Top 10 Cities in the World for Studying AbroadTop 10 Cities in the World for Studying Abroad

“The school time is the golden time of our lives,” you must have heard your parents say, and those years are indeed filled with learning, growth, and unforgettable memories. 

During your school years, you don’t have to worry about anything since everything is taken care of for you, from your meals to your schedule.

You just have to do three things: study, study, and study. However, after finishing your school years, the real deal begins, as now you’ve got to make some hard decisions about your further studies. And nobody wants to make compromises when it comes to their further education.

Therefore, here is a list of the top 10 cities that are perfect for studying abroad, offering a combination of quality education, cultural experiences, and career opportunities.

Best Cities to Study Abroad in 2024-2025

The following table consists of the places with their top universities and their respective rankings in terms of academic performance and research output. This information can be useful for students looking to pursue higher education in these locations.

Rank

City

Country

Overall Score

1

London

United Kingdom

100

2

Tokyo

Japan

99.2

3

Seoul

South Korea

97.8

4

Munich

Germany

97.7

5

Melbourne

Australia

97.1

6

Sydney

Australia

95.4

7

Paris

France

94.6

8

Zurich

Switzerland

94.5

9

Berlin

Germany

94.4

10

Montreal

Canada

92.1

11

Toronto

Canada

91.9

12

Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe

Japan

90.6

13

Edinburgh

United Kingdom

90.5

14

Vienna

Austria

90.1

15

Singapore

Singapore

89.6

1. London, United Kingdom

  • Overall Score: 100
  • Top Universities + Global Ranking: Imperial College London (6) (Best for Engineering), University College London (UCL) (8) (Best for Arts and Humanities), London School of Economics (LSE) (49), (Best for Economics), King’s College London (36) (Best for Health Sciences), and Queen Mary University of London (114) (Best for Law).
  • Opportunities: London is a global hub for finance, technology, and culture, offering numerous internships and job opportunities with top companies.
  • Diversity: The city boasts a large international student community, making it easy to find support and cultural familiarity.
  • Safety Overview: London is generally considered safe, with a low risk of violence.
  • Student Mix: London ranks 7th for its diverse student population.
  • Student View Ranking: 3rd in the world for student satisfaction.
  • Living Costs: Tuition averages around $24,400, with monthly living costs estimated between £1,100 and £1,300, making it relatively expensive.
  • Extra Tip: For those looking for more affordable housing options, neighbourhoods like Barking and Dagenham are recommended, while areas such as Knightsbridge and Mayfair provide luxurious living experiences.

2. Tokyo, Japan

  • Overall Score: 99.2
  • Top Universities + Global Ranking: University of Tokyo (23) (Best for Technology and Engineering), Waseda University (38) (Best for Business), Keio University (43) (Best for Social Sciences), Tokyo Institute of Technology (54) (Best for Engineering), and Hitotsubashi University (120) (Best for Business).
  • Opportunities: Tokyo is a major economic centre with a high demand for skilled graduates, especially in the technology and business sectors.
  • Public Transport: Excellent public transport makes commuting easy and affordable.
  • Living Costs: Students can expect to spend between ¥100,000 to ¥150,000 per month for living expenses in Tokyo. Many universities offer scholarships to help international students.
  • Safety Overview: Tokyo is one of the safest cities globally, with very low crime rates, particularly violent crime.
  • Extra Tip: More affordable areas include Ikebukuro and Kichijoji, while Roppongi and Shibuya tend to be more expensive.
  • Student Mix: 79th, offering a diverse atmosphere.
  • Student View Ranking: 22nd globally

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3. Seoul, South Korea

  • Overall Score: 97.8
  • Top Universities + Global Ranking: Seoul National University (37) (Best for Business and Management), Korea University (69) (Best for Law), Pohang University of Science and Technology (80) (Best for Engineering), Yonsei University (90) (Best for Arts and Humanities), and Hanyang University (150) (Best for Technology)
  • Opportunities: Seoul offers a dynamic job market, particularly in technology and business, with many multinational companies based there.
  • Cultural Hub: A mix of modernity and tradition, with a rich cultural scene and excellent food.
  • Student View Ranking: 46th globally
  • Student Life: High student satisfaction with vibrant nightlife and various cultural experiences.
  • Safety Overview: Seoul is considered safe for international students, with a low crime rate and a strong emphasis on community safety.
  • Affordability: Generally more affordable than Western cities, with reasonable living costs. Seoul has a competitive affordability ranking of 91st.
  • Extra Tip: Seoul offers international students an affordable study destination, with average annual tuition fees of around $6,300 and living costs that are relatively low compared to other major global cities, providing a budget-friendly option for students.

4. Munich, Germany

  • Overall Score: 97.7
  • Top Universities + Global Ranking: Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (32) (Best for Engineering), Technical University of Munich (50) (Best for Technology), Munich Business School (100) (Best for Business), Hochschule München (150) (Best for Arts and Humanities) and Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften München (200) (Best for Health Sciences).
  • Opportunities: Munich is a leading economic centre in Germany, with strong job prospects in engineering and technology.
  • Cultural Attitude: The culture welcomes foreigners, which enhances the sense of security for international students.
  • Safety Overview: Seoul is considered safe for international students, with a low crime rate and a strong emphasis on community safety.
  • Student View Ranking: 10th Overall
  • Student Mix: 11th, offering a diverse environment
  • Living Costs: Higher than in other German cities but still manageable for students.
  • Extra Tip: International students encounter average annual tuition fees of around $300 and comparatively low living expenses when measured against other major cities in Europe.

