If you're deciding where to study abroad, the latest QS Best Student Cities 2027 rankings highlight why Australia continues to be one of the world's most popular destinations for international students.
Released by QS, the annual rankings compare the world's best cities for students based on factors including university performance, employer activity, affordability, student diversity, quality of life and feedback from current students. This year, Seoul retained the number one spot, followed by Tokyo and London.
Australia's highest-ranked student cities
Australia once again performed strongly, with six cities featuring among the world's best places to study:
- Melbourne – 4th globally
- Sydney – Equal 5th
- Brisbane – 26th
- Adelaide – 31st
- Perth – 37th
- Canberra – 38th
Melbourne ranks fourth globally, while Sydney shares fifth place with Munich. Both cities remain firmly in the global top 10 and continue to attract students from around the world thanks to their internationally recognised universities, diverse communities and strong graduate employment opportunities.
What do the rankings measure?
The QS Best Student Cities rankings look beyond university rankings alone. Each city is assessed across six key indicators:
- University rankings
- Student mix and diversity
- Employer activity
- Affordability
- Desirability, including safety and quality of life
- Student views and experiences
This means the rankings consider not only where you'll study, but also what it's like to live, work and build your future in each city.
Is a higher-ranked city always the best choice?
While rankings are a useful starting point, the best city for you depends on your own priorities.
If you're looking for a fast-paced lifestyle with endless entertainment and networking opportunities, Melbourne or Sydney may be the perfect fit. If you're seeking a more affordable lifestyle, smaller class sizes or a different pace of life, cities like Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Canberra each offer excellent universities and rewarding student experiences.
Before choosing where to study, it's worth considering factors such as the cost of living, climate, career opportunities, transport, accommodation, and the lifestyle that suits you best.
With two cities in the global top five and six in the world's top 40, Australia continues to offer international students a wide range of outstanding places to live, learn and launch their careers.
