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The top cities for studying abroad for international students.
Explore the Ultimate Cities for Contemporary Learners
The first things that you think of when you think about studying abroad are, what course, which university and which city. We know that it is difficult to decide on one of the options in this variety, but every city has its own vibe, and you need to find yours! Selecting the most suitable city to study abroad is dependent on your lifestyle and where you see yourself shortly. It can be in a historical city like London, a contemporary city like Boston, or a beach city like Melbourne.
To ease your trouble, we will talk about the best student-friendly cities across the world for international students. Hence, we will discover the most suitable city for you.
Top student-friendly cities in the world
To make an informed decision, it’s best to explore the most student-friendly cities and how aligned are they with your choices. These are mapped based on six categories: University rankings, Student mix, Desirability, Employer activity, Affordability, and Student voice.
Here are the most student-friendly cities in the world according to the QS Best Student Cities Rankings charts!
Top universities: London is packed with 18 top-ranked universities. Imperial College London and University College London (UCL) are in the world's top 10.
Diversity: It's one of the most diverse cities globally, with a big international student community. You'll never feel alone, and you can find a taste of home easily.
Vibrant nightlife: From Shoreditch to Mayfair, London's nightlife is bussing. There's something for every budget.
Study costs: International students pay around US$24,400 on average for tuition. It's expensive but cheaper than many US colleges. The London School of Economics (LSE) suggests budgeting £1,100 to £1,300 per month for living costs.
Career opportunities: London is a key global hub for industries like finance, and graduates are highly sought after. Companies like Google and Amason recruit here. 2. Melbourne: The best student city in the Oceania region is Melbourne. It’s ranked #4 in the Best Student Cities, known for its diverse and friendly student community. Here’s why you should opt for Melbourne:
World-class universities: It has 7 universities in the QS Rankings. The University of Melbourne is the top in Australia, ranked 14th worldwide.
Student life: Students love Melbourne's diversity, ease of getting around, and vibrant culture. It's ranked second for student views.
Food paradise: Known as Australia's food capital, especially for coffee and Asian cuisine.
Costs: Living here can be pricey, with student costs ranging from US$1,400 to US$3,920 a month.
Job opportunities: Ranked 20th for employer activity, Melbourne is great for career prospects with many global companies based here.
Work while you study: Students can work up to 40 hours every two weeks during the semester, helping to gain experience and manage expenses. 3. Sydney: Sydney was the first city in Australia, founded with the First Fleet's arrival in 1788 and the creation of its first City Council in 1842. It's famous for landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, which you should see when you visit.
Ranked #7 on the QS Best Student Cities rankings, Sydney is a popular place for international students. Here are other reasons to study in Sydney:
Diverse student community: Sydney is renowned for its large, diverse, and inclusive student community, ranking just behind Melbourne for the student mix indicator.
High desirability: The city ranks third globally for desirability, reflecting its high quality of life and popularity among prospective students.
Top-ranked universities: Home to five universities featured in the QS World University Rankings®, including the University of Sydney and the University of New South Wales in the global top 50.
Outdoor activities: With mild winters and warm summers, Sydney offers ideal conditions for outdoor activities like surfing at Bondi Beach or exploring the Blue Mountains.
Cultural diversity: Sydney's status as one of the most welcoming and diverse cities globally ensures a home for international students from various backgrounds.
Dynamic city life: Ranked high for desirability, Sydney's vibrant lifestyle includes bars, restaurants, markets, and events, supported by an excellent public transportation system.
Quality of education vs. Cost: Despite higher living costs compared to other global cities, the quality of education and life justifies the expenses for many students.
Opportunities for graduates: As a major business hub in the Asia-Pacific, Sydney offers career opportunities in various industries, including services, tourism, healthcare, and technology, with employment prospects at top global firms. 4. Boston: Boston, ranking 10th globally, holds the distinction of being the premier student city in the US, surpassing New York City. Here’s why it’s one of the top student-friendly cities:
Academic excellence: Boston is a globally recognised academic hub, home to the world-renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University, ranked first and fourth worldwide, respectively.
Intellectual hub: Known as "the Athens of America," Boston boasts eight internationally ranked universities, fostering a vibrant intellectual community.
Historic and cultural richness: Boston combines the energy of a major metropolis with rich arts, politics, and culture, alongside green spaces and the famous fall colours of New England.
Student satisfaction: Rated highly for student view, Boston is appreciated for its friendliness, ease of navigation, and cultural offerings, making it a top choice for students.
Top universities and rankings:
QS Best Student Cities Ranking: 10th
Notable Universities: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1st), and Harvard University (4th), with a total of eight universities featured.
