全球最适合留学的城市有哪些

　　Following the launch of the QS Best Student Cities 2015, here are 15 of the best places to study abroad in 2015. Take your pick from these nerve centers of the world’s academia, culture, nightlife and commerce – all packed with plenty to stimulate your brain cells, social sensors, taste buds, cultural connoisseurship and adventurous impulses. From croissants to crumpets, snow sports to sea views and art galleries to beer festivals, there’s something here for everyone, including a good choice of internationally ranked universities.

　　1. Paris

　　Holding onto the top spot of the QS Best Student Cities index for the third year running, the French capital combines iconic architecture and one of the world’s most-coveted and admired cultural heritages with a highly impressive selection of internationally ranked universities. Its reputation among graduate recruiters rivals even its status among romantics, while low tuition fees go at least some way towards offsetting relatively high living costs.

　　QS Best Student Cities ranking: 1st

　　As the French capital continues to deal with the aftermath of the recent terror attacks, it retains its place at the top of the QS Best Student Cities index – topping the list for the fourth year running.

　　Paris’ strong placing in the ranking is largely due to its high concentration of internationally ranking universities. Home to 18 universities featured in the QS World University Rankings? 2015/16, it lays claim to comfortably more world-leading institutions than any other city on the planet except for London, which has 19.

　　And while Paris 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 – though of course enjoying all the delights of life in this iconic European capital is certainly likely to demand quite a substantial student budget.

　　Elite Parisian universities and specialized schools such as ENS Paris, Ecole Polytechnique ParisTech,Sciences Po Paris, Université Paris-Sorbonne (ParisIV) and HEC Paris have produced some of the most important philosophers, theorists, scientists, politicians, business leaders and mathematicians of the last 100 years, along with seminal movements in literature, film and art. Today, Parisian graduates are targeted by a vast range of employers across the continent, as is reflected in the ‘employer activity’ component of the index.

　　In the end, all the measurements used to create the QS Best Student Cities still don’t capture the real appeal of studying in Paris – one of the world’s most historic, culturally vital and beautiful cities.

　　QS ranked universities

　　Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris (ENS Paris); Ecole Polytechnique ParisTech ; Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC); CentraleSupélec; Université Paris-Sorbonne (ParisIV); Sciences Po Paris; Université Paris I Pantheon-Sorbonne; Université Paris-Sud 11; Université Paris Diderot – Paris 7; Ecole Normale Supérieure de Cachan; école des Ponts ParisTech; Université Paris Dauphine; Université Paris Descartes; Université Panthéon-Assas (Paris 2); Université Paris Ouest Nanterre La Défense; ESCP Europe; ESSEC Business School, Paris; HEC Paris

　　More about Paris

　　2. Melbourne

　　A perfect score for “student mix” propels Australia’s second largest city to the runner-up spot in this year’s QS Best Student Cities, reflecting its large, diverse and inclusive student community. The nation’s “cultural capital”, Melbourne has plenty to offer all lovers of beach life, nightlife, comedy and live music, plus seven internationally ranked universities to choose from.

　　QS Best Student Cities ranking: 2nd

　　The 2016 edition of the QS Best Student Cities index 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.

　　Seven universities in Melbourne are featured in the QS World University Rankings? 2015/16, the highest-ranked of which is the University of Melbourne at 42nd in the world – second only toAustralian National University on the Australian leaderboard.

　　Known as Australia’s cultural capital, Melbourne 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.

　　If you’re a genuine culture sponge, you’ll be pleased to know that Melbourne’s range of museums is world class, and the city’s cultural calendar is full all year round. If you’re into comedy or live music, Melbourne also has much to offer, from world-famous annual comedy festivals to grungy gig venues packed with students looking for a good time. To wind down, the city offers cool rooftop bars, chic cafés and tasty restaurants serving world cuisine.

