This article is sponsored by the University of South Wales.

According to the latest HESA Performance Indicator for Employment of Leavers 2013/14, many universities in the UK now have employability rates above 90%. This means that the vast majority of university graduates are in employment or further study within six months of graduation.

Graduate career prospects are now at the heart of education in many of the UK’s universities, with teaching increasingly informed by what happens in the real world. Employability programs include work placements, superior industry links and accreditations with professional bodies, which ensure courses have continuing relevance and quality, along with dedicated graduate careers services that can help you with long-term career planning.

Read on to find out how to choose a university with a strong focus on graduate career prospects, and how to ensure your time at university prepares you for the workplace.

Could studying abroad boost your career prospects? 

In our globalized world, graduates with international experience will stand out to employers. A degree or postgraduate qualification is seen as an investment in your future, and universities want to make sure that your investment pays off. That’s why so many courses are now designed with employability in mind. What better way to start your graduate career than to have studied at a university that has put your employability needs at the core of their teaching philosophy, while also gaining that valuable international experience at the same time?

Moving away from home to study in another country is a big decision and you need to be confident that you are making the right choice. Choosing a university with a strong track record on graduate careers is one way to find the certainty that your investment – both financial and emotional – will pay off.

What graduate careers programs are offered by universities? 

At the University of South Wales, for example, students are regularly updated during the first few weeks and months on opportunities such as:

• Attending seminars or workshops to explore your strengths, interests and motivations;
• Online career profiling that allows you to reflect on the skills you currently have, those you wish to develop and strategies for doing this;
• Visiting careers events, employer fairs and skills workshops;
• Attending guest lectures from graduates who can give an insight into the industry.

Many degree courses at UK universities now include projects, and you may be able to conduct these in industry, which could lead to job opportunities when you graduate. Academic staff are committed to ensuring their lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops are based on real organizational problems and are engaging and interesting for every student.

How important are work placements? 

Wherever possible, universities will encourage students to undertake work placements during their studies, to complement learning and gain practical experience in a real working environment. There are many advantages for you, from gaining work-based skills to the possibility of improving your grades.

HM Jakir Hassan, from Bangladesh, studied a BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance at the University of South Wales and spent a one year placement at Atradius, a global leader in credit insurance and credit management. He explains, “Based in Cardiff, my placement year enabled me to apply the theoretical knowledge learnt at the university into a work setting, while experiencing the atmosphere and pace of the office place. It also helped me strengthen my self-assurance and I learnt how to work confidently under pressure and complete tasks in a systematic and accountable way.

“Being part of this global trade-related business environment was fascinating. It has really developed my interpersonal and self-management skills. I would undoubtedly recommend the course to prospective students.”

How can you tell if a university is focused on employability? 

Today, universities know it is essential to keep up with the ever-changing working environment, and courses are designed for the 21st century. An employability-focused university will have close links with relevant employers and industries. Companies like British Airways, General Electric, Sony and Tata, for example, inform universities about what’s going on, so they can design courses that give students the skills they’re looking for.

Lots of courses will have 'official’ industry approval too, through accreditations from a host of professional bodies, including ACCA, the British Computer Society (BCS), Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS), the British Psychology Society (BPS), the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and CILECT – the association of the world’s major film and television schools.

There are many reasons to go to university – studying a subject that fascinates you, becoming independent, making new friends and more. But there’s one thing that’s vitally important, whatever subject you’re studying: what will you do when you graduate? As well as specialist knowledge in your chosen field, university will also give you the practical skills to apply that knowledge to the workplace. So whatever you choose to study, from social work to surveying, accounting to art, law to logistics, you’ll not only graduate with a world-recognized degree, but also the real-life practical skills that you’ll need to get ahead.

It’s not a secret that US university fees are expensive. Fees and living costs at top US universities could add up to around US$60,000 per year. Given this fact, many international students find themselves in the situation where they need to work part-time in order to finance their education and living expenses. Of course, working part-time shouldn’t be solely a need-based decision. It can be great for any student, as it will help you build a solid résumé and gain experience in your field of study. 

But you must bear in mind that the US government takes working illegally very seriously and breaking the rules will lead to problems that could jeopardize your student status and even lead to deportation. All of this doesn’t mean that you can’t work during your study years, and we will help you learn the basics of the work authorization process.

