Ready to pursue your master’s abroad? Discover which cities offer the best value in 2026. From London’s prestige to Seoul’s innovation, explore costs, visa options, and employment prospects in the world’s top student destinations.
Choosing where to pursue your master’s degree is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as an international student. The right city doesn’t just offer academic excellence, it shapes your entire student experience through cultural opportunities, affordability, networking prospects, and quality of life.
This year we are witnessing a global shift in international student mobility. The results of the QS Best Student Cities ranking reflects this phenomena with London losing the top spot for the first time in 6 years.
Currently, international students are prioritizing cost of living, post-study work opportunities, university rankings, student support, and cultural diversity when selecting their study destination.
We have based this list on the latest rankings and comprehensive data on student satisfaction, employment prospects, and living expenses.
Here are the top five cities to study a master’s degree in 2026:
South Korea has become a rising powerhouse in global higher education, with well over 50 universities featured in major world rankings and increasing influence especially in research, technology, and international student mobility.. And Seoul, its capital, has emerged as a top destination for master’s students.
Top institutions include Seoul National University, KAIST, and Yonsei University.
Seoul is best for: Students interested in technology, business, and Asian market opportunities.
Tokyo in Japan is second in the global rankings and is the top city for Employer Activity and Desirability metrics.
Leading institutions include The University of Tokyo, Waseda Business School, and Keio University.
Tokyo is best for: Tech-focused students and those wanting deep cultural experiences with excellent career prospects.
After 6 years in the top spot, London now holds the third position in the world. Maintaining a high standard for quality post-graduate education is largely due to its prestigious universities, dynamic student life, and high student satisfaction.
London in the United Kingdom is home to world-renowned institutions like Imperial College London, London Business School, and UCL.
London is best for: Students seeking maximum career opportunities and prestige in a truly global city.
Munich in Germany climbs to fourth in the 2026 rankings, establishing itself as Europe‘s premier student city outside the UK. Home to the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and Ludwig Maximilian University.
Munich is best for: Students seeking European education excellence with minimal tuition costs.
Melbourne drops to fifth but remains Australia’s top student city. The University of Melbourne, Monash Business School, and RMIT offer world-class programs with excellent post-study opportunities.
Melbourne is best for: Students wanting a multicultural experience with excellent post-graduation opportunities.
Berlin blends affordability with innovation, making it one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for students in creative industries and technology.
With its world-renowned universities and cultural prestige, Paris offers master’s students access to both academic excellence and a global professional network.
Known for its high quality of life and strong finance and tech sectors, Zurich is ideal for students seeking career-oriented programs in a stable environment.
Amsterdam combines progressive education, English-taught master’s programs, and a vibrant cultural scene, making it a favorite among international students.
Home to historic universities and a thriving research culture, Edinburgh offers a uniquely rich academic atmosphere alongside Scottish charm.
Vienna’s blend of affordable living options, cultural heritage, and top-ranked universities make it an appealing and well-rounded study destination.
Montreal remains a top choice for international master’s students thanks to its affordability, bilingual environment, and globally ranked institutions.
Boston is a hub for high quality education and research, home to some of the world’s leading universities and a vibrant student-centered community.
New York offers unmatched networking opportunities, diverse cultural experiences, and access to top-tier graduate programs across multiple fields.
At #11 in the best cities ranking, Singapore is a global education powerhouse, combining world-class universities with strong links to business and innovation in Asia.
Shanghai offers an exciting mix of academic excellence, cultural dynamism, and growing opportunities in global trade and technology sectors.
Kuala Lumpur is one of the most affordable student cities in Asia, offering internationally recognized universities, a diverse cultural environment, and excellent connectivity across Southeast Asia.
When selecting your study destination for a master’s, it helps to consider factors beyond rankings. Evaluate your priorities based on the following criterion, your career goals and desired lifestyle.
Academic Excellence: All top-ranked cities offer world-class universities, but some specialize in specific fields (Tokyo for tech, Munich for engineering, Melbourne for research).
Career Opportunities: Tokyo is the top city for Employer Activity, while London offers a wide variety of post graduate career prospects across industries.
Cost vs. Value: Seoul and Munich offer exceptional education at lower costs, while London and Melbourne command premium prices but offer unmatched opportunities.
Cultural Fit: Consider language requirements, cultural differences, and lifestyle preferences when making your choice.
Post-Study Options: Australia and Canada offer generous work visas, while Germany and Japan have growing opportunities for skilled graduates.
The current global education landscape offers unprecedented opportunities for international students. Whether it’s Seoul’s academic excellence, Tokyo’s innovation, London’s prestige, Munich’s affordability, or Melbourne’s lifestyle that attracts you, each of these exceptional cities provides a pathway to academic and career success.
Ultimately, the key is aligning your program choice with your career goals, budget, and personal preferences. Wherever you go, studying abroad in 2026 is more than earning a degree, it’s about building your global future.
Looking for more information about great places to study for a master’s in 2026? Take a deeper look at our study destinations pages.