　　Within the QS Best Student Cities index, Melbourne boasts the highest score in the “student mix” category, which is calculated based on the relative size and diversity of each city’s student population, as well as levels of social inclusion and tolerance. Melbourne also scores very highly for “employer activity” and “desirability”, categories which respectively look at the city’s institutions from the point of view of employers and the overall quality of living to be had in the city.

　　The only factor Australian cities tend to stumble on is affordability, due to relatively high tuition fees and high living costs, and this applies to Melbourne alongside its country-mates. But for high standards of living and incredible natural surroundings, Melbourne is a tough city to beat.

　　QS ranked universities

　　University of Melbourne; Monash University; Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT); Deakin University; La Trobe University; Swinburne University of Technology; Victoria University

　　More about Melbourne

　　3. London

　　It’s impossible to beat the UK capital when it comes to sheer quantity of universities ranked among the world’s best; London has 19 representatives in the QS World University Rankings, including two institutions currently in the global top five. Then there are all the galleries, gigs, restaurants and clubs you could ever want, plus surprisingly expansive green spaces and a hipster culture to rival even New York.

　　QS Best Student Cities ranking: 5th

　　Few cities in the world can rival London's credentials as a nerve-center of global academia. Among its 19 internationally ranked universities, the current leaders are UCL (University College London)and Imperial College London, which rank 7th and 8th respectively in the QS World University Rankings? 2015/16.

　　King’s College London is also within the global top 20, the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is ranked second in the world for social sciences, and a whole host of other prestigious institutions are scattered throughout the metropolis – along with world-leading facilities such as The British Library, which constitutes one of the most extensive and significant collections of books and manuscripts in the world.

　　Yet the UK's capital also offers far more to students. As well as being an academic hub, it’s one of the planet's great centers of culture and creativity, famed for its museums, arts scene, nightlife and diversity.

　　London is also one of the world's most important financial hubs, making it an attractive choice for those with an eye on corporate careers, as well as being among the world’s leading places to find work in media and the arts, and a host of other industries.

　　For many students, both domestic and international, the main sticking point is affordability. For international students, tuition fees at London's top universities approach those charged in the US, while home and EU undergraduate students are feeling the impact of major fee increases implemented in 2012. In addition, rent and living costs are significantly higher in London compared to the rest of the UK.

　　Yet thanks to the concentration of world-class universities and facilities, the professional and social opportunities, and a mind-boggling cultural confluence that mixes the corporate and the alternative, the historical and the cutting-edge, studying in London may well be worth every penny.

　　QS ranked universities

　　UCL (University College London); Imperial College London; King's College London (KCL); London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) ; Queen Mary, University of London (QMUL) ; Royal Holloway University of London; SOAS – School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London; Birkbeck College, University of London; City University London ; Brunel University ; Goldsmiths, University of London ; Kingston University, London ; Middlesex University ; London Metropolitan University ; University of East London; University of Greenwich ; London Business School ; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine; St. George's, University of London

　　More about London

　　4. Sydney

　　An iconic harbor and opera house, beaches among the most beautiful in the world, and – the QS Best Student Cities index reveals – an excellent reputation among graduate employers into the bargain. Australia’s most populous, most multicultural and most recognizable city is home to five internationally ranked universities.

　　QS Best Student Cities ranking: 4th

　　Welcome to Sydney, home of five universities featured within the QS World University Rankings? 2015/16 and one of the best student cities in the world, according to the QS Best Student Cities index.

　　Although beaten by Melbourne as Australia’s leading student city , Sydney holds its position of 4th best city for students. The reasons for this are numerous, but largely due to its high scores in the “student mix”, “desirability” and “employer activity” categories. The only area in which Sydney receives a lower score is affordability, due to Australia’s relatively high international tuition fees and substantial living costs. But it’s easy to see why so many international students find ways to cover the costs; the combination of education and lifestyle Sydney offers certainly makes for a compelling mix.