What opportunities do you have with an F1 student visa?

If you have been accepted for enrollment in a US university and completed all the necessary steps, you will be able to study in the US after your F1 student visa is approved. The F1 visa category is reserved for academic students enrolled in US universities, colleges, high schools, language training programs, and other academic institutions. 

When it comes to international students working in the US, there are some restrictions. Students with F1 visas are generally allowed to work on the campus of their university for up to 20 hours a week. 

Always talk to your designated school official (DSO)

If you decide that you want to work part-time during your study years, the first thing you need to do is talk with your designated school official (DSO). 

As long as you have a valid US student visa and are in good academic standing, the process should go smoothly. Just contact your DSO and s/he will present you jobs that are available and could fit you.

There are two main types of jobs a student can take: on-campus and off-campus. The second one doesn’t usually work for international students coming to study in the US, but we will discuss the requirements and restrictions for each type. 

On-campus employment with a US student visa

Your US student visa allows you to work on-campus up to 20 hours per week when school is in session and full-time during school break periods (up to 40 hours per week).

On-campus employment is defined as work that takes place on campus, or at an off-campus location that is affiliated with the school. That could mean working in a university bookstore, cafeteria or other facilities where students can help. 

In order to get this type of job, you will be required to apply for it up to 30 days before the start of classes. In order to apply, talk to your DSO. If you are approved, your DSO will provide you with a letter of approval, which you will need in order to get a Social Security Number (SSN). 

Off-campus employment with a US student visa

Things can get a little more complicated if you wish to work off-campus, but there are some training programs that F1 students can get permission to work under.

As you would expect, off-campus employment is work that that takes place outside of the school campus. It is not impossible to obtain, but it’s only available to F1 students who have completed at least one full academic year of their program of study, and who have an economic hardship that qualifies for the Department of Homeland Security’s emergent circumstances.

There are two programs especially created for students who wish to gain experience in their field of study: Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT). To check if you are eligible, discuss these with your DSO. 

As you can see, there are work opportunities for international students in the US, but you need to make sure you follow all the rules and always check things out with your DSO. For more information about studying abroad in the US, register to attend the next free #StudyinUSA Virtual Fair and connect with US universities from your own home. 

Click here to view the latest version of this article, based on the results of the QS Best Student Cities 2018. 

Although no US cities quite made it into the top 10 of the latest QS Best Student Cities index, the country does boast the highest number of entries overall. An impressive 11 US cities are listed among the top 75 cities for students, a testament to the country’s large number of excellent universities and exciting locations.

As you may expect, the best US cities for students tend to score well in indicators relating to university rankings and employer activity – but not so well when it comes to affordability. However, the relatively high costs do little to deter the thousands of new international students the US welcomes each year.

Below are the 11 best student cities in the US – all offering at least two internationally ranked universities, plus a unique study abroad experience (click on each city name for more details).

1. Boston

If you want to be surrounded by the world’s best and brightest students and academics, then you can’t really do much better than Boston – especially if you include the nearby student-centered town of Cambridge, MA. The latter is the location of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University, ranked first and second in the world in the QS World University Rankings® 2015/16. Boston is also home to another five universities which rank in the top 400, and this high concentration of leading universities propels it to joint 13^th place in the QS Best Student Cities index. Employers are undoubtedly aware of Boston’s prestige, with the city earning the second best score in the index for ‘employer activity’. The Boston area is also well known for arts and culture, particularly when it comes to contemporary classical music. It’s not all serious academia and highbrow culture though: the city is also renowned for its pubs and bars, as well as its fondness for sports.

2. New York

As well as ‘The Big Apple’ and ‘The City That Never Sleeps’, New York City, ranked 20^th in the Best Student Cities index, is sometimes called the ‘Capital of the World’. Few other cities conjure up as many instant associations, be it the skyscrapers that serve as towering monuments to the city’s financial power, the legendary music and fashion scenes, the bright lights and glitz of Broadway or the famous delis and delicious street food. There’s no shortage of top universities in New York either, including Columbia University (ranked 22^nd in the QS World University Rankings® 2015/16) and New York University (53^rd), as well as nine others which are ranked within the top 800 in the world. New York therefore places 5^th in the ‘university rankings’ category of the Best Student Cities index, just beating Boston, which is 6^th. New York achieves the best ranking out of all of the best US cities for students in the desirability category, offering a high (albeit pricey) quality of life.

