Pursuing your MBA provides a unique opportunity to handpick where you study – whether local or abroad. With so many great cities to choose from – whether it’s in London next to Big Ben or somewhere in the U.S. – it can be difficult to decide where to pursue your MBA.
Published annually, the QS Best Student Cities index showcases the best urban destinations for international students, based on a diverse range of indicators grouped into five key categories: university rankings, affordability, student mix, desirability, and employer activity.
We’ve listed the top 10 student cities to help you make your choice. Find out where you’ll fit in by registering for the QS World MBA Tour, which kicks off in Vancouver on January 28.
1. Paris
France retains its place at the top of the QS Best Student Cities index – topping the list for the fourth year running due to its high concentration of internationally ranking universities.
2. Melbourne
The 2016 edition sees Melbourne hold onto second place, thanks to its good selection of universities, and strong scores in the “student mix”, “employer activity” and “desirability” categories.
3. Tokyo
For those who want to study amidst the hustle and bustle of the big city, they don’t come much bigger and busier than Tokyo. Climbing four places in the 2016 edition of the QS Best Student Cities index, Tokyo is now Asia’s leading entry, with Hong Kong following in 8th place.
4. Sydney
Although beaten by Melbourne as Australia’s leading student city , Sydney holds its position of 4th best city for students largely due to its high scores in the “student mix”, “desirability” and “employer activity” categories.
5. London
Few cities in the world can rival London’s credentials as a nerve-center of global academia with 19 internationally ranked universities.
6. Singapore
Small but densely populated, Singapore’s reputation as a centre of educational excellence has flourished in recent years.
7. Montreal
Home to several of Canada’s highest ranking institutions, including McGill University (currently ranked 24th in the world and 1st in Canada), Montreal has been dubbed Canada’s cultural capital, and one of the world’s most livable cities.
8. Hong Kong
One of the world’s leading financial centers and most densely populated pieces of land, Hong Kong has long been regarded as a meeting point for different cultures, with a truly global outlook.
9. Berlin
Germany’s capital city can stake a credible claim to being one of the coolest cities in the world. During recent years, its cultural scene has flourished, turning it into a major center of design, fashion, music and art.
10. Seoul
An up-and-coming Asian city, Seoul is South Korea’s capital and one of its most exciting study destinations. Seoul retains its place among the world’s top 10 cities for students.
If you’re wondering where Vancouver lands on this year’s list, our city is tied for 13th with Toronto and Boston. See the full list and to see if your city of choice made the cut.
The QS World MBA Tour kicks off in Vancouver on January 28 and will give you a chance to meet reps from top local and international business schools. Start your MBA journey, meet face-to-face with admissions officers and be eligible to apply for $1.7 million of exclusive MBA scholarships.
Explore your endless options and find out where you’ll fit in by registering for the tour today.