Best Student Cities UK 2025 ranking was released by International higher education research institution Quacquarelli Symonds (QS). The top three best student cities remaining unchanged—London, Tokyo and Seoul. London has retained its No. 1 position as the world’s best student city for the sixth consecutive since 2018.
Best Student Cities UK 2025
| QS rank |
city | overall score |
student view |
student mix |
employer activity |
desirability | affordability | ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | London | 100 | 98.4 | 94 | 91.8 | 86.1 | 21.3 | 94.6 |
| 13 | Edinburgh | 90.5 | 93.2 | 99.1 | 77.6 | 74.6 | 34.9 | 60.4 |
| 27 | Manchester | 84.4 | 81.4 | 88.9 | 71.5 | 69.5 | 40.4 | 55 |
| 33 | Glagow | 83.2 | 98 | 91.2 | 58.6 | 68.7 | 35.1 | 52.7 |
| 39 | Newcastle Upon Tyne |
80.9 | 86.4 | 88.4 | 62.1 | 61.3 | 39.9 | 55.1 |
| 43 | Coventry | 78.7 | 80.5 | 99.4 | 61 | 53.5 | 39.3 | 48.9 |
| 45 | Bristol | 78.2 | 86.8 | 90.4 | 53.5 | 63 | 37.2 | 19.5 |
| 48 | Birmingham | 76.6 | 88 | 84 | 54 | 60.5 | 35.1 | 50.9 |
| 51 | Nottingham | 75.6 | 84.8 | 91.9 | 48.3 | 60 | 41.8 | 41 |
| 53 | Leeds | 75 | 82.7 | 78.4 | 52.2 | 62.1 | 41.2 | 48.2 |
As we can see in the list, among UK cities, London stands out as the sole representative in the top 10 of the QS rankings. Edinburgh ranks second in the UK, falls at 13th globally. And the rest of top 10 UK cities are mainly span the 30th to 50th positions in the world rankings. It’s for sure that London is the best choice if you are planing to have further education in the United Kingdom.
Ranking Indicators of Best Student Cities UK 2025
- The QS Best Student Cities UK ranking this time is only for cities that meet the following two conditions:
- The permanent resident population exceeds 250,000.
- It has at least two universities, and these two universities are included in the latest QS World University Rankings.
- QS Best Student Cities ranking is based on a series of indicators, with each indicator having the same weight unless otherwise specified. These includes:
- Student View: Direct feedback from the perspective of those students who are actually living through it. Would students who have studied in the city recommend it to their peers? What is their overall study and living experience like?
- Student Mix: Reflecting the diversity of students from different backgrounds.Is the city a diverse and inclusive place to live? Is there a significant student population?
- Employer Activity: The presence and engagement of employers in the city for potential job prospects for students.Do domestic and international employers value the universities in this city highly? What is the youth employment bonus situation like?
- Desirability: How attractive the city is in terms of lifestyle, culture, and opportunities.Is the city an ideal place to live? Is it safe? What is the state of its environment?
- Affordability: Considering the cost of living and tuition fees.Can students afford the cost of living in the city? This indicator group covers a series of living cost metrics, including average tuition fees, the iPad Index, and the Big Mac Index.
- Rankings: The quality and reputation of educational institutions play a crucial role.Does the city have a range of highly-ranked universities?
Why London tops Best Student Cities UK list?
| Student View rank | 3rd |
| Student Mix rank | 7th |
| Employer Activity rank | 4th |
| Desirability rank | 17th |
| Affordability rank | 126th |
| Number of universities ranked by QS | 18 |
| Highest-ranked institution | Imperial College London |
| Population | 9748000 |
It’s not hard to see why London comes out on the top of Best Student Cities UK list. Considering all the indicators including student view, student mix, employer activity, desirability, affordability as well as rankings, we believe that London’s a great city to study and live in. It is also home to many influential graduate employers, providing students with a prime location to launch their careers post-graduation. Let’s check the ranking indicators by one.
1 .Student View: Best Choice for International Students
London excels in the Student View metric, getting top 3 marks. Specifically, London consistently ranks highly in recent years for this indicator. This outstanding score is primarily attributed to London’s exceptional educational resources, rich cultural experiences, international learning environment, and diverse lifestyles. As a world-renowned educational hub, London boasts numerous universities ranked among the top globally. Additionally, London’s deep cultural heritage, encompassing vibrant art, music, and theater scenes, provides students with a vast cultural horizon and platform for exchange. Furthermore, London’s high level of internationalization, with students from all corners of the world converging here, fosters a diverse and inclusive academic atmosphere. These factors encourage students to broaden their global perspectives and enhance cross-cultural communication skills.
2. Student Mix: A Large International Community
London excels in the Student Mix aspect, listing the 7th of the QS Best Student Cities ranking. London’s strength lies in its ability to foster a sense of belonging for students from all corners of the world. With 36.7% of its residents hailing from outside the UK, London stands as a truly global metropolis. There are over 9 million people speaking more than 300 languages in the city. The presence of over 276,400 students from diverse backgrounds contributes to a rich and dynamic student population. Thus, in London, students can immerse themselves in a vibrant multicultural environment.