 3. San Francisco

Lying adjacent to California's famed tech innovation hub Silicon Valley, San Francisco is another iconic US city, within striking distance of two of the world's most prestigious universities, Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley, currently ranked joint 3^rd and 26^th in the world respectively. One of the world's leading 10 financial centers, the San Francisco Bay Area is home to hundreds of innovative companies, particularly in the technology sector. This, combined with the high caliber of its institutions, gives San Francisco one of the strongest scores in the ‘employer activity’ category of the QS Best Student Cities index. Although tuition fees are high, San Francisco is more affordable in terms of living costs than the likes of New York, and ranks at joint 27^th overall.

4. Chicago

Next in our list of the best cities in the US for students is ‘The Windy City’ (although it’s not the only one.) A fast-paced, high-rise economic hub, Chicago is also a city that famously knows how to let its hair down. Ranked as the 30^th best student city in the world this year, Chicago remains well known as the site of an explosion of blues and jazz music during the 20th century, which earned it a reputation as the northern US's answer to New Orleans. The city is also home to two of the world’s most esteemed universities, the University of Chicago (ranked 10^th in the world), and Northwestern University (32^nd), plus two more universities within the global top 500. Again, these reputable institutions also mean Chicago earns a strong score for ‘employer activity’.

5. Los Angeles

Sunshine is guaranteed pretty much year round in our next best student city in the US, which ranks at 42^nd overall. Los Angeles remains largely defined by the creative industries on which its wealth is founded: music, television, and – most of all – film. Other things that might leap to mind when you think of the city are the bright Californian sun, beaches, and the perpetual pursuit of the body beautiful – after all, this is the home of “Muscle Beach”. If you’d rather be exercising your mind than your body, there are plenty of prestigious universities in Los Angeles, including the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), 27^th in the QS World University Rankings 2015/16.

6. Washington DC

It won’t be a surprise to see the federal capital ranking as one of the best cities in the US to be a student – this year ranked 45^th in the QS Best Student Cities overall. Studying in Washington DC means being right at the heart of US history and politics – the White House, Supreme Court and national monuments and memorials are all located here. Washington DC’s position as a leading student city is helped by the five universities based in and close to the city that feature in the QS World University Rankings® 2015/16, the highest ranked of which is University of Maryland, College Park at joint 126^th in the world.

7. Philadelphia

Home of Ivy League member the University of Pennsylvania (18^th in the QS World University Rankings® 2015/16), as well as the esteemed Drexel University and Temple University, Philadelphia certainly holds its own as an international study destination. Ranking as the 48^th best student city in the index, Philadelphia has a rich past, having played a key role throughout US history and politics – for instance, it was here that the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. Beyond the tourist trail, the ‘city of brotherly love’ (a nickname based on the Greek meaning of ‘Philadelphia’), is a multifaceted modern metropolis, becoming well known for its sport and fine cuisine.

=8. Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, the second-largest city in the US state of Pennsylvania (after Philadelphia), retains its place in the QS Best Student Cities this year, sharing 58^th place with Atlanta. Pittsburgh compensates for the high tuition fees seen at universities across the US by offering a strong quality of living, diverse student population, and a chance to study at a world-renowned university. Two universities in Pittsburgh are featured within the QS World University Rankings 2015/16, led by the well-known Carnegie Mellon University in joint 62^nd place, which of course means another high score for employer activity.

=8. Atlanta

A new entry in the Best Student Cities index this year at joint 58^th, Atlanta is the capital and largest city of the US state of Georgia, and is known as the ‘city in a forest’ due to its abundance of trees. Located in the south east of the US, Atlanta’s progressive attitude during the US Civil Rights Movement earned it another nickname – ‘the city too busy to hate’. Of the top universities in Atlanta, the highest ranked in the QS World University Rankings® 2015/16 is Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), a university with very high research activity and close ties to the industrial world.

