Whether you’re entranced by the region’s glistening skyscrapers, the stunning cultural variety of culture or the heady appeal of good weather, friendly people and spiritual wellbeing, there are plenty of universities and locations to choose from if you decide to study in Asia.

Nine cities in Asia are featured among the world’s top 50 in the QS Best Student Cities 2015, including three cities in Japan , two in China, the buzzing capitals of Taiwan and South Korea, and the thriving island cities of Singapore and Hong Kong. Take a look at these top nine student cities in Asia, and let us know which most appeals to you as a study abroad destination.

1. Hong Kong

Average international tuition fees: US$13,000

Highest ranked institution: The University of Hong Kong (HKU, 28^th in the QS World University Rankings 2014/15)

Amidst a sea of modern skyscrapers lies a city which is rich in culture, delicious foods, busy markets and natural landscapes. While over 70% of Hong Kong is made up of mountainous terrain and epic parklands, the urban jungle is where most of the universities in Hong Kong are located, meaning that international students here will get a full feel of the bustling and fast-paced city center. Although heralded for its East-meets-West diversity, Hong Kong holds on to its Asian heritage, boasting innumerable Buddhist temples, ancient ruins and cultural traditions. Thanks to its high concentration of world-leading universities, high quality of living and fairly low daily expenses, it’s currently ranked the world’s fifth best city for international students.

2. Tokyo

Average international tuition fees: US$7,700

Highest ranked institution: The University of Tokyo (31= in the world)

Claiming the title of the second best student city to study in Asia, Tokyo is 7^th in this year’s QS Best Student Cities index, after climbing a dramatic 10 places since last year. While not the cheapest of cities in Asia, Tokyo also offers some of the richest rewards, with unending opportunities to explore and participate in Japanese culture – both traditional and contemporary. There’s just as much choice when it comes to education; Tokyo is home to 10 universities featured in the QS World University Rankings. And while the neon lights are hard to miss, lighting up neighborhood festivals and sophisticated nightlife spots, Tokyo also offers plenty of natural ornaments, in its manicured parks and Mount Fiji backdrop.

3. Seoul

Average international tuition fees: US$6,300

Highest ranked institution: Seoul National University (SNU, 31= in the world)

Although the only city in South Korea to feature in the QS Best Student Cities ranking, to say that Seoul is up-and-coming would be a disservice to all that the city already offers. Whether you’re a night wanderer looking for some urban Korean culture at 3am or a nature lover who enjoys a good hike, Seoul can offer you an incredible variety of activities, all set to a soundtrack of high-energy K-Pop. Now 10^th in the world leaderboard of best student cities, Seoul is home to an impressive 14 universities which feature in the QS World University Rankings 2014/15. Its highest-ranked institution, Seoul National University, is now level with Japan’s University of Tokyo at joint 31^st in the world.

4. Singapore

Average international tuition fees: US$12,000

Highest ranked institution: National University of Singapore (NUS, 22^nd in the world)

Once a chaotic colonial port, now a glitteringly futuristic city with a great skyline and even better street food, Singapore is 15^th in the world this year in the QS Best Student Cities. Despite heavy westernization and continued commercial development, Singapore is still the vibrant city it once was, now thriving on its technology industry as well as tourism and financial services. It’s become renowned worldwide for its incredibly efficient infrastructure, which means that despite the large population, things work well and people are happy. The city’s success also extends to higher education; it now boasts two universities within the global top 40.

5. Taipei

Average international tuition fees: US$3,800

Highest ranked institution:  National Taiwan University (NTU, 76^th in the world)

“Keep Taipei weird” has become something of a catchphrase among residents of Taiwan’s capital city, but this can only really be understood if you’ve eaten out at a toilet-themed restaurant, or enjoyed a 24/7 “shrimping” session with friends. Currently ranked the world’s 25^th best city for students, Taipei’s attractions also include an annual Beef Noodle Soup Festival, the fact that it’s known as the capital of C-pop (Chinese pop/indie music), and as many as eight universities featured in the QS World University Rankings 2014/15. So, if you’re someone who thinks outside the box, appreciates a good party scene and doesn’t tire too easily, Taipei is an ideal place to study in Asia. After all, not only is it wonderfully strange, it’s also shockingly cheap!

