Great news for students dreaming of Korea.
Seoul has been named the best city in the world for students for the second year in a row.
The result comes from the QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2027, released in July 2026. Seoul scored a perfect 100 points and kept the No. 1 spot out of 150 cities around the world.
Where Does This Ranking Come From?
QS is a global education company based in London. It is best known for the QS World University Rankings, one of the most-watched university rankings in the world.
Every year, QS also ranks the best cities for university students.
To make the list, a city needs at least 250,000 people and at least two universities in the QS World University Rankings. This year, 150 cities in 59 countries and regions made the cut.
Each city is scored on six things:
- University Rankings – how many top universities the city has
- Student Mix – how many students and international students live there
- Desirability – safety, health care, environment and quality of life
- Employer Activity – how much employers value graduates from the city
- Affordability – tuition and living costs
- Student View – what students say about living and studying there
The 2027 Top 10 Student Cities
| 1 | Seoul, South Korea |
| 2 | Tokyo, Japan |
| 3 | London, UK |
| 4 | Melbourne, Australia |
| 5 | Munich, Germany |
| 5 | Sydney, Australia |
| 7 | Paris, France |
| 8 | Berlin, Germany |
| 9 | Vienna, Austria |
| 10 | Zurich, Switzerland |
Why Is Seoul the Best City for Students?
1. More Top Universities Than Any Other City
Seoul is home to 23 universities in the QS World University Rankings 2027, according to The Korea Times.
That is more than any other city on the list. It is why Seoul ranked No. 1 in the University Rankings category.
Famous names include Seoul National University, Yonsei University and Korea University, often called Korea’s “SKY” universities.
2. Great Career Opportunities
Seoul ranked No. 2 in the world for Employer Activity, just behind Tokyo.
The city is the home base of global companies in tech, cars, entertainment and beauty. That means more internships, more networking and more chances to start a career after graduation.
3. Safe, Modern and Fun
Seoul placed in the global top 10 for Desirability.
Students can walk home safely at night, ride fast and clean subways, and use some of the fastest internet in the world.
Health care is another plus. Seoul has some of the best hospitals in the world, and many offer international clinics for foreigners.
And when classes are over, there is always something to do.
Spend a free afternoon at the National Museum of Korea, take photos in Bukchon Hanok Village, or see a design exhibition at Dongdaemun Design Plaza.
On weekends, students love biking and picnics at Ttukseom Hangang Park or relaxing at Olympic Park. K-pop fans can visit HYBE headquarters, and beauty lovers can stock up at Olive Young.
No wonder Seoul was also named the world’s most walkable city in 2026.
More International Students Than Ever
Korea is becoming a hot study destination.
In 2025, the number of international students in Korea reached a record 253,434, up more than 21% from the year before, according to Korea’s Ministry of Education data.
Most come from Asia, especially China, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Mongolia and Nepal. But more students from Europe, the Americas and Africa are arriving every year.
What About Other Korean Cities?
Seoul is not the only Korean city on the list. Korea had five cities in the ranking this year.
- Daejeon – No. 67, home to KAIST and the famous Sungsimdang bakery
- Busan – No. 120, with beaches like Haeundae right in the city
- Daegu – No. 132
- Gwangju – No. 144, close to the Damyang bamboo forest
All of these cities ranked in the world’s top 45 for affordability. If you want to save money, they are worth a look. Busan is also an easy trip from the capital. Here’s how to get from Seoul to Busan.
What This Means for Students and Travelers
Thinking about studying in Seoul? Here are a few tips to get started.
- Try a Korean language program first. Many universities, like Yonsei, Korea University and Seoul National University, run Korean language courses for foreigners. They are a great way to test life in Seoul.
- Check the right visa. Degree students usually need a D-2 visa, and language students a D-4 visa. Check the latest rules on Study in Korea, the government’s official site.
- Look for scholarships. The Korean government (GKS) and many universities offer scholarships for international students.
- Live near campus areas. Sinchon, Hongdae and Anam are full of students, cafés and cheap eats. For a tasty night out, try Myeongdong street food.
- Know your rights as a newcomer. Read about Korea’s crackdown on overcharging so you never pay more than you should.
- Save on daily life. Korean convenience stores are a student’s best friend for quick, cheap meals.
- Visit before you apply. Walk around the campuses, explore the neighborhoods and see how it feels.
From world-class universities to safe streets and endless things to do, it is easy to see why Seoul is the world’s favorite city for students.