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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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 21st in 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.
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.
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.
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