6. Beijing

Average international tuition fees: US$5,000

Highest ranked institution:  Tsinghua University (47^th in the world)

Now a shining beacon of modernity, Beijing has emerged from an extraordinary imperial history into the buzzing capital at the center of the world’s fastest-growing economy. Acting both as China’s political base and cultural heart, Beijing offers opportunities to explore hidden temples and fascinating histories, amidst a modern maze of concrete, glass and steel. Beyond the city center, you may want to escape the mayhem by visiting the renowned Great Wall, as well as more rural areas in which moments of peace and quiet can thankfully be found. Joint 26^th in QS Best Student Cities 2015 (alongside distant Edinburgh), Beijing is perfect for students interested in China – past, present and future – keen to explore all the hidden (read: untouristy) gems the city has to offer.

7. Shanghai

Average international tuition fees: US$4,300

Highest ranked institution:  Fudan University (71= in the world)

China’s largest city by population, Shanghai follows closely behind the capital at joint 32^nd in the QS Best Student Cities 2015, alongside Dublin. Like many Chinese cities, in recent years Shanghai has seen massive economic growth, thanks to a huge export market and large amounts of foreign investment. Now Shanghai stands as one of the largest business cities in the whole of East Asia, highlighted by the swanky buildings and the luxurious places to eat, drink and be entertained. There are also plenty of places to get a world-class education – seven universities in Shanghai feature in the QS World University Rankings 2014/15. With more cars than the rest of the country put together, Shanghai can get a little too much for the senses and for the lungs, but once you know your way about, you’ll soon discover why this is such a popular place to be.

8. Kyoto

Average international tuition fees: US$9,000

Highest ranked institution: Kyoto University (36^th in the world)

Once Japan’s capital and now offering a slightly calmer but no less enthralling alternative to Tokyo, Kyoto has climbed in this year’s QS Best Student Cities to reach 34^th place. Kyoto offers a little more of Japan’s tranquil side, with a myriad of temples, palaces, and beautifully tended gardens extending across the city. But despite this peace and quiet, Kyoto certainly finds its voice when it comes to arts and culture. Whether it’s the museums, or the shops of the old merchant quarters that you want to explore, Kyoto offers a comparatively laid-back but wholly alive culture which may well appeal to those who want to study in Asia without too much sensory overload.

9. Osaka

Average international tuition fees: US$5,000

Highest ranked institution: Osaka University (55= in the world)

Making its debut in the QS Best Student Cities ranking this year, Osaka is a new entry at 48^th in the world. Japan’s third offering on this list of top student cities in Asia, Osaka offers a vibrant yet easy-going atmosphere in close proximity to Kyoto. Development continues in this city thanks to government investment, meaning Osaka is likely to become an even more appealing study abroad destination in the coming years.  Want to be ahead of the curve? Consider Osaka for its good-natured residents, unpretentious but incredibly tasty cuisine, and its fine selection of arts and entertainment.

The top prize in a new competition to celebrate higher education innovation has been shared between two entrants: National Taiwan University and the University of Colorado Boulder. The two winners will divide the prize fund of US$50,000, offered by IELTS, after being announced yesterday at the Wharton-QS Stars Awards 2014: Reimagine Education conference in Philadelphia.

This new international contest is a joint initiative of QS Quacquarelli Symonds, publisher of the QS World University Rankings, and The Wharton School SEI Center of the University of Pennsylvania. The idea behind the venture is to provide a platform through which to celebrate and share the most effective higher education innovations worldwide, with a focus on enhancing learning and nurturing employability.

National Taiwan University was recognized for the success of its PaGamO project – a multi-student social game in which players compete to amass virtual land, wealth and resources by answering questions correctly. The platform has been applied in a range of educational contexts, from teaching probability in Chinese to training US Ivy league dental students, and has even been adopted by a Fortune 500 company to teach management and leadership skills.

The University of Colorado Boulder’s winning entry, PhET Interactive Simulations, is similarly interactive, using animations to help students engage with fundamental scientific principles. The project has so far produced more than 130 simulations, which have already inspired over 45 million students around the world.

