The best cities for international students in 2025
What to consider beyond rankings
Nicolò Branchi – CMO at wearefreemovers | March 19, 2025
Choosing the right city to study abroad is both an exciting opportunity and a challenging decision. While many students rely on university rankings to guide their choice, these lists only tell part of the story. Academic prestige is important, but it doesn’t guarantee a fulfilling experience beyond the classroom.
A truly great student city offers much more than just top-tier universities. Factors like career opportunities, affordability, student culture, work-study balance, and even transport accessibility play a crucial role in shaping your daily life. The best destinations for international students are those that provide a well-rounded experience—where education, lifestyle, and personal growth go hand in hand.
So, which cities in 2025 stand out for international students looking beyond the rankings? Let’s dive in and explore the places that offer the best mix of academic excellence and quality of life.
Table of contents
1. Career opportunities
Where can you build your future?
For many international students, studying abroad isn’t just about earning a degree—it’s about setting the foundation for a successful career. The best student cities are those that offer strong job markets, close ties between universities and industries, and clear pathways to post-graduate employment. Choosing a city with abundant career opportunities can significantly impact your future prospects, from securing internships to landing a full-time job after graduation.
Here are some of the top cities that stand out in 2025 for their thriving job markets and career-building potential:
London, UK 🇬🇧
A global financial powerhouse and a hub for tech, media, and creative industries. London’s universities maintain strong industry connections, providing students with networking opportunities, internships, and graduate roles in some of the world’s top companies.
Berlin, Germany 🇩🇪
A thriving startup ecosystem that makes it an ideal destination for aspiring entrepreneurs and tech professionals. With numerous incubators, accelerators, and a dynamic job market, Berlin is a magnet for young innovators looking to break into the tech scene.
Singapore 🇸🇬
Often called the gateway to Asia, Singapore boasts a booming economy with strong career prospects in finance, business, and technology. Its strategic location, multinational companies, and business-friendly environment make it a top choice for international students aiming to build a global career.
When evaluating a city’s career potential, ask yourself:
- What industries are thriving there?
- Are there ample internship opportunities for students?
- How easy is it to obtain a post-graduate work visa?
Choosing a city with the right career opportunities can open doors to invaluable experiences, professional growth, and long-term success.
2. Cost of living
Can you afford it?
A dream study destination can quickly become a financial burden if the cost of living is too high. While cities like New York, London, and Sydney offer world-class education, they also come with hefty price tags, making daily expenses a challenge for many students.
Fortunately, there are plenty of vibrant and student-friendly cities where you can enjoy a high quality of life without breaking the bank. Here are some of the best budget-friendly alternatives:
Lisbon, Portugal 🇵🇹
One of Europe’s most affordable capitals, Lisbon offers a warm climate, rich culture, and a relatively low cost of living compared to other major European cities. Rent, food, and public transport are all reasonably priced, making it a fantastic choice for students.
Montréal, Canada 🇨🇦
Home to some of Canada’s top universities, Montréal provides a great student experience at a lower cost than cities like Toronto or Vancouver. With affordable housing, efficient public transport, and a vibrant multicultural scene, it’s a great option for those seeking both quality education and a reasonable budget.
Taipei, Taiwan 🇹🇼
Known for its excellent education system and low tuition fees, Taipei is one of Asia’s best-kept secrets for international students. The cost of living is significantly lower than in Western countries, and students can enjoy cheap yet delicious street food, affordable rent, and reliable public transport.
Before choosing a city, make sure to research:
- Housing costs – How much is rent, and is student accommodation available?
- Transport expenses – Is public transport affordable and well-connected?
- Daily expenses – What’s the cost of groceries, dining out, and entertainment?
Finding a city that fits your budget means you can focus on your studies and enjoy your international experience without constant financial stress.
3. Cultural diversity and student life
Feeling at home away from home
Moving to a new country can be both exciting and overwhelming, but finding yourself in a diverse and welcoming environment can make all the difference. A city that embraces international students, offers a vibrant social scene, and provides plenty of cultural experiences can help you feel at home even when you’re miles away.
Some cities are known for their inclusivity, multicultural atmosphere, and dynamic student life, making them perfect for those looking to build new friendships and immerse themselves in a global community. Here are some of the best cities in 2025 for cultural diversity and student life:
Melbourne, Australia 🇦🇺
Regularly ranked among the top student cities in the world, Melbourne boasts a multicultural society, a thriving arts and music scene, and an inclusive atmosphere where students from all backgrounds can feel welcome. The city’s numerous cafés, festivals, and student-friendly events create the perfect environment for making connections.
Toronto, Canada 🇨🇦
Often considered one of the most diverse cities globally, Toronto is home to people from all corners of the world. This cultural melting pot makes it easy for international students to find communities that share their background while also experiencing new cultures. The city’s world-class universities and strong support networks for students further enhance its appeal.
