The QS Best Student Cities 2027 rankings feature four Indian cities among the world’s top student destinations. The rankings evaluate cities on factors such as university quality, affordability, employer activity, student mix, desirability and student experience.

Mumbai (Rank 91) – India’s Highest-Ranked Student City
Mumbai is India’s best-performing city in the QS Best Student Cities 2027 rankings, improving from 98th to 91st globally. It is home to leading institutions such as IIT Bombay and the University of Mumbai, while its status as India’s financial capital offers students excellent internship and job opportunities. The city also scores well for employer activity, making it attractive for graduates seeking careers across industries.

Delhi (Rank 99) – World’s Most Affordable Student City
Delhi climbed from 104th to 99th in the latest rankings and earned the distinction of being the world’s most affordable student city. With institutions like IIT Delhi, Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University, the capital offers a wide range of academic options at relatively lower living and education costs. However, QS notes that Delhi still needs to improve its appeal to international students.

Bengaluru (Joint Rank 114) – India’s Technology Hub
Known as India’s Silicon Valley, Bengaluru remains a preferred destination for engineering, technology and management students. The city is home to prestigious institutions including IISc Bengaluru and several top engineering colleges. Its thriving startup ecosystem and strong employer demand continue to make it a popular choice despite slipping a few places in this year’s rankings.

Chennai (Rank 123) – A Strong Engineering And Research Destination
Chennai moved up five places to 123rd in the rankings. The city is known for institutions such as IIT Madras and Anna University, along with a strong presence in engineering, manufacturing and research. It also benefits from relatively affordable living costs compared to many global student cities.