Celebrating higher education innovation worldwide

In its inaugural year, the Reimagine Education competition received entries from 427 universities and enterprises spread across 43 countries. Submissions ranged from a project challenging students to produce equity research to rival Wall Street, to courses designed to be accessed via smartphones, online alternatives to studying abroad, and collaboration between students, inventors and entrepreneurs to get new medical technologies from the lab to the marketplace more quickly.

Entries were judged by a panel of 25 international experts, with the overall winners – National Taiwan University and the University of Colorado Boulder – also taking the top prize in the “E-learning” category.

Other winning entrants include For Class Ltd (winner of the Enterprise Award); the University of Utah (Hybrid Learning Award); McMaster University (Presence Learning Award); Politecnico di Milano (Nurturing Employability Award); and Tulane University (Teaching Delivery Award). Regional awards were presented to the Tec De Monterrey (Latin America winner); Studio by Purdue(North America); Tsinghua University (Asia); ESADE (Europe); King Saud University (Middle East and Africa); and Deakin University (Oceania).

A valuable complement to university rankings

Entrants were also recognized for higher education innovation in particular subject areas. In this section of the contest, awards went to The Rady School, University of California, San Diego (MBA & Professional Education Award); Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California (Engineering & IT); Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and Hong Kong Virtual University (Natural Sciences); Harvard Medical School (Life Sciences) and Maribor University (Arts & Humanities).

Amity University and Amity Business School were named the winners of The Palmer Group Innovative Learning among Private Business Schools Award, while the Award for Outstanding Contribution to Education went to India’s Global Education & Leadership Foundation.

Speaking about the vision behind the awards, QS’s managing director, Nunzio Quacquarelli, said such initiatives could provide a valuable supplement to university ranking tables. “QS recognizes that world university rankings cannot measure the incredible innovations in learning solutions taking place in universities and enterprises around the world. Wharton QS Stars Awards: Reimagine Education is our answer. We want to shine a light on the very best learning and employability solutions around the world, for the benefit of current and the next generation of students.”

 For more information about the Wharton QS Stars Awards: Reimagine Education, visit the website or join the conversation on Twitter with #Reimagine.

This article is sponsored by the University of Groningen.

Pretty much everyone who undertakes a journey to university is thinking about the amazing career prospects they will have once they complete their bachelor’s degree. But in recent years the graduate job market has become increasingly fierce, and standing out amongst all the other recent graduates is tough. Some accept that it will take some years to climb the career ladder, but others are taking an alternative route: a postgraduate degree.

Improve your graduate career prospects

It’s an obvious point to start with, but the skills attained by studying a postgraduate degree will strengthen your CV and certainly help you stand out amongst those who haven’t obtained a postgraduate qualification. You’ll be acquiring knowledge at a higher level than what you studied during your bachelor’s degree, and the course should help you develop the necessary skills for your field of work.

With a postgraduate qualification on your CV, securing a good graduate job is more likely, and the possibility of attracting a higher salary is increased. This will leave you feeling confident that the time and money invested in your postgraduate education was worth it.

Some universities will offer work experience as part of postgraduate-level programs, which will provide you with valuable insights into working in that environment and help you develop your professional network. This experience can be highlighted during graduate job interviews, to show that you have both the academic and professional knowledge needed to be successful in the position.

Tip! Look at some relevant graduate job advertisements, then review your CV. Identify the required skills and experience which you currently lack, and consider how you can attain them during your postgraduate studies. For example, choosing to study your postgraduate degree abroad or taking advantage of exchange program possibilities will show that you can work with people from different parts of the world and adapt to new cultures. There are thousands of English-taught postgraduate degrees offered throughout the world, and you often don’t have to go too far from home.

Already working? Move your career up a level

If you are looking for progression within your existing role, it’s common to take a short course to boost your expertise. However, if you obtain a full postgraduate degree alongside your graduate job, you will gain additional skills and knowledge, and indicate to your employer you are serious about career progression. Of course, the personal achievement of graduating also cannot be underestimated.