10. Baltimore

Located in the north-east of the US, Baltimore is ranked 71^st in the Best Student Cities index and is the largest city in the state of Maryland. Known for being a major seaport, Baltimore is affectionately referred to as ‘Charm City’ and the ‘Land of Pleasant Living’, amongst other nicknames – and in recent years has become well-known as the setting for popular TV series The Wire. With a rich history, the city exhibits examples from each era of architecture over more than two centuries, including the Washington Monument. Among the top universities in Baltimore is Johns Hopkins University, which is ranked 16^th in the QS World University Rankings® 2015/16, and is famed as one of the best medical schools in the world. Just outside the city center is the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, which is also ranked at international level.

11. San Diego

The last (but not least) in our list of the best cities in the US for students is another Californian option, located on the south-west coast, close to the border with Mexico. With attractive beaches and numerous tourist attractions, San Diego has been given the nickname ‘America's Finest City’. Ranking at 72^nd as another new entry in the Best Student Cities index this year, it’s also often featured in lists of the safest cities in the US, and like Los Angeles, is known for having excellent weather all year round. There are many universities and private colleges in San Diego, three of which rank within the top 800 in the QS World University Rankings® 2015/16. The presence of the University of California, San Diego and other research institutions has helped to fuel biotechnology growth in the city.

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They say the US is the land of endless possibilities and since you’re reading this, you probably feel that too. But the problem that comes with these endless possibilities is that you will eventually need to make a choice.

There are over 4,500 US universities offering undergraduate degrees. Harvard, Stanford, MIT and Caltech are just a few of the big names international students dream about on a daily basis. Let’s assume you’re one of them and you’ve decided to make your dreams come true. How can you find your perfect US university when there are just so many great options to choose from?

1. Make sure you’ve identified your passions 

Do not underestimate your intuition! Even if you’ve always been told that these kinds of decisions should be based on a rational analysis, you are going to spend your next three to six years studying your subject, so you need to make sure your heart is in the right place.

You’re probably planning to build a career in the field you choose to study, so your best option is to focus on what you are passionate about and then work out the rest of the details. You need to be honest and ask yourself if you really see yourself studying and building a career in the field you’ve chosen. If the answer is yes, you’ve already taken the most important step

2. Shortlist the best US universities in your subject 

Now that you know what you subject you want to study in the US, you need to actually start searching. University rankings and subject-specific rankings can be very useful ways to find US universities that match your interests. You should also bear in mind that only US universities that are certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program are authorized to accept international students.

Make a shortlist of the institutions you are interested in and thoroughly research each one. Check university websites for official information, course prospectuses and even student forums for more ‘insider’ tips. Try to get in contact with alumni if you can. Their stories are important because they can give you an idea of how your future might turn out.

You can also make the most of social media channels to connect with universities, current students and alumni. Check out universities’ Facebook pages or Twitter accounts and see how they interact with students and the information they offer. LinkedIn university pages can also be useful, as you can check the students and alumni and see what careers they have entered. Of course, there is no general rule, but all of these outlets can help you find the best US universities for you.

3. Check the course content 

Many students end up disappointed in their program because they haven’t checked the course content before applying to the university. Even if you really like the university as a whole, you may have a special interest in a particular part of your subject, and you should check to see whether this is covered in the curriculum on offer.

If you are not satisfied with the information you find or you just want more details, you can always contact the university directly. After all, the courses are what you will actually spend your time studying, and I can only assume that you want to find them interesting – both because this will make life more enjoyable, and because you’re likely to come out with better grades.

4. Consider the financial aspects 

You need to do your research in order to estimate the cost of your studies at a US university and your ability to pay. According to a report by the student support organization, College Board, state college tuition fees are on an average of $22,958 for non-US students. This compares to an average of $31,231 at private non-profit colleges. To these costs, you would have to add transport, accommodation and other living expenses. 

If you find out that some of the US universities you are interested in may be too expensive for you, that doesn’t mean that you have to cross them off the list. Most US universities offer financial aid packages that you could access if you are well-prepared and do not miss the deadline. There are also many scholarships to study in the US, often offered by individual universities, which you can research and apply for. In addition, you can also work part-time in order to support yourself or take up a loan. There are plenty of opportunities out there, you just need to start early and do your research.

