FILE

Manila has earned a place in the QS Best Student Cities 2026 rankings, securing the 88th spot with an overall score of 63.9. While not among the highest-ranked globally, this marks a meaningful inclusion for the Philippine capital as it joins a competitive list of 150 cities recognized for offering strong academic and student-centered environments.

To be eligible for the ranking, a city must have a population of over 250,000 and at least two universities featured in the most recent QS World University Rankings. Manila meets both requirements, and its entry reflects growing regional attention to education in Southeast Asia.

The QS Best Student Cities ranking evaluates cities based on six key indicators: University Rankings, Student Mix, Desirability, Employer Activity, Affordability, and Student Voice. Manila scored highest in affordability, with a strong 85.3, suggesting that it remains one of the more budget-friendly options for students. Employer activity was also a relative strength at 68.4, indicating a solid job market for graduates. However, the city saw lower marks in student mix and desirability, scoring 31.2 and 37.2 respectively, which could reflect challenges related to diversity and perceived livability.

Other Asian cities have made notable progress in this year’s rankings. Kuala Lumpur broke into the top 15 for the first time, landing at 12th. Beijing and Taipei also achieved their highest rankings yet, at 13th and 14th respectively. Hong Kong returned to the top 20, coming in at 17th.

Globally, Seoul has taken the top spot, followed closely by Tokyo, London, Munich, and Melbourne. Sydney, Berlin, Paris, Zurich, and Vienna round out the top ten, with Berlin and Paris tying for seventh place.

While Manila’s ranking may not place it among the global elite, its presence in the 2026 list reflects its continued growth as a student destination. Improvements in areas like livability and international student engagement could help it climb higher in future editions.