They say that a year spent studying abroad isn’t a year in the life, but a life in a year. Talk to anyone who has spent time learning in a new country, and I’m sure they’ll agree.
Paris has topped an international league table of the best places in the world to be a student in 2016.
As the French capital continues to deal with the aftermath of the recent terror attacks, it retains its place at the top of the list for the fourth year running.
Compiled by QS World University Rankings, the list is based on factors including affordability, desirability, academic standards and job prospects.
Paris scores well for its low student fees, first-rate universities, good quality of life and strong jobs market.
Dublin is the only Irish city featured, ranking at number 37 on the list of the best places to be a student.
Six European cities (Warsaw, Berlin, Munich, Vienna, Valenica, Toulouse) are among the top ten most affordable cities for students, with Kuala Lumpur topping that list.
Here’s a quick look at each of the highest ranking cities overall.
10. Seoul
Noted for: Boosting students’ employment prospects.
In a nutshell: Bursting with culture, history and creativity at every turn, Seoul is just alive at 3am as it is at 5pm. In other words, it’s perfect for whatever hours students choose to keep.
Population: 25,620,000
9. Berlin
Noted for: Living on a budget – it’s the most affordable city in the world’s top ten.
In a nutshell: Recognised as a major centre of music, art, fashion and design, Berlin is one of the coolest cities in the world. Where better to spend time as a student?
Population: 5,870,000
8. Hong Kong
Noted for: Getting a truly global outlook on the world in a major financial hub.
In a nutshell: If you like your peace and quiet, it’s probably not the place for you, but if you’re looking to experience life in a fast-paced metrolpolis, it doesn’t get much better than Hong Kong. Rent is exorbitantly expensive, but general living expenses such as eating out and transport remain low.
Population: 7,240,000
7. Montreal
Noted for: It’s the cultural capital of Canada, and one of the world’s most liveable cities.
In a nutshell: Students who go to Montreal get to experience life in a French-speaking city in a largely English-speaking nation. Montreal’s McGill University is one of the best in the world, the music scene is world-class, and it’s home to some of the best international festivals in the world.
Population: 3,820,000
6. Singapore
Noted for: Its proximity to backpacking hotspots like Cambodia, Vietnam and Indonesia make it a great choice for students with a touch of wanderlust. The tropical climate isn’t bad either.
In a nutshell: Singapore is renowned for its prosperity and low levels of crime and unemployment. Graduates are much sought-after by international employers, especially throughout Asia.
Population: 5,540,000
5. London
Noted for: It’s one of the world’s great centres of culture, creativity and, of course, academia. London is also one of the best places in the world to find work in media and the arts.
In a nutshell: Although it’s top of the pile when it comes to the best universities, London is the least affordable city in the world for students. With rents continuing to soar, expect it to tumble further down the top ten next year.
Population: 13,880,000
4. Sydney
Noted for: Excellent quality of life and sunshine.
In a nutshell: Australia’s biggest city doesn’t score too high when it comes to affordability or indeed academia, but the high standard of living and sunny weather make it one of the best in the world for student life.
Population: 4,840,000
3. Tokyo
Noted for: Great quality of life and graduate job prospects.
In a nutshell: Tokyo offers students one of the most varied and cosmopolitan living environments. As one of the world’s leading financial hubs, the Japanese capital provides enviable professional and internship opportunities, and scores highly for both domestic and international employer activity.
Population: 38,640,000
2. Melbourne
Noted for: Excellent job prospects, diverse mix of students and good quality of life.
In a nutshell: Melbourne is the best place to study Down Under. Known as Australia’s cultural capital, it regularly tops lists of the world’s most liveable cities, and is full of all the attractions that make the Australian lifestyle so appealing – including beautiful beaches, nightlife and a fair proportion of sunny days.
Population: 4,442,919
1. Paris
Noted for: A strong labour market, good quality of life and 18 world-class universities.
In a nutshell: Paris is one of the most historic, culturally vital and beautiful cities in the world. And while it does have a reputation for being an expensive place to live, relatively low tuition fees mean that for students, it actually represents a more affordable destination when compared to many other popular student cities.
Population: 12,292,895
To view the complete QS table, click here.