　　As well as being Australia’s financial and economic hub, Sydney is known for the stunning panorama of its harbor, iconic opera house, large selection of green spaces within the city, and proximity to beaches which are among the most paradisiacal not just in Australia but anywhere in the world. It’s also been ranked one of the 10 most liveable cities on the planet by both Mercer and The Economist.

　　Sydney currently has five universities included in the QS World University Rankings?, led by theUniversity of Sydney at 45th in the world and followed by the University of New South Wales at joint 46th.

　　QS ranked universities

　　University of Sydney; University of New South Wales (UNSW); University of Technology, Sydney (UTS); Macquarie University; Western Sydney University

　　More about Sydney

　　5. Hong Kong

　　One of the world’s most densely populated areas, Hong also boasts one of the planet’s most impressive concentrations of internationally ranked universities, with seven representatives in the QS World University Rankings. This is city life in the fast lane, with a side helping of stunning sea views and a rich mixture of local traditions and international outlook.

　　QS Best Student Cities ranking: 8th

　　One of the world’s leading financial centers and most densely populated pieces of land, Hong Konghas long been regarded as a meeting point for different cultures, with a truly global outlook and atmosphere.

　　Hong Kong owes its high position in the QS Best Student Cities 2016 index to its high density of high-ranking universities, high rating from graduate employers, relatively diverse student community, and a strong overall score in the “desirability” category. It ranks 21st (out of 372) in the Numbeo safety index, and 46th (out of 140) in The Economist’s 2015 Global Liveability Ranking.

　　Hong Kong boasts many of the leading universities in Asia. Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), the University of Hong Kong, and the Chinese University of Hong Kong are all ranked among the world’s top 60, with four more Hong Kong institutions featured in the QS World University Rankings? 2015/16.

　　As well as a density of higher education excellence which only a few cities can beat, Hong Kong also has one of the world’s most internationally diverse student populations, so those who choose to study abroad here will be in good company.

　　In terms of affordability, the picture is a little more complex. Rent is exorbitantly expensive, but general living expenses such as eating out and transport remain low. International tuition fees are somewhere in the mid-range – much lower than studying in the US, for example, but higher than those charged in Western European countries such as France or Germany.

　　If you value peace, quiet and personal space, then life in this packed and fast-paced metropolis might be a little daunting, but for those who really want to experience city life in its most heightened form, Hong Kong is without doubt one of the most dynamic and diverse study destinations around

　　QS ranked universities

　　Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST); University of Hong Kong (HKU); The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK); City University of Hong Kong; The Hong Kong Polytechnic University; Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU); Lingnan University (Hong Kong)

　　More about Hong Kong

　　6. Boston

　　Pursue your own “American dream” in the heart of New England, where Boston combines beauty and brains. In close proximity to two of the most famous universities on the planet (MIT and Harvard), the “Athens of America” is known for its history of intellectual pursuit, while behind its sea-front skyscraper skyline you’ll find pretty tree-lined avenues in which to enjoy the region’s famous Fall colors.

　　QS Best Student Cities ranking: joint 13th

　　Boston is certainly one of the world’s best-known academic hubs, and in the QS Best Student Cities 2016 it retains its position within the global top 15, ranking joint 13th alongside Canadian citiesToronto and Vancouver.

　　Boston’s leading position is bolstered by universities located within the Greater Boston area, in the neighboring town of Cambridge. The most famous of these are the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University, which are both consistently ranked among the very top universities in the world. In the QS World University Rankings? 2015/16, MIT retains its place as the world’s number one university, while Ivy League member Harvard University comes second.

　　While these two institutions have no shortage of attractions of their own, the proximity of Boston certainly doesn’t take away from their appeal. As one of the most historic cities in the US, Boston combines the hustle and bustle of a major metropolis and a happening arts, politics and culture scene, with an abundance of open green space and the stunning fall colors for which Massachusettsand the region of New England are famous. In addition to the academic might of MIT and Harvard, Boston is home to five more internationally ranked universities, forming a hub of intellectual endeavor which has earned it the nickname “the Athens of America”.

