London Has Lost Its Place As The Best Student City In The World

For years, London has worn the crown as the world’s best student city, a buzzing, multicultural hub with some of the most respected universities on the planet and a social scene that could rival anywhere.

But after six consecutive years at number one, the capital has officially been knocked off its perch. The latest QS Best Student Cities ranking has just been released, and for 2026, London finds itself in third place, overtaken by Seoul and Tokyo.

That’s right, the South Korean capital, with its neon lights, late-night study cafés and world-leading innovation scene, has claimed the top spot with a perfect score of 100. Tokyo follows closely behind, while London, still an incredible place to study by any standard, has slipped to a score of 97.1.

It’s not a huge drop in numbers, but symbolically, it’s a big moment. After dominating for so long, London’s reign as the go-to destination for international students has come to an end.

So, what’s changed? It’s not about the quality of London’s universities as they remain among the best in the world. Imperial College, UCL, LSE, King’s and a host of others continue to attract global talent. The fall, it seems, has more to do with what happens outside the classroom. The QS report highlights one key factor in particular: affordability.

London scored just 12.6 out of 100 in that category - a figure that says it all. For students, especially those coming from abroad, the rising cost of living, soaring rents and general expense of city life have made it harder to justify choosing London, no matter how impressive the academic opportunities might be.

Meanwhile, cities like Seoul have been making serious moves to appeal to international students. The South Korean capital combines excellent universities with an energetic cultural scene, high safety standards, efficient transport, and - crucially - a lower cost of living compared to Western capitals. Add in the global appeal of K-culture, from K-pop to Korean cinema, and it’s easy to see why Seoul has become a magnet for students looking for a fresh and exciting study experience.

London, of course, is still London. It remains one of the most diverse, dynamic and opportunity-rich cities in the world. It’s packed with creative energy, history, nightlife, and professional connections that few places can match. For many students, it’s still the dream destination, but the dream is increasingly an expensive one. The city’s slipping score is a warning sign for policymakers and universities alike: if London wants to remain at the top, something has to give when it comes to affordability and student support.

• Student Guide: How To Survive As A Student In London

The broader shift also says something interesting about global education trends. For years, the most desirable study destinations were clustered around Europe, North America and Australia. Now, Asian cities are rising fast. with.

Beijing achieved its highest-ever ranking at 13th, topping China’s eight ranked cities. Indian cities all saw gains, with Mumbai entering the top 100 at 98th, supported by strong scores in affordability (11th) and employer activity (37th). They’re offering not just high-quality education but a balance between cost, culture and innovation that speaks directly to what students want today, an experience that’s both enriching and sustainable.

So yes, London has lost its number one spot. But maybe that’s not such a bad thing. It’s a reminder that even world-class cities need to evolve with the times, and that the student experience is about more than prestige or tradition. It’s about belonging, accessibility, and opportunity - wherever in the world you choose to study.