One of the hardest and most difficult processes for students to go through is deciding whether to study abroad and selecting the best city. Additionally, it is essential for the growth of students’ careers as well as their personal and professional development. At Global Admissions, one of our objectives is to make the decision-making process as simple as possible so that students can find their best selves in the right city and unlock their true potential.
Why Is Choosing the Right City Important?
Choosing the right city has a significant impact on the quality of your education and professional life. Some cities are well-known for their top-ranked universities and specialized study fields, which could be extremely beneficial to your career. Some cities may have universities ranging from average to highly ranked, but they also often have a thriving economy that serves as a solid foundation for future job opportunities.
There is no doubt that the cost-of-living influences students’ decisions. Students must interact with local culture and live in a diverse, multicultural environment in order to broaden their horizons and acquire the skills needed to survive in a world that is rapidly becoming volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous. Worried? Don’t be! We are going to make it simpler for you by shedding light on the top ten cities that you can choose to study in! Before you start reading the article at length, here is a table to give you some context!
| City | International Students | Cost of Living per month per person | Job Opportunities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing | 80,786 | USD1200 to USD 2000 | 6.5/10 |
| Singapore | 65,400 | USD 1000 to USD 1500 | 8/10 |
| Hong Kong (SAR) | 43,372 | USD 2300 to USD 2800 | 8/10 |
| Kuala Lumpur | 40,000 | USD 1000 to USD 1500 | 7/10 |
| Amsterdam | 12,000 | USD 1200 to USD 2200 | 8/10 |
| Paris | 100,000 | USD 2000 to USD 2600 | 8/10 |
| London | 120,000 | USD 1,300 to USD 1,900 | 8/10 |
| Chicago | USD 1,500 to USD 2800 | 8/10 | |
| Toronto | USD 2900 to USD 3500 | 8/10 | |
| Boston | USD 3,500 to USD 4,100 | 8/10 |
(Note: International student numbers are based on Gov and agency websites, and cost of living and job opportunity scores are estimated based on university websites and job portals)
Let’s Begin With Asia!
With respect to the number of international students, research networks, international faculty, and employer reputation, mainland China and Singapore are the best places for international students to study in 2022, according to the QS Rankings Asia. These characteristics also make the city an ideal multicultural hotspot, with multiple options from high-end to budget living, and job opportunities. Let’s take a look at the top 4 cities in Asia!
READ MORE: 9 Reasons to Study Abroad in Asia!
Beijing
Compared to most prominent cities in the world like London, New York, and Paris, Beijing offers a very competitive and cost-effective living option for international students. Although Beijing is one of the most expensive places to stay in Mainland China, a fully developed city offers a wide range of student dormitories, shared living options, and suite options. Some of the top universities in Beijing are Tsinghua University, Peking University, and the University of Business and Economics (UIBE).
Renting a one-bedroom apartment in Beijing can cost anywhere between $600 to $1000 and upwards. You can find cheaper accommodation farther from your university. Public transportation is efficient and affordable, so transport would not be a problem, but as a student, it is extremely beneficial to stay close to campus. You can read more about this here.
Singapore
Singapore is a modern city known for its clean streets, sophisticated infrastructure, and welcoming and diverse people, making it a popular destination for international students. As a result, living expenses in Singapore are high.
The city, on the other hand, is a melting pot of diverse and international talent. Studying at prestigious universities such as the National University of Singapore, Singapore Management University, and Nanyang Technological University can significantly increase students’ employment opportunities. However, Singaporean companies hire solely on talent, so you should check to see if your set of skills matches the requirements companies are looking for. The Singaporean government has provided students with detailed specifications to determine if they meet employment criteria. More information is available at this link.
Hong Kong (SAR), China
Like Singapore, HK is a multicultural hot spot! Expats from all over the world live here, and the city has been a well-established education hub for decades! Culture and heritage surround the city, and yet this concrete jungle is home to countless multinational corporations, making it an irresistible land of opportunities for international students. Top universities like the Hong Kong University, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, and the City University of Hong Kong, among many others, provide an ideal environment for student’s personal and professional development. For information about more universities, click here.
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is the second most affordable city for international students, according to QS Rankings. International students have the ideal opportunity to pursue higher education and employment in the city thanks to a diverse environment and an ambitious nation in need of foreign talent. Kuala Lumpur is a student’s dream city because it has a high standard of living, a low cost of living, and universities that consistently rank among the top 200 in the world. In order to draw in the best foreign talent, the city’s universities also provide a number of scholarships.
Now Let’s Visit Some European Cities!
READ MORE: 10 Most Affordable Places to Study Abroad in 2023
London
Studying in London can be life-changing. Home to some of the top-ranked universities globally and consistently. Universities like Kings College London, University College London, and Imperial College London are dream study destinations for students. In a free and diverse culture, you can always find your “home away from home,” so do not worry about getting homesick! Top companies like Amazon, Unilever, and the Big Four accounting firms are always on the lookout for top talent after graduation. On the downside, London is by no means cheap, and that is the price students pay for living in a city with endless opportunities.
Paris
A city of dreams! Students learn about Paris through movies and television shows, but is it worthwhile? It most emphatically is! Paris is one of the best cities for students, according to the QS City rankings. The variety of opportunities available in Paris, as in London, justifies the high cost of living. On the plus side, tuition has been steadily decreasing, with international students paying an average of USD 2,100 per year. Hundreds of multinational corporations, including Microsoft, L’Oreal, and Google, are always on the lookout for new and talented graduates!
Amsterdam
You’ll never need a gym membership after your stay in Amsterdam! The city is clean, and green, and cycling is one of the most common and popular modes of transportation. A very happening city with open markets, fairs, and a beautiful cafe culture that will energize you every day! While Amsterdam may not be as influential as Paris and London, it is still home to good universities such as the University of Amsterdam ranked 58th on the QS rankings. The city has a diverse ex-pat group, a flexible and informal working culture, and is always on the lookout for talented graduates.
North America Here We Go!
Boston
Boston, home to universities such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, and Tufts University, needs no introduction! It is ranked 11th in the world for being a top international student study destination! There are other famous universities in Boston too, and the city has been nicknamed “the Athens of America.” Some of the finest minds come together in this city, and international students can leverage this by building the right social networks, working for top American companies, and meeting people from all over the world. Boston is not a cheap city to live in, and the plethora of opportunities comes at a high cost of living.
Toronto
Toronto is a diverse, inclusive, and multicultural city that is home to the 34th-ranked University of Toronto. The city has a high standard of living and the largest transit system in North America, making it easy for international students to find work. Take a look at some of Toronto’s other top universities here.
Chicago
Chicago is a rising economic supercity in the USA! It is home to prestigious universities such as the University of Chicago and Northwestern University, as well as a diverse community of ex-pats and multinational corporations. Cultural activities are booming, and the neighborhoods are full of friendly people, making life significantly easier and more friendly for international students. Like in most American cities, the cost of living is significantly high, but worth the investment as Chicago graduates are highly sought after as the city has the second largest business center in the country.
We understand this is a lot of information to analyze, and having to make a life-changing decision all by yourself can be a very daunting task. This is why the team at Global Admissions wants to help. We have been through the same process and life-defining stages at which you find yourself now, and that is why we will understand you better and guide you every step of the way. Get in touch with us today, and give us the opportunity to help you shape your future!