For the lucky few, taking a year out of work to attain a postgraduate degree is possible. But in recent years, more flexible arrangements are becoming more widely available for those who want to obtain a full postgraduate degree without giving up work – including studying part-time and the growing trend of online courses.

Invest in your own personal development

This is a benefit not to be underestimated. By studying a postgraduate degree, you’ll develop skills that will support you through daily life, such as time management, researching, presentation and writing skills. Depending on the field of expertise you’re studying, you could find yourself in small classes and you’ll be working closely with people who also share your background, allowing you to work within a team and consider different perspectives.

Being fuelled by a dream of being successful in your career is a great place to start. However, for most postgraduate students, the fuel is the desire to learn and contribute to their field of expertise. The University of Groningen, based in the Netherlands, understands that people are looking for a postgraduate degree to improve their career prospects and/or continue with their academic interests. 

The University of Groningen has over 100 English-taught one and two- year master’s programs, ranging from the arts to business and law to the sciences. The university is ranked as one of the world’s top 100, and this strong reputation is an additional benefit for those who choose to complete a postgraduate degree, whether seeking to move their career forward or continue their academic journey.   

Click here to read an updated version of this article, based on the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2017. 

Want to study at one of the top universities in Germany? There are lots to choose from! The QS World University Rankings® features 42 German universities as of 2014/15 edition – fewer only than the US or UK, which are also the only countries currently hosting more international students than Germany. To help refine your options, you may want to see which German universities come out top in your subject area, based on the QS World University Rankings by Subject. To get you started, here are this year’s leading German universities in 10 of the most popular study areas…

Top universities in Germany for accounting & finance

1. Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (ranked 51-100 in the world for computer science)
2. Universität Mannheim (51-100)
3. Universität Frankfurt am Main (101-150)
4. Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen (151-200)
5. Georg-August-Universität Göttingen (151-200)
6. Leibniz Universität Hannover (151-200)

See more of the world’s top universities for accounting & finance >

Top universities in Germany for biological sciences

1. Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (ranked 33^rd in the world for biological sciences)
2. Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg (34^th)
3. Georg-August-Universität Göttingen (51-100)
4. Technische Universität München (51-100)
5. Universität Freiburg (51-100)
6. Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen (101-150)
7. Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (101-150)
8. Universität Köln (101-150)
9. Freie Universität Berlin (151-200)
10. Universität Hamburg (151-200)
11. Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster (151-200)

See more of the world’s top universities for biological sciences >

Top universities in Germany for civil & structural engineering

1. KIT, Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (ranked 40^th in the world for civil & structural engineering)
2. Technische Universität München (51-100)
3. Universität Stuttgart (51-100)
4. Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen (101-150)
5. Ruhr-Universität Bochum (151-200)
6. Technische Universität Berlin (151-200)
7. Technische Universität Braunschweig (151-200)
8. Technische Universität Darmstadt (151-200)
9. Technische Universität Dresden (151-200)

See more of the world’s top universities for civil & structural engineering >

Top universities in Germany for computer science

1. Technische Universität München (ranked 33^rd in the world for computer science)
2. KIT, Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (40^th)
3. Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (51-100)
4. Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (51-100)
5. Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen (51-100)
6. Technische Universität Berlin (51-100)
7. Technische Universität Darmstadt (51-100)
8. Freie Universität Berlin (101-150)
9. Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg (101-150)
10. Universität des Saarlandes (101-150)
11. Universität Stuttgart (101-150)
12. Technische Universität Dresden (151-200)

See more of the world’s top universities for computer science >

Top universities in Germany for economics

1. Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (ranked 51-100 in the world for economics)
2. Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn (51-100)
3. Universität Mannheim (51-100)
4. Freie Universität Berlin (101-150)
5. Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (101-150)
6. Universität Frankfurt am Main (101-150)
7. KIT, Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (151-200)
8. Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg (151-200)
9. Technische Universität Berlin (151-200)
10. Universität Hamburg (151-200)
11. Universität Köln (151-200)