　　Thanks in part to the two showstoppers, MIT and Harvard, Boston has a great score in the “university rankings” category of the Best Student Cities index. It’s also one of the highest scorers in the “employer activity” category, reflecting the strong international reputation of its institutions among graduate employers around the world.

　　The city’s weakest score, predictably, is for affordability, with fees at top US universities exceeding US$40,000 per year. But in fact both MIT and Harvard operate need-blind admission policies for all applicants, including international students, and generous financial aid packages mean Boston’s universities may not be as out-of-reach as they at first appear.

　　QS ranked universities

　　Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT); Harvard University; Boston University; Tufts University; Boston College; Northeastern University; Brandeis University; University of Massachusetts - Boston

　　More about Boston

　　7. Tokyo

　　Want to study abroad in a REALLY big city? They don’t come much bigger, busier or buzzier than the Japanese capital, known for taking the phrase “bright lights” to a whole new level of neon. From karaoke to tea ceremonies, Tokyo is packed with opportunities to explore traditional and contemporary Japanese culture – and did I mention it’s home to no less than 10 internationally ranked universities?

　　QS Best Student Cities ranking: 3rd

　　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, one of the world’s most populous urban areas. 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.

　　Such is the mind-blowing scale of the Japanese capital that even with 13 internationally ranked universities, it still has one of the lowest proportionate student populations of any city in the top 75 of the QS Best Student Cities. Tokyo, then, is a city for those who favor total immersion in local culture rather than living in a “student bubble”.

　　The upshot of Tokyo's gargantuan size is that it offers one of the most varied and cosmopolitan living environments on earth. As one of the world's three leading financial epicenters, alongsideNew York and London, it also provides enviable professional and internship opportunities, and scores highly for both domestic and international employer activity.

　　Alongside a high rating from graduate employers, Tokyo scores notably well in the “desirability” category, which considers factors such as safety, quality of living, tolerance, transparency and pollution.

　　QS ranked universities

　　University of Tokyo; Tokyo Institute of Technology; Waseda University; Keio University; Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU); Tokyo Metropolitan University; Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology; Yokohama City University; Yokohama National University; Tokyo University of Science; Ochanomizu University; Aoyama Gakuin University ; Hitotsubashi University

　　More about Tokyo

　　8. Montréal

　　Multi-lingual, multicultural, and a more affordable study destination than most of the other top 10 student cities this year, Montréal is home to the prestigious McGill University, currently ranked 21stin the QS World University Rankings. Annual highlights include the Montréal International Jazz Festival and the world's largest comedy festival, Just for Laughs – just a few spikes in the city’s jam-packed cultural calendar.

　　QS Best Student Cities ranking: 7th

　　Home to several of Canada's highest ranking institutions, including McGill University (currently ranked 24th in the world and 1st in Canada), Montréal has been dubbed Canada’s cultural capital, and one of the world's most livable cities. In the QS Best Student Cities 2016, Montréal retains a strong position among the world’s best cities for students, moving up from 8th to 7th place, behind Singapore.

　　As a French-speaking city in a largely English-speaking nation that has experienced mass immigration from all over the world in the past decades, Montréal has a distinctly hybrid culture. The city boasts a world-renowned indie music scene and is the site of several major international festivals, including the Montréal International Jazz Festival and the world's largest comedy festival, Just for Laughs.

　　With a relatively large and diverse student population, Montréal gets its strongest score in the “student mix” category of the Best Student Cities index. Its weakest point is affordability – but in fact it beats many of the other top 10 student cities on this indicator.

　　QS ranked universities

　　McGill University ; Université de Montréal ; Concordia University

　　More about Montréal

　　9. Toronto

　　A close rival to Montréal in all respects (including the “cultural capital” accolade),Canada’s largest city and leading financial center boasts booming arts, fashion, creative and foodie scenes, and claims the strongest score in the “desirability” category of the QS Best Student Cities index. Like Montréal, it’s home to three internationally ranked universities, with the University of Toronto currently one place above McGill in the world rankings.

