London has been named the world’s best student city for the sixth consecutive time in the ranking by global higher education analyst QS. QS Best Student Cities evaluates university cities based on their rankings, student diversity, desirability, employer engagement, and affordability. In the 2025 edition, London maintained its position as the world's best student city, a title it has held since 2018. Also in the top 10 are Tokyo, Seoul, Munich, Melbourne, Sydney, Paris, Zurich, Berlin and Montreal.

Cities like Sydney and Montreal were among those in the top 10 that saw year-on-year improvements in the rankings. Indeed, Sydney advanced from seventh to sixth place, and Montreal entered the top 10 by climbing from 13th to 10th. Sydney's rise was attributed to better performance in Employer Activity and Affordability, while Montreal saw improvements in Student Mix, Employer Activity, and Affordability.

Why London?

As one of 16 UK cities included in the ranking, London was given the top spot for its “world-class higher education landscape,” including two universities in the world’s top 10. The UK capital scored highly for its university quality, with 18 London universities featured in the latest QS World University Rankings. In addition, London's on-campus diversity and educational excellence received high praise from current and former students, The Pie News reports.

London universities also performed strongly in QS's Employer Reputation indicator, with 11 out of 18 showing improvement, one staying the same, and six declining. Furthermore, the capital’s universities excelled in their proportion of international students, with 11 out of 18 ranking in the world’s top 50 and another three in the top 100.

Meanwhile, London’s business environment remained excellent for graduates. The Employer Activity indicator jumped to fourth globally from eighth last year, indicating abundant career opportunities for graduates in the city.

“For London to retain the title of world’s best student city for six uninterrupted editions shows just how the UK capital and its world-leading universities keep on delivering an exceptional experience for students from across the globe,” stated Diana Beech, CEO of London Higher.

QS CEO Jessica Turner said London's being named Best Student City of 2025 is a “celebration of its role as a premier destination for education, innovation, and cultural vibrancy.”