Manila has clinched the 88th spot in the prestigious 2026 QS Best Student Cities Ranking, a milestone that places the Philippine capital on the global stage for higher education.
Published by international education consultancy Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), the annual ranking evaluates 150 cities worldwide based on academic reputation, student diversity, affordability, employability, and overall student experience. This year, Manila earned an overall score of 63.9, bolstered by high marks in affordability (85.3) and employer activity (68.4) — two key factors for students weighing the costs and career prospects of studying in a major city.
Although it ranked lower in student mix (31.2) and desirability (37.2), Manila still showed promise in student perception, scoring 57 in the student voice category — an indicator of how students view the city’s overall academic environment and livability.
To qualify for the index, a city must have at least 250,000 residents and a minimum of two universities included in the latest QS World University Rankings. In Manila’s case, esteemed institutions like the University of the Philippines (UP) and Ateneo de Manila University help anchor its reputation.
The ranking comes at a time when Asian cities are steadily rising in global prominence. Seoul was named the world’s best student city for the first time, overtaking London, which held the top position for six straight years. QS Senior Vice President Ben Sowter noted, “Asia’s continued ascent signals a broader shift in the global education landscape, as emerging hubs challenge long-standing Western dominance.”
Several other Asian cities followed suit with record placements: Kuala Lumpur reached 12th, Beijing 13th, Taipei 14th, and Hong Kong reentered the top 20 at 17th. The growing appeal of Asian academic hubs reflects a shift in global student priorities, often favoring affordability, safety, and cultural vibrancy over traditional Western destinations now struggling with high costs and declining desirability.
