Seoul and Tokyo have emerged as the top two cities for international students in the QS Best Student Cities 2027 ranking, released by Quacquarelli Symonds, with Seoul maintaining its position as the leader for the second consecutive year.
The South Korean capital of Seoul has retained its status as the premier destination for international students, according to the latest QS Best Student Cities 2027 ranking, which was published by the British higher education analytics firm Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) last week. Seoul’s dominance is underscored by its perfect score in global university rankings and a strong performance in employer activity metrics.
In the comprehensive evaluation that considered 150 cities worldwide, Tokyo secured the second position, reflecting its robust desirability and employer engagement scores. The criteria for selection included a city population exceeding 250,000 and the presence of at least two universities ranked in the QS World University Rankings.
Evaluation Criteria and Methodology
The QS ranking methodology is built on six key categories: university rankings, student mix, desirability, employer activity, affordability, and student view. Each category contributes to a city’s overall score and ranking, providing prospective international students with valuable insights into their options.
Seoul achieved a perfect score of 100 in the university rankings category and a notable score of 94.1 in employer activity. Feedback from students highlighted the advantages of studying in Seoul, with one respondent noting, “The diverse culture makes for a great experience, and everything is so convenient,” while another remarked on the city’s safety and metropolitan qualities, stating, “a city which has the possibilities of a truly metropolitan city without almost any danger.” This feedback illustrates the positive perception of the student experience in Seoul.
Seoul’s Economic and Cultural Landscape
Seoul’s reputation as a high-tech innovation hub bolsters its appeal to international students. The city is home to numerous technology firms concentrated in areas such as Gangnam and Digital Media City, enhancing its position as one of the most financially competitive cities globally. Additionally, it features some of the largest wholesale, retail, and electronics markets in South Korea, further enriching the student experience through economic engagement and employment opportunities.
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, also excelled in the rankings, earning a perfect score of 100 for employer activity and a score of 94 in desirability. The desirability metric takes into account factors such as safety, pollution levels, and the general appeal of the city as rated by prospective students. According to QS, “Tokyo’s streets are not only clean, they’re also extremely safe for locals and foreigners, making it a great place to study in.” The city’s efficient transportation system further enhances accessibility, allowing students to explore its vast offerings with comfort and reliability.
Comparative Rankings and Global Trends
In the broader context of the ranking, Europe continues to demonstrate strength, securing six cities within the top ten. London ranks third, while Munich and Sydney tie for fifth. However, some European cities have experienced declines in their rankings. Notably, the presence of only one American city, Boston, in the top 20 highlights the competitive landscape faced by North American cities, which traditionally have strong university reputations but are hampered by high living costs.
The affordability of education and living expenses remains a significant concern across the traditional “big four” international education destinations: the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. This issue has implications for international students who may weigh financial considerations heavily when choosing where to study.
Notable Climbers and Future Implications
Among the cities experiencing notable improvements in their rankings this year, Beijing made a significant leap, rising 19 places to the 12th position. Other Asia-Pacific cities such as Melbourne, Sydney, Taipei, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur also saw improvements ranging from one to eleven positions. These shifts indicate a growing recognition of the Asia-Pacific region as a viable and attractive destination for international students.
The QS Best Student Cities 2027 ranking underscores the evolving landscape of global education, where cities like Seoul and Tokyo are leading the charge in providing quality education, vibrant cultural experiences, and strong employment opportunities for international students. The implications of these rankings will likely influence student mobility trends and the strategies of educational institutions worldwide, as they adapt to the preferences and expectations of a diverse and global student body.
The complete list of the QS Best Student Cities 2027 includes:
- 1. Seoul, South Korea
- 2. Tokyo, Japan
- 3. London, United Kingdom
- 4. Melbourne, Australia
- 5. Munich, Germany
- 6. Sydney, Australia
- 7. Paris, France
- 8. Berlin, Germany
- 9. Vienna, Austria
- 10. Zurich, Switzerland
- 11. Singapore, Singapore
- 12. Beijing, China
- 13. Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- 14. Taipei, Taiwan
- 15. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- 16. Kyoto, Japan
- 17. Hong Kong, China
- 18. Boston, United States
- 19. Amsterdam, Netherlands
- 20. Montreal, Canada
