Manila ranked 88th in the 2026 QS Best Student Cities Ranking conducted by international education analyst Quacquarelli Symonds (QS).

Now in its 11th edition, the QS Best Student Cities Ranking is produced annually by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), a global authority on higher education insights. The index is widely consulted by students, educators, and policymakers worldwide as a trusted guide to the world’s top study destinations.

QS annual index evaluates cities worldwide based on factors that matter most to students: academic reputation, student diversity, affordability, and employability.

With an overall score of 63.9, Manila stood out for its affordability (85.3) and employer activity (68.4) — two crucial metrics for local and international students alike.

Manila also scored a respectable 57 in student view, reflecting generally positive perceptions of the student experience in the metro.

Though it placed lower in categories like student mix (31.2) and desirability (37.2) — which reflect internationalization and quality of life — Manila’s inclusion highlights the country’s growing relevance in the global higher education landscape.

To qualify for the rankings, cities must have over 250,000 residents and at least two universities featured in the latest QS World University Rankings.

In Manila’s case, top-performing universities such as the University of the Philippines (UP) and Ateneo de Manila University help anchor its presence in the index.

Manila’s inclusion coincides with a broader trend across Asia: the continent is on the rise in international higher education. For the first time, Seoul has been crowned the world’s best student city, dethroning London after six consecutive years. South Korea’s capital was praised for academic excellence, safety, and cultural vibrancy — a model that many Asian cities, including Manila, may look to emulate.

“Asia’s continued ascent signals a broader shift in the global education landscape, as emerging hubs challenge long-standing Western dominance,” said Ben Sowter, QS Senior Vice President.

Other Asian cities also climbed the ranks:

• Kuala Lumpur (12th) broke into the top 15 for the first time.
• Beijing (13th) and Taipei (14th) achieved record-high placements.
• Hong Kong (17th) re-entered the top 20.

The 2026 edition of the QS Best Student Cities Ranking evaluated 150 cities across 58 countries and territories, using six indicators:

• University Rankings
• Student Mix
• Desirability
• Employer Activity
• Affordability
• Student Voice

Meanwhile, the Top 10 cities are:

• Seoul
• Tokyo
• London
• Munich
• Melbourne
• Sydney
• Berlin and Paris (tie)
• Zurich
• Vienna

In contrast to Asia’s momentum, many Western cities saw stagnation or decline, particularly due to high living costs. London, despite strong performance in employer activity and student mix, dropped to third place due to affordability issues. US cities also struggled with metrics on desirability and diversity, while Canadian cities dropped slightly in rank.