　　QS Best Student Cities ranking: joint 13th

　　Canada’s largest city combines all the best the country has to offer – a diverse community, vibrant cultural scene and nightlife, stunning natural surrounds, and of course world-leading universities.

　　Rival Canadian city Montréal retains a slight lead, ranking six places higher than Toronto in the QS Best Student Cities 2016. As well as being closely matched in the higher education space, the two cities are also close competitors for the title of Canada’s “cultural capital”. Toronto boasts booming art, fashion, creative and foodie scenes, and an impressive concentration of creative types. It also gets the highest overall score in the QS Best Student Cities’ “desirability” category, and ranks fourth out of 140 cities in The Economist’s Global Liveability Report.

　　QS ranked universities

　　University of Toronto ; York University ; Ryerson University

　　More about Toronto

　　10. Seoul

　　Having been “up and coming” for some time, Seoul is now a firm fixture among Asia’s most happening destinations. Very much a 24/7 kind of city, the South Korean capital is known for its infectious energy and non-stop activity, its combination of grand palaces and towering skyscrapers, and as the center of the K-pop scene which has redefined the phrase “go viral”. Prospective students may be interested to know it’s also home to 14 internationally ranked universities.

　　QS Best Student Cities ranking: 10th

　　Long since labelled as an up-and-coming Asian city, Seoul is South Korea’s capital and one of its most exciting study destinations. In the QS Best Student Cities 2016, Seoul retains its place among the world’s top 10 cities for students.

　　The city scores well in a number of indicators used to compile the index, most notably in the “employer activity” category, which reflects the strong reputation of universities in Seoul amongst domestic and international employers.

　　The city also scores brilliantly within the “university rankings” category, gaining the highest score in the top 10 outside of Paris and London. This score is explained by the impressive fact that there are 14 universities in Seoul featured within the QS World University Rankings® 2015/16, the highest ranked of which is Seoul National University, at 36th in the world.

　　But it’s not just about superb rankings and reputation. Seoul is a 24/7 city in which life is never dull. Whether it’s the sounds of night-market sellers, the atmosphere of the all-night tea houses or the cries of gamers at a ‘PC bang’ (gaming center), Seoul is as alive at 3am as it is at 5pm. The magic of this city is that boredom is impossible, with culture, history and creativity everywhere you turn.

　　If you need some more restful down-time from your studies, Seoul also offers many opportunities to find your inner Zen, whether at one of many Buddhist temples or in a traditional sauna or spa. Further tranquility can be found less than one hour outside of the city walls, where you can explore South Korea’s mountainous landscape and charming, historic villages.

　　QS ranked universities

　　Seoul National University (SNU) ; Yonsei University ; Korea University ; Sungkyunkwan University ;Hanyang University ; Kyung Hee University ; Ewha Womans University ; Sogang University ;Chung-Ang University ; Hankuk University of Foreign Studies ; The Catholic University of Korea; Inha University ; Dongguk University ; University of Seoul

　　More about Seoul

　　11. Zürich

　　Famed for being prosperous and immaculately kept, Switzerland’s largest city has a lot more vivacity and diversity to it than you might expect – from art galleries to street art, and from a creative cabaret scene to the world’s biggest annual outdoor dance party. Meanwhile Zürich’s natural backdrop – stunning views of the Alps and the lake which shares the city’s name – is hard to beat, as is the global ranking of its leading university, ETH Zurich (currently 12th).

　　QS Best Student Cities ranking: 12th

　　Renowned for its prosperity, orderliness and low taxes, Zurich may sound more like a place for millionaires than international students, but look a little closer and you’ll see it certainly deserves its place among the world’s top student cities.

　　Currently ranked 9th in the world, ETH Zurich is the highest-ranked university in continental Europe – and the highest rankings entry from outside the US or UK. The University of Zurich is also ranked within the top 100 in the QS World University Rankings® 2015/16, at joint 85th.