Vibrant student life: With over 100 universities and colleges, Boston offers a vibrant atmosphere and a sense of community for students from all over the world.
Career opportunities: Ranked third for employer activity, Boston presents significant career opportunities in diverse industries, making it an ideal place to study and start a career
5. Toronto: Toronto combines academic excellence with a rich tapestry of cultural, social, and professional opportunities, making it an attractive destination for students from around the world. Toronto ranks 13th in the student view indicator, noted for being an inclusive, multicultural, and diverse city where students enjoy a variety of people and activities. Here’s why it’s the perfect place for international students:
World-class universities: Toronto is home to three universities ranked in the QS World University Rankings® 2024, including the University of Toronto, which stands 21st globally.
Diversity and inclusion: The city is celebrated for its diversity, offering a wide range of activities and a community that's inclusive and multicultural. This aspect is a key appeal for students, earning high praise in student surveys.
High desirability: The city is ranked sixth worldwide for desirability, reflecting its high standard of living and popularity among prospective students.
Employment opportunities: Ranking 31st for employer activity, Toronto provides ample work opportunities for students and graduates, particularly valued for its strong graduate reputation.
Excellent public transport: The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) offers extensive transit options, making the city easily navigable for students.
Cost considerations: Though ranked 139th for affordability, the quality of education and life in Toronto may justify the expenses, with tuition fees averaging US$31,000 per year for international students.
Vibrant cultural life: Canada's largest city is a melting pot of languages, foods, and customs, offering endless entertainment and attractions, including the iconic CN Tower and a beautiful waterfront.
Natural beauty and recreation: Toronto offers stunning natural surroundings, from beaches and parks along its 50km waterfront to nearby skiing resorts in winter.
Career prospects: Post-graduation, Toronto's strong employer reputation indicates promising career opportunities in finance, media, tourism, and data industries.
Practicalities for working: Graduates looking to stay in Toronto will find the city's reputation with employers favourable. Securing a Canadian work visa is straightforward with a job offer, though a formal language exam might be required even for native English speakers. 6. Edinburgh: Edinburgh combines academic excellence with a rich cultural heritage, a diverse and inclusive student community, and promising career prospects, making it an attractive destination for students from around the globe. Edinburgh ranks in the top 10 this year, named the UK’s second-best student city after London for the seventh consecutive time. Yes, that’s right! Let’s know why:
High student mix score: With a large student community relative to its size, Edinburgh excels in student mix, indicating a diverse and vibrant student population.
World-renowned universities: The University of Edinburgh, ranked 22nd in the QS World University Rankings, leads among the city's highly reputable universities.
Welcoming community: Students praise Edinburgh for its beautiful architecture, friendly people, and inclusive atmosphere, making it an unforgettable place to study.
High-quality education: Home to four top universities, including globally ranked institutions, Edinburgh offers world-class educational opportunities.
International diversity: The city boasts a high score for student mix, with many international students, highlighting its global appeal and diverse community.
Rich cultural scene: Edinburgh is famous for hosting eight annual global festivals, including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, offering a rich tapestry of cultural experiences.
Employment prospects: Ranked 35th for employer activity, Edinburgh's graduates are highly respected by employers, promising good career opportunities.
Business opportunities: With a strong employer activity rank, Edinburgh is home to major companies and offers diverse career opportunities across sectors. 7. New York: Home to 12 QS-ranked universities, including Columbia University and NYU in the global top 50, New York is a hub of international students. Here are other reasons why it’s a city for international students:
Career launchpad: Ranked 12th for employer activity, NYC is a premier hub for finance, fashion, and startups, offering vast career opportunities.
High-quality education: Two universities in the top 50 worldwide, with Columbia University leading at 23rd.
Desirability and diversity: Ranked 7th in student voice, NYC's appeal lies in its dynamic mix of academic, cultural, and industry diversity.
Affordable academic options: Average tuition of US$46,100, competitive for the quality of education offered.
Global industry hub: A strategic centre for finance, media, healthcare, and more, enhancing graduate employability.
Vibrant student life: The city's 24/7 energy ensures an inexhaustible array of activities and experiences.
Accessible cultural experiences: From iconic parks to world-class libraries and breweries, enrich your student life without breaking the bank.
If you're thinking about studying abroad and want to learn more about what different cities have to offer, our experts at Prime Study Abroad can help. There are so many student-friendly places around the world, each with its unique benefits. Our international education experts can guide you through your options, helping you find the perfect place to study based on your interests. We can give you advice on everything from choosing the right university to understanding living costs. So, if you're curious about studying in another country and want some expert advice, feel free to get in touch with us at Prime Study Abroad Nashik.
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