for international students, offering a unique blend of academic excellence and dynamic urban living.

• National University of Singapore: The National University of Singapore (NUS) is Asia’s top-ranked university, renowned for its research excellence and innovation across diverse fields such as Engineering, Computer Science, and Business. It offers a world-class education in a vibrant, global city.
• Singapore University of Technology and Design: The Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) is a forward-thinking institution that integrates design, technology, and engineering, offering programs such as Architecture and Sustainable Design, Engineering Product Development, and Information Systems Technology and Design. Established in collaboration with MIT, SUTD emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and innovation

15. New York, USA

QS Best Student Cities Ranking: Not Ranked

Safety Index: 49.0

Cost of Living Index: 100

New York is a vibrant, global city known for its diverse culture, world-class universities, and endless opportunities for students. It offers a dynamic blend of academic excellence, iconic landmarks, and a thriving student life.

• Columbia University: Columbia University, an Ivy League institution in the heart of New York City, is renowned for its academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and prestigious programs in fields like Law, Business, and Humanities.
• New York University: New York University (NYU) is a globally recognized institution known for its diverse academic programs, cutting-edge research, and prime location in the heart of New York City. It offers unparalleled opportunities for students across fields like Arts, Business, and Technology.

16. Cambridge, USA

QS Best Student Cities Ranking: Not Ranked

Safety Index: 65.0

Cost of Living Index: 72.00

Cambridge is a renowned academic hub, home to prestigious universities like Harvard and MIT. It offers a dynamic environment for students, blending world-class education with a vibrant, innovative community.

• Harvard University: Harvard University, located in Cambridge, USA, is one of the world’s most prestigious institutions, known for its groundbreaking research and excellence in fields like Law, Business, Medicine, and the Arts.
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology: The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a world-leading institution renowned for its cutting-edge research and innovation in fields such as Engineering, Computer Science, and Economics.

17. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

QS Best Student Cities Ranking: Not Ranked

Safety Index: 67.0

Cost of Living Index: 78.00

Amsterdam is a vibrant, student-friendly city known for its top universities, rich cultural heritage, and innovative research. It offers a unique blend of academic excellence, picturesque canals, and a dynamic international atmosphere.

• University of Amsterdam: The University of Amsterdam is one of Europe’s leading research universities, renowned for its multidisciplinary programs and innovation in fields like Humanities, Social Sciences, and Science.

• Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is a prestigious research university known for its innovative approach to education, offering a wide range of programs in fields like Business, Law, and Social Sciences.

18. Barcelona, Spain

QS Best Student Cities Ranking: Not Ranked

Safety Index: 58.0

Cost of Living Index: 60.00

Barcelona is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city known for its top universities, rich cultural heritage, and stunning architecture. It offers a dynamic blend of academic excellence, Mediterranean lifestyle, and a thriving international student community.

• University of Barcelona: It is known for its academic reputation in medicine, social sciences, humanities, and arts.
• Pompeu Fabra University: It holds high positions in international rankings. It specializes in the humanities and social sciences, as well as law and economics. 

19. Copenhagen, Denmark

QS Best Student Cities Ranking: Not Ranked

Safety Index: 74.2

Cost of Living Index: 90.00

Copenhagen is a vibrant, student-friendly city known for its top-tier universities, sustainable living, and rich cultural scene. It combines academic excellence with a high quality of life, making it one of the best cities for international students.

• University of Copenhagen: One of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Denmark. It has an international reputation for a high level of education in medicine, social sciences, and humanities.
• Technical University of Denmark: The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is a leading institution renowned for its engineering and technology programs, emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and interdisciplinary research.

This city is known for its:

• High level of safety, 
• Environmental friendliness,
• Quality education. 

20. Hong Kong, China

QS Best Student Cities Ranking: Not Ranked

Safety Index: 78.5

Cost of Living Index: 77.00

Hong Kong is a dynamic global city, renowned for its world-class universities, thriving business hub, and rich cultural heritage. It offers an exciting environment for international students, blending academic excellence with a fast-paced, multicultural lifestyle.

• The University of Hong Kong: The oldest university in Hong Kong, which is highly ranked in international rankings and offers many courses in English. 
• Hong Kong University of Science and Technology: It actively cooperates with international companies.

Summary

When choosing a city to study abroad, consider various factors and analyze them. As for the facts, it is primarily the quality of education, and of course the cost of living. No less important are the employment opportunities. Pay attention to the cultural environment. Make sure you will feel comfortable in it. Each of these cities provides unique and diverse options for overseas students. So, the decision will be based on your personal priorities. And also, desired outcomes. However, regardless of the city you choose, studying abroad will be an essential experience.  One that will transform your life.

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