　　An international hub, Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and among the wealthiest in Europe – which brings both pros and cons for international students. On the one hand, its affluence means Zurich is clean, safe and immaculately maintained, frequently ranking among the world’s most livable cities. But on the other, living expenses can be eye-wateringly high.

　　That said, while rent and socializing may cost a packet, international tuition fees in Switzerland are relatively low, so the overall costs of studying in Zurich are likely to be considerably lower compared to cities in the UK, US or Australia, for example.

　　And it’s certainly tough to beat Zurich when it comes to scenery; situated on the banks of picturesque Lake Zurich and with the stunning Swiss Alps within day-trip reach, this city would suit those who want to combine the attractions of city life with close proximity to some of Europe’s most beautiful natural landscapes.

　　QS ranked universities

　　ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) ; University of Zurich (UZH)

　　More about Zurich

　　12. Vancouver

　　Combining coast, mountains and city life, Canada’s third representative in the QS Best Student Cities index pretty much has it all – including a university in the global top 50. The University of British Colombia (UBC)’s campus is impressively green and coastal, while Simon Fraser University is based in the middle of the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, about 20km outside the city. Both are likely to appeal to snow sports lovers, thanks to the proximity of the famous Whistler Blackcomb resort.

　　QS Best Student Cities ranking: joint 13th

　　Although sometimes overshadowed by fellow Canadian cities Montréal and Toronto, Vancouver is not to be overlooked. In the QS Best Student Cities 2016, Vancouver retains its position among the top 15 best student cities in the world, at joint 13th with Toronto and Boston.

　　Two universities in Vancouver feature in the QS World University Rankings® 2015/16, the highest-ranked of which is the University of British Columbia at 50th in the world. Vancouver’s other ranked institution, Simon Fraser University, offers a particularly unique study setting, thanks to the location of its main campus in the middle of the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, just outside the city.

　　Whether you’re based in the city center or not, Vancouver has much to offer. The nearby Grouse, Seymour and Cypress mountains provide more than just a beautiful backdrop to the city – they’re also an incredibly popular destination for snowsports, offering some of the world’s best ski resorts.

　　Even in the center of Vancouver the great outdoors is never far away – beaches, forest and stunning mountains are all within easy reach. For those who prefer cultural pursuits, Vancouver also offers an array of brilliant nightlife, theatres and music – everything you’d expect from one of Canada’s most loved cities.

　　QS ranked universities

　　University of British Columbia ; Simon Fraser University

　　More about Vancouver

　　13. San Francisco

　　Within striking distance of Silicon Valley, San Francisco blends a culture of cutting-edge innovation with a heritage of laid-back beach life and bohemianism. The home of “hippie” counterculture and liberal activism is also one of the world’s leading financial centers, most-visited and most-filmed cities, and most desirable places for ambitious young graduates to live. Stanford University (ranked 7th in the world) and the University of California, Berkeley (27th) are both within the Bay Area.

　　QS Best Student Cities ranking: joint 27th withAmsterdam and Copenhagen

　　Lying adjacent to California's famed tech innovation hub Silicon Valley, San Francisco is within striking distance of two of the world's most prestigious universities, Stanford University and theUniversity of California, Berkeley, currently ranked joint 3rd and 26th in the world respectively.

　　Made famous in the 1960s as the home of “flower power”, San Francisco remains one of the US's most iconic and frequently visited cities. With its famously laid-back coastal lifestyle and sunny climate, it’s known for its high quality of life, without the expensive living costs associated with cities like New York (though of course university fees are still as high as you’d expect from top US universities).

　　Today, the city’s bohemian heritage and relaxed beach style blend with more cutting-edge and competitive dynamics. One of the world's leading 10 financial centers, the San Francisco Bay Area is home to hundreds of innovative companies, particularly in the technology sector, including the likes of Apple, Facebook and IBM, adding to its attraction for ambitious students and graduates.