5.  Find out what student accommodation US universities offer

6. Decide where you want to study in the US 

One of the important factors when choosing a US university is also the location. Yes, you dream about studying in the US, but each state and city has its own personality, unique culture, climate, economy, history and more. Some states are more popular among international students than others. Take a look at our state guides to help you gather more information and make your choice.

7. Attend university fairs, virtual events or online information sessions 

To find out more about the US universities you are interested in, you may be lucky enough to be able to actually visit the US and check out the institutions in person. Alternatively, you could meet university representatives at university fairs in a city close to where you live. As an international student, online methods of communication can be especially helpful. We recommend that you attend virtual university fairs or online information sessions, such as the QS World University Tour #StudyinUSA virtual fair, where you can connect directly with university representatives and students right from your home.

As you can see, once you make a strong plan and focus on researching your best options, making your dream become reality doesn’t seem so complicated anymore. Good luck in your research!

Studying abroad for the first time is likely to be a little daunting – so both you and your parents will want to assess the safety of your chosen destination. The following cities are the 10 highest ranked for safety in this year’s QS Best Student Cities 2017 index.

The index, which this year includes 100 cities, assesses locations on a range of categories including Affordability and Employer activity. The Desirability category takes into account each city’s safety score, as well as aspects such as general living standards, pollution and corruption. Scores are based on the safety index compiled by Numbeo (the reverse of the crime index), as well as data from the personal safety indicator of the Social Progress Index (country level), and The Economist’s Safe Cities Index.

1. Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe

Ranked first for safety this year is the combined Japanese metropolitan area of three cities - Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe, also known as Keihanshin. The combined metropolitan area, which is ranked 17^th overall in this year’s Best Student Cities index, scored a particularly impressive safety rating considering its huge size – the area is home to well over 19 million people in total. In fact, the main threat to safety here comes instead from the environment, as the region is prone to earthquakes. However, it’s also exceptionally well-prepared to deal with natural disasters.

Home to seven universities ranked among the world’s best in the QS World University Rankings® 2016-2017, Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe are key economic, travel and education hubs as well as being home to fascinating culture, both modern and traditional. 

2. Zurich

Next in our list of the world’s safest cities is Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich, which placed 15th overall in the Best Student Cities index. Located in a picturesque spot on the banks of Lake Zurich, the city has a clean, efficient and safe public transport system and very low pollution. A wealthy economic hub, Zurich does have high living costs which could be an obstacle for some students, but many will find the city worth the high cost. One respondent in our student survey praised the city’s “high quality of life, beautiful landscapes nearby, quiet and calm, lots of activities and excellent public transport”.

3. Tokyo

Heading back to Japan, capital city Tokyo is another huge metropolis with an excellent safety record. Like Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe, natural disasters pose more of a threat to safety than crime, but this high-tech city is also very well-prepared for whatever nature throws at it. Ranked seventh overall in the Best Student Cities index, Tokyo also has an impressively low pollution level for such a large city and new measures to cut greenhouse gases should ensure consistently high air quality.

=4. Copenhagen

 Also featuring in the top five safest cities in the Best Student Cities index is Danish capital Copenhagen, which is ranked 37^th overall. Frequently named as one of the most liveable cities in the world, Copenhagen is currently the 27^th safest city in Numbeo’s index out of 378. Visitors to the city will find it friendly and easy to navigate, with an excellent transport system and “relaxed atmosphere”, according to one student from our survey. 

=4. Québec

 Sharing fourth place for safety is the French-speaking Quebec City in Canada, which placed 72^nd in the Best Student Cities index this year. Quebec is the safest city in both Canada and North America as a whole, with violent crime extremely rare. Full of beautiful, historic architecture with a distinct, European feel, Quebec is also home to Laval University, ranked 372^nd in the World University Rankings.

6. Tampere

Heading back to Scandinavia, and the Finnish city of Tampere is a new entrant in this year’s Best Student Cities at joint 94^th overall. It’s one of the smallest cities in the index, giving it a friendly ‘university town’ feel which makes it safe, compact and easy to navigate. Ranked 15^th in Numbeo’s Safety index, Tampere has an active cultural life and is home to some of Finland’s best universities.  