Moreover, London’s neighborhoods like Tower Hamlets, renowned for its Bangladeshi community and the famous curry houses of Brick Lane, serve as testament to the fact that London’s diversity extends beyond mere statistics and permeates every aspect of daily life. This unique blend of cultures creates a stimulating learning environment, where students can broaden their horizons, develop intercultural competencies, and forge lifelong friendships across borders.
3. Employer Activity: Bright Future in London
London ranks fourth in employer activity. It is the European and global hub for many industries, particularly finance. Many headquarters of major banks like Barclays and the Bank of England located in the City of London. Besides, many international companies recruit in London, such as Google, Amazon and Unilever. underscoring the high demand for graduates from London’s esteemed universities among recruiters. Those influential graduate employers gather in London, making it an ideal place for students to kick-start their careers after graduation. The city’s strong economy and vibrant job market provide numerous opportunities for internships, part-time work, and full-time positions across a wide range of industries.
4. Desirability: Vibrant Culture, Diverse Activities and Green Oasis
London attracts international students with its vibrant culture, diverse activities and green oasis. Firstly, London showcases some of the world’s finest museums – the Natural History Museum, British Museum, Imperial War Museum, and Victoria & Albert Museum — all accessible for free, appealing to broke students seeking cultural enrichment. Its nightlife rivals the best in Europe, drawing revelers from across the UK to hotspots like Shoreditch, Brixton, and the lavish Mayfair.
Secondly, in terms of activities and entertainment, London has a jam-packed events calendar brimming with music, art, comedy, sports, and theatre daily. This city hosts countless museums, galleries, music venues, theatres, sports arenas, and festivals catering to diverse interests.
Moreover, as for urban greening, nearly half (47%) of London is dedicated to green spaces, including over 3,000 parks, offering a refreshing escape amidst the bustling metropolis. Iconic parks like Hampstead Heath, Regent’s Park, Holland Park, Hyde Park, and Green Park invite visitors to unwind, socialize, picnic, and enjoy serene strolls. This harmonious blend of urban energy and natural tranquility renders London an unparalleledly desirable city for students and residents alike.
5. Affordability: High Costs of Living and Studying
The score of affordability of London is relative low, ranking 126th globally and the second lowest among the top ten behind Sydney, which was the most expensive. Honestly speaking, London is not exactly a cheap option for international students, home and EU students alike. In addition, rent and living costs are significantly higher in London compared to the rest of the UK.
International students can expect tuition fees averaging US$25,900 per year, lower than many US institutions but still substantial. Domestic and EU students pay around £9,000 annually. Living costs are high, with LSE recommending a monthly budget of £1,100−1,300 (US$ 1,470-1,740) for expenses like accommodation, bills, transport, and socializing. Accommodation is a major expense, while utilities, food, and entertainment also contribute. However, universities offer scholarships and financial aid to ease the burden, making London an achievable dream for determined students.
6. Ranking: Best universities in London
| Rank | University |
|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
| 2 | Imperial College London |
| 3 | University of Oxford |
| 4 | Harvard University |
| 5 | University of Cambridge |
| 6 | Stanford University |
| 7 | ETH Zurich |
| 8 | National University of Singapore |
| 9 | University College London |
| 10 | California Institute of Technologgy(Caltech) |
London boasts an unparalleled concentration of prestigious universities, making it one of the best student cities UK. With 18 universities ranked among the world’s best in the QS World University Rankings 2025, London leads the UK in university student population. Two of these institutions, Imperial College London and University College London (UCL), stand out prominently in the global top 10, occupying the second and ninth positions respectively. This achievement positions London alongside Boston as having the highest number of top 10 universities worldwide. Moreover, London’s “world-class higher education landscape” is further evidenced by its four universities featured in the top 50 globally, highlighting the city’s excellence in providing exceptional educational opportunities to students from around the world.
Conclusion
London’s triumph in the QS Best Student Cities UK 2025 ranking is well-deserved, boasting unique advantages and immense potential as a study abroad destination. Aspiring international students can consider London as their top choice for higher education, embarking on an academic and life journey filled with challenges and opportunities.
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FAQ
Which city has the best student life?
London maintains its top position from last year with a perfect score of 100. With its rich blend of culture, history, and vibrant student life, coupled with unparalleled access to global businesses, the city excels in student view (98.4), student mix (94.7), and employer activity (91.7).
Which city in the UK has the best education?
London is very often considered top due to its world-class universities, diverse culture, and numerous opportunities. Edinburgh and Manchester are also highly rated for their vibrant student life and strong academic reputations.
What is the most expensive city in the UK?
London has always been the most expensive place to live in the UK. As the capital of the UK, London is famous for its prosperity, long history and diverse cultures.
