Despite the Brexit-induced changes in immigration policies, the UK, especially in postgraduate programs, continues to see a rise in international student numbers.
Despite the Brexit-induced changes in immigration policies, the UK, especially in postgraduate programs, continues to see a rise in international student numbers.
In a recent study conducted by MastersDegree.net, London has been recognized as the premier destination for pursuing education globally in 2024. This comprehensive analysis factors in various aspects crucial to a student’s experience, such as popularity among students, quality of life, friendliness, proficiency in English, safety, budget, scholarship opportunities, and employment rates.
Following London, Vienna, Melbourne, and Munich complete the top four, each known for drawing significant numbers of international students.
London, United Kingdom, leading the pack with a score of 31.4, is celebrated for its student-friendly environment, evidenced by its student popularity score of 3.2. The city is not just a hub for learning but also a safe and welcoming place for international students, scoring 56 in friendliness and 1.7 in safety.
London’s high quality of life scored at 164.30, and an impressive employment rate of 75.5 further solidified its top position. Students in London generally budget around €1,700 monthly and have access to fully funded scholarships.
Despite the Brexit-induced changes in immigration policies, the UK, especially in postgraduate programs, continues to see a rise in international student numbers. Notably, University College London has the highest count of international students, followed by the University of Manchester and the University of Edinburgh.
Vienna, with a score of 20.6, stands as the second-best city for students. Renowned as the largest university city in the German-speaking world, Vienna offers a budget-friendly environment at €1,200 per month, along with scholarship opportunities.
The city surpasses London in friendliness with 64 points, although it scores slightly lower in safety at 1.3. The employment rate here is 74.1, and Austria is known for its high English proficiency, a crucial factor for international students.
Claiming the third spot with a score of 13.4, Melbourne is lauded for its balanced approach, combining safety, quality of life, and educational excellence. The city’s average monthly budget is €1,370, and it stands as Australia’s top city for international students, hosting a large number from China, India, Vietnam, Nepal, and Colombia.
The University of Melbourne ranks fourth in Australia for international student numbers, and the state’s economy significantly benefits from this sector.
“Melbourne is Australia’s best city, and it’s fantastic that the official rankings say we’re also number one in the country for international students,” Acting Minister for Trade and Investment Danny Pearson said in a statement this last summer.
Munich, with a score of 10.4, is a popular choice among international students in Germany, particularly noted for its quality of life. The city’s average budget is slightly over €1,400, and nearly half of its international students choose to stay even after completing their studies.
The Technical University of Munich, where 44 percent of students are international, is a key institution in the city.
Ranking fifth with a score of 8.10, Paris is another top choice for students, offering a balance of safety, friendliness, reasonable living costs, and good employment prospects. France, particularly Paris, is recommended by a significant majority of international students as a study and work destination.
The study also highlights other cities that prioritize the student experience, including Montreal, Sydney, Toronto, Zurich, and Amsterdam. While Zurich and Amsterdam rank lower, they lead in quality of life and job opportunities. Here are the scores for the other cities:
Montreal, Canada: 6.5
Sydney, Australia: 5.2.
Toronto, Canada: 4.0.
Zurich, Switzerland: 2.5.
Amsterdam, the Netherlands: 1.9
The study underscores the diverse range of options available to international students. Each city offers unique advantages, whether it be in terms of cultural experience, academic excellence, career opportunities, or quality of life.
This ranking serves as a guide for prospective students to make informed decisions about their educational and professional journeys.