See more of the world’s top universities for economics >

Top universities in Germany for electrical engineering

1. Technische Universität München (ranked 30^th in the world for electrical engineering)
2. Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen (45=)
3. KIT, Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (51-100)
4. Technische Universität Berlin (51-100)
5. Technische Universität Darmstadt (51-100)
6. Technische Universität Dresden (51-100)
7. Universität Stuttgart (51-100)
8. Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (151-200)
9. Universität Freiburg (151-200)

See more of the world’s top universities for electrical engineering >

Top universities in Germany for law

1. Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg (ranked 24= in the world for law)
2. Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (28=)
3. Universität Hamburg (41)
4. Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (51-100)
5. Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn (51-100)
6. Universität Frankfurt am Main (51-100)
7. Universität Freiburg (51-100)
8. Freie Universität Berlin (101-150)
9. Georg-August-Universität Göttingen (101-150)
10. Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster (101-150)
11. Universität Köln (151-200)

See more of the world’s top universities for law >

Top universities in Germany for mathematics

1. Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn (ranked 40= in the world for mathematics)
2. Technische Universität München (44^th)
3. Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (51-100)
4. KIT, Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (51-100)
5. Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (51-100)
6. Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen (51-100)
7. Technische Universität Berlin (51-100)
8. Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg (101-150)
9. Technische Universität Darmstadt (101-150)
10. Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen (151-200)
11. Freie Universität Berlin (151-200)
12. Technische Universität Dresden (151-200)
13. Universität Freiburg (151-200)
14. Universität Stuttgart (151-200)

See more of the world’s top universities for mathematics >

Top universities in Germany for medicine

1. Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg (ranked 31^st in the world for medicine)
2. Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (44=)
3. Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (51-100)
4. Technische Universität München (51-100)
5. Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen (101-150)
6. Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn (101-150)
7. Universität Frankfurt am Main (101-150)
8. Universität Freiburg (101-150)
9. Universität Hamburg (101-150)
10. Universität Köln (101-150)
11. Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster (101-150)
12. Freie Universität Berlin (151-200)
13. Georg-August-Universität Göttingen (151-200)
14. Johannes Gutenberg Universität Mainz (151-200)
15. Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen (151-200)
16. Technische Universität Dresden (151-200)
17. Universität Düsseldorf (151-200)
18. Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (151-200)
19. Universität Ulm (151-200)

See more of the world’s top universities for medicine >

Top universities in Germany for politics

1. Freie Universität Berlin (ranked 51-100 in the world for politics)
2. Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg (51-100)
3. Universität Konstanz (51-100)
4. Universität Mannheim (51-100)
5. Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (101-150)
6. Universität Frankfurt am Main (101-150)
7. Universität Hamburg (101-150)
8. Technische Universität Darmstadt (151-200)
9. Universität Bremen (151-200)

See more of the world’s top universities for politics >

Ever wondered what any of the major cities in Europe would be like to study in as an international student? Well, look no further! We’ve selected the top 10 cities in Europe for students, based on the QS Best Student Cities 2015 – read on for a summary of the key factors that make each of these European cities great international study destinations.

While some cities in Europe gain high points for “affordability” (largely thanks to low or non-existent tuition fees) others stand out for their large selection of prestigious universities, high quality of living, or large student community. Whether you’re all about the food, the culture, the career prospects or the intriguing history, these top 10 places to study in Europe undoubtedly have something for everyone.

1. Paris

Average international tuition fees: US$2,400

Highest ranked institution: ENS Paris (24^th in the QS World University Rankings 2014/15)

Crowned as the world’s best city for students for the third time running in the QS Best Student Cities 2015, Paris is more than just a smug couples’ heaven. Boasting 17 internationally ranked universities – the majority of which charge minimal tuition fees – Paris continues to attract hordes of international students yearly, thanks to its youthful atmosphere, world-famous cuisine and rich cultural and academic heritage. Budding fashion designers, artists and writers will all feel at home in this iconic and attractive city.

2. London

Average international tuition fees: US$22,100

Highest ranked institution: Imperial College London (2= in the world)

Third in the QS Best Student Cities 2015, behind Paris and Melbourne, the UK capital is a city where everything’s world-class except the weather. If you can get used to carrying an umbrella around with you, then London is a fantastic place to study in Europe – international cuisine, an unbeatable theatre scene, buzzing comedy clubs, non-stop party lifestyle and a highly diverse and inclusive atmosphere. For art lovers and history buffs, London offers a wealth of museums and galleries (many free), while almost every street corner is bursting with chilling historical anecdotes (think Victorian serial killers, hidden dungeons and Great Fires).

