QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2027

Why in News ?

The QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2027, released in July 2026, ranked Seoul as the world's best student city. Mumbai became India's highest-ranked city (91st), Delhi entered the global top 100 for the first time (99th) and was recognised as the world's most affordable student city, while Bengaluru slipped to joint 114th due to relatively higher tuition fees.

Key Highlights

What is the QS Best Student Cities Ranking ?

The QS Best Student Cities Ranking is an annual global ranking published by QS Quacquarelli Symonds, evaluating 150 cities based on their attractiveness for domestic and international students.

Six Assessment Indicators

• University Rankings – Quality and global reputation of universities. 
• Employer Activity – Graduate employability and industry opportunities. 
• Affordability – Tuition fees and cost of living. 
• Desirability – Safety, quality of life and cultural environment. 
• Student Mix – Diversity and international student population. 
• Student View – Feedback from current and former students. 

Why is it Important?

• Reflects the global competitiveness of higher education systems. 
• Influences international student mobility and university choices. 
• Measures employability, affordability and urban livability together. 
• Supports India's ambition of becoming a global education hub under NEP 2020 and Study in India. 
• Provides policy inputs for improving higher education quality and research. 

Major Challenges

• Limited presence of Indian universities in top global rankings. 
• Low research output and international collaborations. 
• Weak international student enrolment. 
• Skill mismatch between graduates and industry. 
• Urban infrastructure and livability issues. 
• Higher tuition fees in some Indian cities like Bengaluru. 

Way Forward

• Improve research funding and global collaborations. 
• Strengthen university-industry partnerships. 
• Expand scholarships and affordable student housing. 
• Promote the Study in India initiative. 
• Improve urban infrastructure, safety and public transport. 
• Increase internationalisation through English-medium programmes and easier student visas. 

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