QS Best Student Cities methodology

By Craig OCallaghan Updated Jun 18, 2024

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Introduction
Indicators

London has again been ranked as the best city for students

Find out more about the Best Student Cities ranking 2027

The QS Best Student Cities ranking showcases the best urban destinations for international students, based on a diverse range of indicators grouped into six key categories.

To be considered for inclusion, each city must have a population of over 250,000, and be home to at least two universities featured in the most recent QS World University Rankings®. For population metrics, the metropolitan area is used where possible.

The six key categories are:

University rankings
Student mix
Desirability
Employer activity
Affordability
Student view

Indicators

As an example, here are some of the indicators used within each category.

University rankings

How many universities does the city have which are in the QS World University Rankings?
How well do those universities perform in the latest rankings?

Student mix

What proportion of the city's population are students?
How many international students are enrolled in the city?
How inclusive is the city and the country it's located in?

Desirability

How safe is the city?
What are the pollution levels like in the city?
How many respondents to our student survey wanted to study in the city?

Employer activity

What is youth employment like in the city?
What do employers think of the graduates produced by universities in the city?

Affordability

How much does tuition cost at the city's universities?
What is the cost of living for students in the city?

Student view

What ratings did students give the city's friendliness, sustainability, diversity and more?
What proportion of students continue to live in the city after graduation?

Learn more about these indicators and how they are measured.

Testimonials

"I formed such great bonds with my teammates and our mentor, it was an absolute pleasure collaborating with such remarkable individuals"

Read my story

Caryn CallistaChinese University of Hong Kong student, Future17 participant

“It’s exciting to work alongside experts in the field, where I get to learn and contribute to technologies that could help reshape the future.”

Read my story

Tanika DuivenvoordenUniversity of Queensland student, Future17 participant

"Canada offers a high quality of life and student experience, known for its peace, safety, and stunning natural beauty, especially in Vancouver"

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Nidhi Mohan KamalMBA student, UBC Sauder School of Business

"CUHK’s MBA programme provided me with the stepping stone into a larger sports Asian market wherein I could leverage the large alumni network to make the right connections for relevant discussions and learning."

Read my story

Abhinav Singh BhalChinese University of Hong Kong graduate

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Written by

Craig OCallaghan

As Head of Content, Craig is responsible for all articles and guides published across TopUniversities and TopMBA. He has nearly 10 years of experience writing for a student audience and extensive knowledge of universities and study programs around the world.