3. Zurich

Average international tuition fees: US$2,000

Highest ranked institution: ETH Zurich (12^th in the world)

Just outside of the overall top 10 of the QS Best Student Cities 2015, Switzerland’s largest metropolis owes its placing as the third best city to study in Europe to a high quality of living (beating both Paris and London on this indicator), a good level of employer activity and a diverse student mix. Nicknamed the ‘Singapore of Europe’, thanks to its thriving financial center and spotless streets, Zurich has much more going on than you might expect – from trendy bars and restaurants to vibrant street art, Europe’s biggest open-air dance party, and visits to the nearby lakes and mountains.

4. Munich

Average international tuition fees: US$0

Highest ranked institution: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (52= in the world)

Munich, or München as it’s known in German, is this year ranked 14^th overall in the QS Best Student Cities, scoring highly for affordability (universities in Germany are free for all undergraduate students), quality of living and employer activity. Home to a thriving automobile industry and glittering commercialism, and rivalling even Zurich with its awe-inspiring backdrop of lakes and mountains, Munich proves itself to be at one with both nature and business. This Bavarian city is also likely to be popular among anyone with an interest in football and anyone with a taste for beer – it’s the home of both FC Bayern Munich and Oktoberfest.

5. Berlin

Average international tuition fees: US$0

Highest ranked institution: Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (134^th in the world)

The second German city included among the top five student cities in Europe, Berlin comes 16^th overall in the QS Best Student Cities 2015. Like Munich, Berlin’s position is largely due to its high score for affordability – thanks to non-existent tuition fees at universities in Germany combined with low living costs – as well as a good quality of life. Still full of the narratives of WWII and the Cold War, Berlin combines its weighty recent history with a youthful and creative character; in the past few decades it’s garnered a deserved reputation for hip cosmopolitanism, artistic persuasions and inclusivity.

6. Barcelona

Average international tuition fees: US$2,500

Highest ranked institution: University of Barcelona (166^th in the world)

Spain’s second largest city, Barcelona is ranked as the top Spanish study destination in the QS Best Student Cities 2015, placed 19^th overall (capital Madrid comes 39^th). With tuition fees on the affordable side, students studying in Barcelona should have plenty of funds spare to explore the city’s medieval history, city-side beaches, famous architecture, museums and markets – not to mention the renowned Barcelona nightlife and authentic Catalonian cuisine.

7. Vienna

Average international tuition fees: US$500

Highest ranked institution: University of Vienna (156= in the world)

Austria’s capital, Vienna, is ranked 20^th in the QS Best Student Cities 2015, thanks to high scores for overall quality of life, affordability and student mix. Ranked 2^nd in the world for ‘liveability’ by The Economist, Vienna can offer exorbitantly low tuition fees (although not as low as universities in Germany!), an eclectic variety of architectural styles and artistic legacies, and a café culture you’ll never want to give up.

8. Edinburgh

Average international tuition fees: US$22,000

Highest ranked institution: University of Edinburgh (17= in the world)

Shooting up six places in the QS Best Student Cities to rank joint 26^th alongside Beijing, is the Scottish capital of Edinburgh. Despite relatively low scores for affordability (tuition fees for international students are towards the higher end), Edinburgh excels in the ‘student mix’ category, thanks to the high percentage of international students at the city’s two ranked universities. A wonderful city of castles, cobbles and culture, highlighted annually by the internationally famed Edinburgh Festival Fringe (a month-long cultural showcase of comedy, theatre and the arts), Edinburgh has enough attractions to overcome its admittedly unappealing weather.

