Seoul Cuts London’s Reign: QS Best Student Cities Shake-Up
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The Ranking Shift
For six consecutive years, London was crowned the world’s best student city by QS. In 2026, Seoul rose to #1, with Tokyo #2, and London falling to #3.
| Year | QS #1 Best Student City | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | London | Maintained lead for 6th year |
| 2024 | London | Stayed strong despite affordability concerns |
| 2025 | London | Still #1, but Seoul and Tokyo closed the gap |
| 2026 | Seoul | First Asian city to dethrone London |
(Source: QS Best Student Cities rankings, 2023–2026)
Why Did Seoul Rise?
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Academic Strength: Seoul scored a perfect 100 in the QS “university rankings” indicator, reflecting the global reputation of institutions like Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University.
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Employer Activity: Korea’s thriving tech and innovation sectors boost job prospects—students don’t just get degrees; they get pathways into booming industries.
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Affordability Edge: London’s cost of living (housing, transport, daily expenses) remains a critical weakness. Seoul, while not cheap, offers better cost-value alignment.
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Student Desirability: Seoul is culturally vibrant, safe, and globally connected, increasingly appealing to Gen Z applicants who prize experience as much as academics.
What London’s Decline Shows
London is still a powerhouse—its diversity and global reputation remain unmatched. But affordability is dragging it down. When tuition fees + living costs soar without matching returns in work rights or post-study opportunities, international students look elsewhere.
This mirrors UK’s broader higher education struggles: frozen domestic fee caps, aggressive visa rules, dependants’ bans, and dynamic pricing. London’s decline is not about quality—it’s about value perception.
Global Trend: The Rise of Asia
QS’s rankings now signal what many recruiters already see: Asia’s cities—Seoul, Tokyo, Singapore—are climbing because they combine strong universities with relative affordability and career opportunities. The student mobility “centre of gravity” is tilting east.
Conclusion
Seoul’s rise above London is symbolic. It proves that prestige alone isn’t enough. Students weigh affordability, employability, and experience. Cities that align all three will lead.
For London and the UK, the lesson is clear: restore trust in visas, address affordability, and protect the post-study work route. Without that, London’s six-year reign may be remembered as the peak of its appeal.
