Seoul Overtakes London as the World's Top Student City

Introduction

For six years, London held the crown as the world's best city for students. Its mix of elite universities, global culture, and professional opportunities made it the go-to destination for aspiring scholars from every corner of the world.

But that run just ended.

In the latest QS Best Student Cities ranking for 2026, Seoul has officially taken the top spot, pushing London into third place and signaling a significant shift in where the next generation of global talent is choosing to study.

Why Seoul? Why Now?

It's not just about the academics, though Seoul certainly delivers there too. The South Korean capital is home to over 20 internationally ranked universities, including Seoul National University and Korea University. But what's tipping the scale in Seoul's favor is the total student experience: a high quality of life, career opportunities, safety, and, critically, affordability.

"Living in Seoul feels balanced. It's safe, exciting, and I can actually afford a good life while studying," said Jasmine Okoro, a Nigerian graduate student in environmental policy. "Compared to my friends in London, I'm not drowning in debt just to have a roof over my head.”

That sentiment echoes across campuses in the city, where monthly living costs average between $550 and $750, including rent and food.

In contrast, students in London often face costs that are more than twice as high, with many reporting monthly expenses exceeding $1,500.

The Affordability Problem That Cost London the Crown

While London's universities remain globally respected, Imperial College London, UCL, King's College, and LSE are all ranked in the top tiers, it's the city's unaffordable lifestyle that's dragging it down. 

In this year's QS report, London received an affordability score of just 12.6 out of 100, placing it near the bottom of the global list.

That's no surprise to those living through it.

"London feels like it's built for rich students now," said Ella Martin, a second-year undergraduate at UCL. “Most of my income goes to rent. 

I've had to skip meals some weeks, and I know people who sleep on friends' couches because they can't find anything they can afford.”

The data backs her up. According to student housing providers, rents for university accommodation in London have increased by 18% in the past two years, with some private studios costing over £20,000 a year.

 This is significantly higher than the average UK maintenance loan, leaving students to cover the remaining costs themselves.

Despite efforts to increase financial support and build more student housing, it hasn't been enough to stem the tide.

A Broader Shift in Student Priorities

The QS Best Student Cities ranking doesn't just look at universities. It scores cities across six categories: academic strength, student mix, desirability, employer activity, affordability, and student feedback.

Seoul earned top marks in university rankings and scored exceptionally well in employer activity. It's a city that doesn't just educate students, it prepares them for jobs. Big tech companies, research institutes, global brands, and startups all hire directly from Seoul's universities.

But it's not just the career pipeline that matters.

Students in Seoul frequently mention the city's blend of culture, convenience, and comfort. Public transport is world-class, neighborhoods are clean and safe, and there's always something to do, from food markets and festivals to K-pop concerts and nature hikes.

"It's hard to be bored in Seoul," said Mateo Rojas, a Chilean student at Yonsei University. 

"And even when I'm stressed, I can find peace in the parks or the mountains just outside the city. It's intense in the best way.”

Meanwhile, Tokyo rose to second place, just behind Seoul. Together, they represent a growing shift: the top two global student cities are now in East Asia, a region once considered secondary to traditional Western hubs like London, Boston, or Paris.

What Does This Mean for London?

The drop to third place isn't catastrophic; London remains a world-class academic center. But the warning signs are unmistakable. If student affordability and housing access aren't addressed, the city risks losing its global student base to towns that offer more for less.

Liz Hutchinson, CEO of London Higher, a group representing the city’s universities, responded to the ranking by acknowledging the housing crisis and calling for urgent policy changes.

“We need investment in affordable student accommodation and a national conversation about what it means to be an inclusive education hub,” she said. “Otherwise, we risk pricing out exactly the students we want to attract.”

It’s not just housing. The UK government’s shifting stance on international students—tightening visa policies and proposing higher financial thresholds—has also drawn criticism. 

Some worry that these changes send the message that international students are a burden rather than a benefit.

A Wake-Up Call, Not a Defeat

Despite the drop, many students and educators still see London as a place of unmatched opportunity.

“London has a soul,” said Arjun Patel, a master’s student at King’s College London. “The energy, the ideas, the diversity—you feel like anything is possible here. But that’s starting to feel like a luxury not everyone can afford.”

QS Senior Vice President Ben Sowter summed it up bluntly: “London is still a top-tier city. But if it continues to be unaffordable for most students, then it stops being a realistic choice, and starts being a dream out of reach.”

For now, that dream has shifted east.