=7. Singapore

Ranked joint seventh for safety and 14^th overall, this densely populated city state is eighth in Numbeo’s safety index and is also ranked highly for quality of life and life. A global financial hub, Singapore also has very low unemployment and is home to the two highest ranked universities in Asia in the World University Rankings, with National University of Singapore (NUS) leading the way at 12^th in the world. 

=7. Munich

Heading to Germany, and Munich is ranked ninth in the Best Student Cities index overall and is the second safest city in Numbeo’s 2017 Safety Index. Munich also receives a high score for Desirability, reflecting its overall high quality of life and other factors as well as safety. Known for its annual Oktoberfest, beer, food and affluence, Munich is home to Germany’s highest ranked university, Technische Universität München (ranked 60^th in the world). 

9. Vienna

Another city frequently seen on lists of the most liveable in the world is Austria’s capital Vienna, which is placed 16^th in the Best Student Cities index this year. Home to around 2.6 million people and an internationally diverse student community, Vienna has a very low crime rate, is easy to navigate and achieves a top five score in the Desirability category. The city is Austria’s main center of education, with the University of Vienna consistently ranked in the global top 200. 

10. Brno

Last but not least in our list of the safest cities for students is the Czech city of Brno, which is ranked 59^th overall in 2017. Brno also received a very high score in the new Student View category, which suggests the city’s students are enjoying their experience and are keen to stay after graduation. Home to charming medieval castles and an active cultural scene, student life in Brno is affordable, safe and enjoyable.

This article was originally published in December 2015. It was updated in February 2017 to reflect the results of the QS Best Student Cities 2017.

How would you rate your student city for safety? Share your experience in our student survey!

As employability becomes an increasingly prominent factor in student enrolments, the latest installation of the QS World Grad School Tour Applicant Survey shows prospective postgraduates aiming high – in terms of both career outcomes and increased earnings.

Created in association with Cambridge English Language Assessment, the report is based on survey responses from more than 7,150 prospective international students worldwide.

The results show prospective postgraduates aiming for the highest roles across a range of industries, with high expectations about the impact a postgraduate qualification with have on their earnings, and clear ideas about what they’re looking for in an employer.

Postgraduates expect to double their earnings

On average, survey respondents currently in employment said they expected to more than double their current salary in their first job after completing a master’s or PhD. The anticipated increase was particularly high among those in Europe, with Western Europeans expecting to earn 213% more, and Eastern Europeans 214% more – anticipating average earnings of $78,807 and $67,065 respectively. The highest salary levels were, unsurprisingly, anticipated by respondents in the US and Canada, who reported aiming at an average of $102,366 after completing their planned qualification. Those in Africa and the Middle East held the lowest expectation, anticipating an average of $60,254.

Sights set on C-suite roles and entrepreneurship

High expectations about salary increases are matched by applicants’ ambitions for their ongoing career development. Looking a decade ahead, just over a third (34%) said they saw themselves as the CEO or director of a large company, with a further 20% aiming to be running their own business. Other popular career aims included becoming a senior academic (12%) and working as a self-employed consultant (7%).

Career progress and job satisfaction top priorities

As these high aspirations would suggest, applicants’ main priorities when choosing an employer after graduation are closely tied to career progression. Just under 20% said career progression was their primary motivation when identifying potential employers, with 14.5% naming job satisfaction as the key factor. Also high on the list were international opportunities (7.4%), job role/responsibilities (7%) and long-term career prospects (6.4%), with salary and benefits (5.7%) in sixth place, just above leadership development (5.5%).

For more detailed analysis, including comparisons of applicants’ ambitions and expectations based on gender, location, subject and study level, the full report is available to read online. This is the second of two parts, following on from a study of international students’ motivations and priorities when choosing a study destination and institution.

In association with

**Click here to discover the most affordable cities for students in 2018.**

Looking for a study destination that will offer high-quality education, a rich social life and great cultural experiences without breaching your budget? The QS Best Student Cities index rates the world’s top student cities on a range of criteria, including an assessment of affordability based on tuition fees and general living expenses.

Below are the top 10 most affordable cities for students in 2016 – all offering at least two internationally ranked universities, plus ample opportunities for exploration beyond your university campus (click on each city name for more details).