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5. Melbourne, Australia

  • Overall Score: 97.1
  • Top Universities + Global Ranking: University of Melbourne (14) (Best for Arts and Humanities), Monash University (57) (Best for Business), RMIT University (100) (Best for Design and Arts), Deakin University (250) (Best for Health Sciences), and La Trobe University (350) (Best for Education)
  •  Affordability: 131st, reflecting its high quality of life.
  • Student Mix: 1st for multiculturalism.
  • Student View: 2nd globally for student satisfaction.
  • Transport: Excellent public transport system, making it easy to get around.
  • Living Costs: Can be high, with monthly costs ranging from $1,400 to $3,920.
  • Safety Overview: Melbourne is generally safe, with a low crime rate, particularly in comparison to other major cities.
  • Extra Tip: Melbourne has a vibrant job market, particularly in healthcare, education, and creative industries.

6. Sydney, Australia

  • Overall Score: 95.4
  • Top Universities + Global Ranking: University of Sydney (41) (Best for Arts and Humanities), University of New South Wales (45) (Best for Business), Macquarie University (200) (Best for Education), University of Technology Sydney (250) (Best for Engineering), and Western Sydney University (300) (Best for Health Sciences).
  • Opportunities: Sydney is a major financial and cultural centre, offering numerous job opportunities in various sectors.
  • Lifestyle: Known for its beautiful beaches, outdoor lifestyle, and vibrant arts scene.
  • Safety Overview: Sydney is considered safe for international students, with a low incidence of violent crime.
  • Public Transport: Generally safe, with well-maintained systems and frequent patrols
  • Cost of Living: Generally high, but many universities offer scholarships and part-time work opportunities.
  • Student Mix: 4th for inclusivity
  • Extra Tip: Students seeking a lively city with a strong job market and a focus on work-life balance. Students should plan for monthly living expenses ranging from $1,400 to $4,000.

7. Paris, France

  • Overall Score: 94.6
  • Top Universities + Global Ranking: Sorbonne University (42) (Best for Arts and Humanities), École Normale Supérieure (90) (Best for Sciences), Paris Sciences et Lettres University (100) (Best for Business), HEC Paris (10) (Best for Business), and Université Paris-Dauphine (150) (Best for Social Sciences)
  • Opportunities: Paris is a global centre for art, fashion, and business, providing numerous internship opportunities.
  • Cultural Richness: Offers a rich cultural experience with world-class museums, theatres, and historical sites.
  • Student Mix: 7th globally
  • Public Transport: Excellent public transport system makes it easy to navigate the city.
  • Living Costs: Can be high, particularly in central areas, but many cultural experiences are free or low-cost.
  • Extra Tip: In Paris, international students should allocate a monthly budget of €800 and €1,200 per month for living costs.
  • Safety Overview: Paris is generally safe, though students should be cautious in crowded areas due to pickpocketing.

8. Zurich, Switzerland

  • Overall Score: 94.5
  • Top Universities + Global Ranking: ETH Zurich (8) (Best for Engineering), University of Zurich (70) (Best for Social Sciences), Zurich University of the Arts (150) (Best for Arts and Humanities), Zurich University of Applied Sciences (200) (Best for Business), and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (250) (Best for Technology)
  • Opportunities: Zurich is a financial hub with numerous job opportunities in the finance and technology sectors.
  • Safety Overview: Zurich is one of the safest cities in the world, with meagre crime rates and a high quality of life.
  • Employment Opportunities: 10th globally
  • Student Mix: 19th
  • Quality of Life: Known for its high quality of life, safety, and cleanliness.
  • Cost of Living: High living costs, but salaries often reflect this, providing a good quality of life.
  • Extra Tip: Students should plan to allocate between CHF 1,500 and CHF 2,500 each month for their living costs. 

9. Berlin, Germany

  • Overall Score: 94.4
  • Top Universities + Global Ranking: Humboldt University of Berlin (100) (Best for Arts and Humanities), Free University of Berlin (150) (Best for Social Sciences), Technical University of Berlin (200) (Best for Engineering), Berlin School of Economics (250) (Best for Business), and Berlin University of the Arts (300) (Best for Arts and Humanities)
  • Opportunities: Berlin has a thriving startup scene and numerous job opportunities in creative industries.
  • Safety Overview: Berlin is relatively safe, though students should be cautious in certain areas, particularly at night.
  • Cost of Living: Generally affordable compared to other major European cities, making it a good option for students.
  • Employment Opportunities: 41st
  • Student Mix: 6th
  • Cultural Scene: Known for its vibrant arts and music scene, with numerous cultural events throughout the year.
  • Extra Tip: In Germany, international students typically budget between €800 and €1,200 per month to cover their living costs.

10. Montreal, Canada

  • Overall Score: 92.1
  • Top Universities + Global ranking: McGill University (35) (Best for Arts and Humanities), Université de Montréal (100) (Best for Sciences), Concordia University (150) (Best for Business), HEC Montréal (200) (Best for Business), Polytechnique Montréal (250) (Best for Engineering)
  • Opportunities: Montreal is a vibrant city with a growing tech scene and numerous job opportunities for graduates.
  • Safety Overview: Montreal is considered safe, with a low crime rate and a welcoming atmosphere for international students.
  • Cost of Living: More affordable than other North American cities, making it budget-friendly for students.
  • Transportation: Public transport is safe and widely used, with regular monitoring for safety.
  • Employment Opportunities: 39th globally
  • Student Mix: 10th
  • Extra Tip: Students should plan to allocate between CAD 1,000 and CAD 1,500 each month for their living expenses. 

Studying abroad in one of the world’s top cities is a life-changing experience. These cities offer world-class education at top universities. 

They also provide exciting cultural experiences and opportunities to meet people from around the globe. While living costs can be high, the benefits of studying in a global city make it worthwhile.

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