Barcelona, Spain
With its unique blend of history, beach life, and international student energy, Barcelona is an ideal destination for those looking for both cultural immersion and an exciting social life. The city’s relaxed atmosphere, combined with its bustling nightlife and strong student community, makes it a top choice for those who want to balance studies with a vibrant lifestyle.
Before choosing your study destination, ask yourself:
- Will I feel comfortable and welcomed in this city?
- Are there international student organizations and communities to help me integrate?
- Does the city offer cultural experiences that align with my interests?
Finding a place where you can truly belong can turn your study abroad experience into one of the most enriching periods of your life.
4. Work-study balance
Can you work while studying?
For many international students, working part-time isn’t just a way to earn extra money—it’s also an opportunity to gain valuable work experience and integrate into the local culture. However, not all countries have student-friendly work policies, and visa restrictions can sometimes make it challenging to find employment while studying.
If balancing work and study is important to you, choosing a city with flexible work regulations and strong job opportunities can significantly enhance your experience. Here are some of the best destinations in 2025 for students who want to work while studying:
Germany 🇩🇪
International students can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during holidays, making it easier to support themselves. With affordable tuition fees and a strong economy, Germany is an attractive option for those looking to gain work experience while studying.
Australia 🇦🇺
Known for its student-friendly work policies, Australia allows international students to work part-time while studying, with many opportunities in retail, hospitality, and other industries. The country’s high minimum wage makes part-time work particularly rewarding.
Canada 🇨🇦
One of the most supportive countries for working students, Canada offers work permits that allow students to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during breaks. Plus, the post-graduation work permit (PGWP) provides a great pathway for students who want to stay and work after completing their studies.
Before choosing your study destination, ask yourself:
- Are student visa regulations restrictive when it comes to work?
- Is it easy to find a part-time job as a student?
- Are there post-graduation work opportunities if I want to stay longer?
A city that offers flexibility in work and study can make your time abroad more financially manageable and set you up for future career success.
5. Public transport and accessibility
Can you get around easily?
Getting around efficiently can make or break your student experience. A city with expensive, unreliable, or poorly connected transportation can quickly become frustrating, limiting your ability to explore, work, and enjoy student life. On the other hand, a city with an affordable and well-structured transport system makes daily life smoother, saving time and money.
The best student cities in 2025 offer excellent public transport networks, bike-friendly infrastructure, and student discounts to make commuting easier. Here are some top destinations for accessibility and ease of movement:
Copenhagen, Denmark 🇩🇰
With its world-class bike-friendly infrastructure and efficient metro system, Copenhagen makes it easy (and eco-friendly) to get around. Cycling is a way of life here, making transport costs minimal for students who embrace the biking culture.
Tokyo, Japan 🇯🇵
Home to one of the most efficient and punctual public transport systems in the world, Tokyo’s extensive subway and train networks allow students to navigate the city seamlessly. Despite the city’s size, getting from one place to another is surprisingly fast and reliable.
Vienna, Austria 🇦🇹
Consistently ranked among the cities with the best and most affordable public transport, Vienna offers well-connected trams, buses, and metro services. With generous student discounts, transportation costs are significantly lower than in many other European capitals.
Before choosing your study destination, consider the following:
- Will I need a car, or is public transport enough to get around?
- Are student discounts available for metro, buses, or trains?
- Is the transport system reliable, safe, and well-connected?
Living in a city with an efficient and affordable transport system means you can focus on studying, working, and exploring without the stress of high commuting costs or unreliable connections.
6. Wrap-up!
Choosing the best city for your study abroad experience goes far beyond university rankings. It’s about finding a place that aligns with your lifestyle, budget, career ambitions, and personal preferences—one that will shape your academic journey and enrich your life beyond the classroom.
When researching your next destination, don’t just focus on academic reputation. Consider these key factors:
- Career opportunities – Will the city help you build a strong professional future?
- Affordability – Can you comfortably manage your living expenses
- Student life and cultural diversity – Will you feel welcomed and part of a community?
- Work-study balance – Are there flexible job opportunities for international students?
- Public transport and accessibility – Can you easily and affordably get around?
Studying abroad isn’t just about earning a degree—it’s about stepping into the unknown, embracing new experiences, and discovering who you really are. The right city won’t just educate you; it will challenge you, shape your independence, and introduce you to cultures, ideas, and friendships that will stay with you for life.
It’s the late-night conversations with people from different backgrounds, the thrill of navigating a new city, the moments of struggle that turn into personal growth. It’s about finding a place that doesn’t just match your expectations but exceeds them, pushing you to see the world—and yourself—in a whole new light.
So, when choosing where to study, don’t just think about rankings and academics. Think about the city that will make you feel alive, push your boundaries, and give you stories to tell for years to come. Because in the end, studying abroad is not just about where you go—it’s about who you become.
