Seoul claims the No. 1 spot in the QS Best Student Cities 2026 rankings, ending London’s 6-year-long reign. Delhi emerges as the most affordable student city worldwide. Discover key highlights from QS Best Student Cities 2026.
Delhi Tops Affordability in Best Student Cities 2026 and it Main Points:
1. Seoul ranks No. 1 globally among student cities.
2. London’s 6-year streak ends, as Tokyo and Seoul push it to third place.
3. Munich (Germany) and Melbourne (Australia) secure the 4th and 5th spots, respectively.
4. Mumbai secures the 98th position in the global list.
5 Other Indian cities ranked: Delhi (104th), Bengaluru (108th), and Chennai (128th).
6. Delhi ranks No. 1 globally for affordability.
What is QS and its Evaluation Criteria?
QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) is a UK-based organization known for publishing trusted rankings like the QS World University Rankings and QS Best Student Cities Rankings.
QS evaluates cities based on:
- Surveys from students and employers
- Academic citations
- Institutional performance
- International student appeal
- Employer activity and affordability
What is the Significance of These Reports?
These QS rankings are considered reliable and globally recognized. Their significance lies in:
- For Students: Helps in shortlisting study destinations based on parameters like academics, affordability, lifestyle, and job prospects.
- For Institutions:Acts as a benchmark for assessing global competitiveness. Helps identify strengths and areas that need improvement.
What Makes Seoul the No. 1 Student City in 2026?
Seoul has climbed to the top of the QS Best Student Cities rankings due to:
- Improved affordability scores
- High desirability, measured by safety and environmental factors
- Strong performance in employer activity
- Overall balanced improvement in key parameters compared to the previous year
Top 5 Student Cities in QS Best Student Cities 2026
- Seoul – No. 1 globally with improvements in affordability and desirability
- Tokyo – Climbs to No. 2 due to safety and academic excellence
- London – Drops to 3rd due to high living costs
- Munich – Top student city in Europe
- Melbourne – Leading in Oceania for academic environment and lifestyle
India’s Performance in QS Best Student Cities 2026
India has shown remarkable improvement this year:
- Mumbai climbs 15 spots to reach 98th
- Delhi improves by 7 positions to reach 104th
- Bengaluru at 108th, and Chennai rises 12 spots to 128th
- Notably, Delhi ranks No. 1 globally in affordability, making it the most budget-friendly city for students.
- Mumbai and Bengaluru are also listed among the top 15 in affordability globally.
QS CEO Jessica Turner’s Statement on India
QS CEO Jessica Turner applauded India’s efforts in improving its global higher education presence. She noted:
“India’s performance in the 2026 rankings is a reflection of positive reform through the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The rise of cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai showcases a shift toward global engagement and quality education.”
She emphasized that if this momentum continues, India could climb even higher in future rankings.
What is the True Purpose of Education?
The true aim of education is not just material success like wealth and job titles. It is to understand the deeper meaning of life, connect with spiritual knowledge, and discover the right way to attain salvation. Our spiritual texts guide us to realize God and free ourselves from ignorance.
Want to know the right way of worship that leads to salvation?
👉 Click here to read: https://www.jagatgururampalji.org/en/worship
FAQs about India’s efforts in improving its global higher education
1. What is the full form of QS?
A: Quacquarelli Symonds, a global education analytics and consulting firm based in the UK.
2. Which is the most expensive university in the world?
A: University of Chicago is considered the most expensive as of 2025.
3. Which is the wealthiest university in the world?
A: Harvard University, with an endowment of $50.9 billion (as of 2022).
4. What factors does QS consider in student city rankings?
A: University quality, affordability, employer activity, student mix, and desirability.
5. What are the top 5 cities in QS Best Student Cities 2026?
A: Seoul, Tokyo, London, Munich, Melbourne