　　This, combined with the high caliber of its institutions, gives San Francisco one of the strongest scores in the “employer activity” category of the QS Best Student Cities index – based on surveys of local and international employers, who are asked to identify the cities they perceive as producing the most talented and employable graduates. The city’s highest score in the QS Best Student Cities index is in the “student mix” category, reflecting its large and international student community.

　　QS ranked universities

　　Stanford University; University of California, Berkeley (UCB); University of San Francisco;University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)

　　More about San Francisco

　　14. Munich

　　Home of the renowned Oktoberfest, Germany’s third-largest city boasts the highest “affordability” score in the top 15 – largely thanks to the absence of tuition fees at German universities. With two internationally ranked universities (one just outside the global top 50), Munich offers opportunities to explore traditional Bavarian culture, alongside life in a highly developed, high-tech and high-brow metropolis.

　　QS Best Student Cities ranking: 11th

　　Germany’s second-highest entry in the QS Best Student Cities 2016 (two places behind Berlin), Munich is currently ranked the world’s joint 11th best city for students, tied with Zurich.

　　Located deep in Germany's southernmost region, Bavaria, Munich is the nation's third largest city, and its affluence and vibrancy have made it a particularly desirable place to live. For many people outside of Germany, Munich is known first and foremost as the beer capital of the world – home to Oktoberfest, one of the world's biggest and booziest parties, which every year draws tourists in their hoards to road-test the local brew.

　　Of course this is not the reason for Munich’s high score in the QS Best Student Cities index, but it does score among the highest in the world in the “desirability” category, which draws on various sources designed to assess quality of life.

　　Most notably however, Munich has the second highest score for “affordability” out of all of the top 20 cities, close behind fellow German city Berlin. This is due to the fact that no tuition fees are charged for undergraduate students at public universities in Germany, regardless of nationality. Although living costs tend to be slightly higher in Munich than Berlin, the incentive of free tuition combined with the distinctive Bavarian culture still makes Munich one of the most appealing study destinations in Western Europe.

　　As for universities in Munich, the city’s highest entrant in the QS World University Rankings® 2015/16 is Technische Universität München at 60th, followed by Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München in 75th – Germany’s first and third representatives in the global rankings this year.

　　QS ranked universities

　　Technische Universität München; Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

　　More about Munich

　　15. Singapore

　　This densely populated and prosperous “Asian Tiger” is a high achiever in all areas – including higher education. Its two leading universities are now both within the global top 40; the National University of Singapore is 22nd, and the young but fast-climbing Nanyang Technological University 39th. Singapore is clean-cut, corporate and competitive, yes, but also multicultural, colorful and full of surprises.

　　QS Best Student Cities ranking: 6th

　　Small but densely populated, Singapore's reputation as a center of educational excellence has flourished in recent years. Following the progress made by its top universities in the QS World University Rankings® – the National University of Singapore (NUS) now ranks 12th in the world, andNanyang Technological University (NTU) 13th – the city itself has gained nine places in this year’s QS Best Student Cities index.

　　Alongside growing prominence in the global higher education sector, Singapore remains renowned for its prosperity and low levels of crime and unemployment. In keeping with the city’s strong corporate reputation, Singaporean graduates are much sought-after by international employers, especially throughout Asia.

　　The downside to Singapore's high standard of living is correspondingly high prices. Singapore is ranked the 4th most expensive out of 214 cities in Mercer’s 2015 Cost of Living Survey, and tuition fees have also increased recently, particularly for international students.

　　On the plus side, one thing you certainly won't need to shell out for in Singapore is central heating; its position next to the equator means it is equally scorching all year round. And if you fancy exchanging the concrete jungle for the real thing, Singapore is surrounded by tropical scenery, both throughout adjacent Malaysia, and in nearby exotic destinations such as Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam and the Philippines.

　　QS ranked universities

　　National University of Singapore (NUS) ; Nanyang Technological University (NTU) ; Singapore Management University

　　More about Singapore