1. Kuala Lumpur

Ranked 53^rd in this year’s Best Student Cities index, Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur receives a near-perfect score for affordability, with a winning combination of low living costs and relatively low tuition fees (averaging US$3,900 a year). It’s ranked 113^th out of 214 in the Cost of Living Survey by Mercer (with first place being the most expensive).

As well as having three prestigious universities ranked among the world’s top 800, Kuala Lumpur is also home to international branch campuses of universities such as Australia’s Monash University, allowing students to study the same course, with the same prestige, for possibly more than half the price.

2. Warsaw

The capital of Poland is the most affordable European student city this year, with a placing of 175^th in the Mercer Cost of Living Survey. A new entry in the QS Best Student Cities index this year at 63^rd, Warsaw also offers quite low tuition fees at its internationally ranked universities (US$3,400 on average per year), and tuition is actually free for Polish students and international students who study in the local language and sit the same entrance exams.

3. Hsinchu

Next in our list of the most affordable student cities is a Taiwanese city which you might not have heard of, but which you definitely shouldn’t undervalue. Hsinchu is an innovative and technological city which is a great option for students who want to study in Taiwan but don’t feel up to the hustle and bustle of capital Taipei, with lower costs of living as an added bonus.

4. Berlin

Berlin is ranked the 9^th best student city this year and receives the highest score in the top 20 universities of the QS Best Student Cities index. Germany itself is now the world’s third most popular study destination after the US and the UK, no doubt helped by the fact that undergraduate tuition fees at public universities in Germany are free for all, regardless of nationality. Berlin is also one of the most affordable European capitals, ranked 106^th out of 214 in the Mercer Cost of Living Survey, and offering a high quality of living for a low cost in comparison to many other cities.

 5. Taipei

Heading back to Taiwan, capital city Taipei may not achieve a great ranking in the Mercer Cost of Living Survey (41^st most-expensive out of 214), but it does offer low tuition fees, averaging only US$3,700 a year. Taipei is ranked 23^rd in the Best Student Cities index this year, so if you want to study somewhere which combines the attractions of fast-paced modern city life with the appeal of more traditional cultural elements, this is a pretty good deal.

6.  Munich

Hot on the heels of Berlin is Germany’s third-largest city, Munich, the 11^th best student city this year and home to some of Germany’s highest-ranked and most-respected universities, including the country’s current leader in the global rankings, Technische Universität München. Although living costs tend to be slightly higher than in Berlin, the incentive of free tuition combined with the distinctive Bavarian culture still makes Munich one of the most appealing study destinations in Western Europe.

7. Vienna

The culturally rich capital of Austria offers very reasonable tuition fees – free for students from the European Union (EU) and only around US$500 per year for everyone else (at the two internationally ranked universities in the city). Living costs are a little higher – Vienna comes 56^th out of 214 in the Mercer Cost of Living Survey – but still lower than in many of the world’s other top student cities.

8. Mexico City

Mexico’s huge and fascinating capital remains an affordable city for students and, although it has the highest tuition fees among the cities in this top 10 (an average of $5,500 a year at the eight universities ranked by QS, still far lower than many popular study destinations), it does well when it comes to living costs, coming 137^th out of 214 in Mercer’s Cost of Living Survey. It ranks 49^th overall in the Best Student Cities index this year.

9. Valencia

The home of paella, Spain’s third-largest city is a new entry in the Best Student Cities index this year at 70^th, and beats fellow Spanish cities Madrid and Barcelona when it comes to the most affordable cities. The average tuition fees at Valencia’s two internationally ranked universities are US$1,800 per year; significantly cheaper than Barcelona’s average of US$2,600. Living costs are also cheaper here, and there’s plenty to see and do outside of your studies (taking part in a tomato fight, for example!)

10. Toulouse

Toulouse is France’s fourth-largest city and is ranked joint 74^th overall in the Best Student Cities index this year. Known as la Ville Rose ("the Pink City"), and known for being a major center for aerospace, Toulouse’s high score for affordability is partly down to the very low tuition fees, averaging only US$200 a year in the three universities ranked by QS. It also has significantly lower living costs than the capital, Paris, and a large student population.

To find out more about universities and life in each of these cities, click on the city names above – and to discover even more of the world’s most affordable cities for students, visit the full QS Best Student Cities index.

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