9. Copenhagen

Average international tuition fees: US$9,500

Highest ranked institution: University of Copenhagen (45^th in the world)

Copenhagen, the capital city of Denmark, is the number one Nordic student city this year, ranked 28^th in the QS Best Student Cities 2015. Although not the most affordable city in terms of daily living costs, it offers tuition fees somewhere in the mid-range, and a quality of living which is second-to-none, reflecting a culture of clean living, progressive politics and the world’s most transparent society. Study in Copenhagen for its youthful feel, its unbeatable street style and its rich Norse history (read: Vikings!).

10. Manchester

Average international tuition fees: US$20,300

Highest ranked institution: The University of Manchester (30^th in the world)

On par with Adelaide in the QS Best Student Cities 2015, in 29^th place, Manchester is the UK’s third representative in this list of student cities in Europe. Known for its key role in the Industrial Revolution, this city in “the North” of England is now famous for its vibrant live music scene and nightlife. With a ‘student mix’ score among the strongest in the index, Manchester’s three internationally ranked universities are highly diverse in their enrolments, and in general it’s an inclusive and diverse city in which to live.

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**Click here to discover the most affordable cities for students in 2017.**

Looking for a study destination that will offer high-quality education and a rich social life without breaching your budget? The QS Best Student Cities index assesses the affordability of the world’s top 50 cities for students, based on the combined costs of tuition fees and general living expenses.

Below are the top 10 most affordable cities for students in 2015 – all offering at least two internationally ranked universities, plus ample opportunities for exploration beyond the classroom (click on each city name for more details).

1= Taipei

Ranked 25^th overall in the QS Best Student Cities 2015, the Taiwanese capital owes its strong affordability rating to relatively low international tuition fees (an average of US$3,800 at its eight internationally ranked universities), combined with reasonably low living costs. Ranked 61^st out of 214 cities in Mercer’s Cost of Living Survey (#1 being the highest cost), Taipei is still not exactly the cheapest place on Earth to live – but if you want world-class universities and an exciting urban playground, this is a pretty good deal!

1= Mexico City

Sharing the top spot with Taipei is Mexico’s huge and fascinating capital, which claims the final place in this year’s top 50 student cities overall. Like Taipei, it has eight internationally ranked universities, at which fees for international students are just a little higher – an average of US$4,000 annually. However, overall living costs are likely to be a little lower, especially when accommodation is considered. Mexico City comes 150^th in the Mercer Cost of Living Survey, 89 places lower than its East Asian counterpart.

3= Berlin

Germany is one of the world’s most popular study destinations – now hosting more international students than any nation other than the US and UK – so it may be surprising to find its trendy federal capital listed among the most affordable cities for students. However, as across the rest of Germany, public universities in Berlin offer education free of charge, for both local and international students. Berlin’s general cost of living is also much lower than you might expect; at 68^th in the Mercer survey, it’s well below most other Western European capitals.

3= Vienna

Tied with Berlin is the culturally rich capital of Germany’s south-eastern neighbor Austria. Higher education in Austria is free for EU students, with very modest fees charged to those from non-EU countries. Based on the two internationally ranked universities in Vienna, you can expect to pay around US$500 per year. Living costs are a little higher – Vienna comes 32^nd out of 214 in the Mercer Cost of Living Survey – but still lower than in many of the world’s other top student cities. For a snapshot of daily costs, The Economist’s Big Mac Index puts the cost of a Big Mac at US$4.56 in Vienna, compared to $5.25 in Paris, for instance.

5. Munich

A second highly attractive choice for those keen to study in Germany, Munich again offers the added bonus of higher education minus the tuition fees. Compared to Berlin, local living costs are likely to be a little higher in this affluent Bavarian hub of finance, football and the world-famous beer festival, Oktoberfest. But thanks to the absence of fees, Munich is still well up there among the most affordable cities for students – as well as being one of the most happening places to study in Germany.

6. Osaka

Combining the neon lights, games scene and 24/7 feel of Japanese city life with a somewhat more relaxed side, Osaka constitutes a more affordable alternative to the likes of Tokyo and Kyoto, which it joins in the QS Best Student Cities this year. Osaka is still towards the upper end of the Mercer Cost of Living Survey (23^rd out of 214), but considerably more affordable than Tokyo (the world’s 7^th most expensive place to live, according to Mercer). This also applies to tuition fees; at internationally ranked universities in Osaka, international students are charged an average of US$5,000 per year, compared to $7,700 in Tokyo or $9,000 in Kyoto.

