How Canada’s Top Cities Ranked in the QS Best Student Cities 2026

The 2026 QS Best Student Cities Ranking has been released, offering insights into the world’s top destinations for international students. Four Canadian cities—Montréal, Toronto, Vancouver, and Ottawa—have secured spots in the top 100, showcasing their appeal to global learners.

Montréal leads Canada at 18th place, though it dropped from 10th in 2025. The city excels in student view (94.4) and student mix (91.5), but struggles with affordability (30.5). Home to McGill University, ranked 27th globally, Montréal remains a top choice despite high living costs.

Toronto ranks 22nd, attracting diverse students and offering strong job markets. Like Montréal, affordability is a challenge, affecting its global standing. Toronto’s vibrant economy and cultural diversity continue to draw international students.

Vancouver ties for 29th, praised for its lifestyle and diversity. Despite high costs, the city’s natural beauty and reputable institutions keep it attractive. Vancouver’s student mix score (84.5) reflects its inclusive environment.

Ottawa, tied for 80th, provides a solid student experience with a high desirability score (73.2). While it ranks lower than other Canadian cities, its quality of life and safety make it a viable option for students.

Affordability is a common issue across all Canadian cities, impacting their overall rankings. Despite strengths in diversity and student satisfaction, high costs deter some international students.

Globally, Seoul tops the list, overtaking London which held the top spot for six years. Tokyo follows at second, with London third. Asian cities dominate the top 20, driven by improved affordability and diversity.

These rankings highlight Canada’s strengths in student experience and diversity, while underscoring the need for affordable solutions to maintain its global appeal.

Source: immigration.ca

Canadian Cities’ Performance Across Key Factors

Montréal: A Closer Look at the Numbers

Montréal’s ranking is supported by strong scores across multiple categories. The city achieved a remarkable student view score of 94.4, reflecting high satisfaction among international students. Its student mix score of 91.5 highlights the diversity of its student population. Employer activity is another strong point, with a score of 80, indicating good job opportunities for graduates. However, Montréal struggles with affordability, scoring just 30.5, which significantly impacts its overall ranking.

Toronto: Diversity and Opportunities

Toronto, ranked 22nd globally, also excels in student mix with a score of 86.2, showcasing its diverse student body. The city’s employer activity score of 78.8 underscores its robust job market, appealing to students seeking employment post-graduation. However, like Montréal, Toronto faces challenges with affordability, scoring 35.1, which is slightly better than Montréal but still a concern for many students.

Vancouver: Lifestyle and Diversity

Vancouver, tied for 29th, boasts a student mix score of 84.5, reflecting its inclusive environment. The city’s student view score of 86.3 indicates a positive overall experience for international students. However, affordability remains a significant issue, with a score of 33.2, impacting its overall ranking despite its natural beauty and reputable institutions.

Ottawa: Quality of Life and Safety

Ottawa, tied for 80th, offers a high desirability score of 73.2, driven by its quality of life and safety. The city’s student view score of 78.5 reflects a positive student experience, while its student mix score of 74.1 indicates a diverse, though smaller, student population. Affordability is a challenge here as well, with a score of 45.6, though slightly better than the other Canadian cities.

Global Context and Rising Asian Influence

Seoul’s Rise to the Top

Seoul’s ascent to the top spot is attributed to its perfect score, driven by improved affordability, strong academic institutions, and high desirability. The city’s employer activity score of 98.6 and student view score of 96.4 demonstrate its appeal to both students and employers. Seoul’s success marks a shift in the global rankings, overtaking London, which had held the top spot for six consecutive years.

Asian Cities Dominate the Top 20

Asian cities now occupy half of the top 20 positions, with Tokyo securing second place and Hong Kong rising to fourth. These cities have seen improvements in affordability and student mix, making them increasingly attractive to international students. This trend reflects the growing competitiveness of Asian education hubs in the global market.

London’s Decline

London, which held the top spot for six years, dropped to third due to declining affordability. Despite its strong employer activity score of 95.5 and world-class universities, the high cost of living in London has made it less appealing to some students. This shift underscores the impact of affordability on a city’s ranking.

Methodology Behind the Rankings

Understanding the Evaluation Criteria

The QS Best Student Cities Ranking evaluates cities based on six key factors:

• Affordability: Assesses the cost of living and studying, including tuition fees and living expenses.
• Desirability: Considers quality of life indicators such as safety, pollution levels, and overall attractiveness to students.
• Employer Activity: Measures the job market and opportunities for graduates, reflecting the city’s economic strength.
• Student Mix: Evaluates the diversity and proportion of students in the city’s population, highlighting inclusivity.
• Student View: Captures feedback from international students about their overall experience in the city.
• University Rankings: Considers the performance of local universities in the QS World University Rankings.

Conclusion: Canada’s Appeal and Challenges

While Canadian cities excel in student satisfaction and diversity, affordability remains a critical challenge. Montréal, Toronto, Vancouver, and Ottawa continue to attract international students with their diverse populations, strong job markets, and high-quality education. However, the high cost of living and studying may deter some students from choosing these cities.

Globally, the rise of Asian cities like Seoul and Tokyo signals a competitive shift in the landscape of higher education. These cities are not only improving in affordability but also enhancing their academic and cultural offerings, making them formidable competitors on the world stage.

For Canada to maintain its appeal, addressing affordability through scholarships, affordable housing, and financial support will be crucial. By doing so, Canadian cities can continue to be attractive destinations for international students seeking quality education and diverse experiences.

Conclusion: Canada’s Appeal and Challenges

Canadian cities have showcased their strength in the 2026 QS Best Student Cities Ranking, with Montréal, Toronto, Vancouver, and Ottawa securing spots in the top 100. These cities excel in diversity, student satisfaction, and job opportunities, making them attractive to international students. However, affordability remains a significant challenge, impacting their global standings.

Globally, the rise of Asian cities like Seoul and Tokyo highlights a competitive shift in higher education. These cities are enhancing their academic offerings and affordability, making them formidable competitors. For Canada to maintain its appeal, addressing affordability through scholarships and affordable housing will be crucial. By doing so, Canadian cities can continue to attract international students seeking quality education and diverse experiences.

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