7. Madrid

Fourth among the most affordable cities for students in Europe is the artsy, foodie, party-loving Spanish capital, which comes 39^th in the overall QS Best Student Cities 2015 (joint with Finland’s Helsinki). At the four internationally ranked universities in Madrid, international students can expect to be charged an average of US$2,000 per year, keeping the city well towards the lower end of the global tuition fee scale. Madrid comes 63^rd in the Mercer Cost of Living Survey, putting it somewhere in between Taipei and Berlin for overall living expenses.

8. Barcelona

Hot on the heels of its fellow Spaniard is beautiful beach-side Barcelona, renowned for its stunning architecture and wild nightlife. As the home of Spain’s two highest-ranked universities, Barcelona beats Madrid in the overall Best Student Cities index, but scores one point lower in the affordability category. While it’s lower down in the Mercer Cost of Living Survey (71^st, eight places behind Madrid), average tuition fees are a little higher. At the five universities in Barcelona featured in the QS rankings, international students are charged an average of US$2,500 annually.

9. Santiago

Back in Latin America, Chile’s cool and cultured capital city emerges as the region’s second most affordable city for students, largely thanks to relatively low living expenses. At 88^th in the Mercer Cost of Living Survey, it’s undoubtedly among the most affordable cities included in the QS Best Student Cities top 50. This offsets the fact that tuition fees are somewhat higher than those encountered at most of the other cities listed here; at the five internationally ranked universities in Santiago, international fees are an average US$7,500 per year.

10. Prague

Finally, back to the heart of Europe, where the attractive and historic capital of the Czech Republic offers even lower living costs than Santiago, coming 92^nd in the Mercer Cost of Living Survey. At the city’s three internationally ranked universities, international fees amount to an average US$7,000 per year – not a negligible amount, but certainly at the affordable end of the spectrum when viewed in the context of fees charged in many of the world’s most-coveted study destinations.

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

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Paris retains its claim to being the world’s number one student city, topping the QS Best Student Cities index for the third consecutive year. Meanwhile cross-channel rival London falls one place to third, with Melbourne replacing it in second position. The US remains the most-represented country overall, with eight cities in the top 50, followed by Australia with six.

The French capital has now led this ranking of the world’s best cities for international students since it was first developed in 2012, as a complement to the QS World University Rankings®. The index’s methodology has this year been expanded to draw on 18 indicators; these are combined to score each city in five key categories: university rankings, student mix, desirability, employer activity and affordability.

A total of 29 countries are represented in this year’s QS Best Student Cities. Europe remains the dominant region, with 20 cities featured, followed by North America with 12, Asia with 9, Oceania with 7 and South America with 2. New entries this year are Coventry (UK), Pittsburgh (US) and Osaka (Japan).

What makes a desirable student city?

Several new sources have been added to the QS Best Student Cities methodology this year, with the aim of providing a fuller reflection of each city’s desirability as a destination for international students. These include Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, The Economist’s Global Liveability Report, Numbeo’s indices of safety and pollution, and the Social Progress Index.

In order to be considered for inclusion, cities must meet two basic criteria: a population of at least 250,000 and at least two higher education institutions featured in the QS university rankings. From some 116 cities which qualify on these grounds, the top 50 are then selected based on those with the strongest combined scores across the five categories considered.

London and Paris retain the two strongest scores in the “university rankings” category, thanks to their large contingents of internationally ranked institutions. Melbourne gets the strongest score for “student mix”, which considers both the size and diversity of the student population, followed by Irish capital Dublin. Toronto is the leader in the “desirability” group of indicators, with Sydney in second place.

London and Boston are tied at the top of the “employer activity” category, which is calculated based on QS’s surveys of employers around the world, who are asked to identify the institutions they prefer to recruit from. Meanwhile the most “affordable” cities included in the ranking – based on a combination of factors reflecting tuition fees and general living expenses – are Taipei and Mexico City.

What do you think makes a great student city? Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter with #QSBestCities.