Kuala Lumpur has achieved its highest-ever ranking, securing the 12th spot in the 2026 QS Best Student Cities Rankings, released on July 15, 2025.
This marks the first time the Malaysian capital has broken into the global top 20 since the index began in 2014, reflecting its growing appeal as a premier study destination.
With an overall score of 90.3, Kuala Lumpur ranks as the second-highest Southeast Asian city, trailing only Singapore, which placed 11th. In Asia, KL outperformed major hubs like Beijing (13th), Taipei (14th), and Hong Kong (17th), securing fourth place. “This continuous ascent, having improved almost each year since 2016, underscores the city’s dedicated efforts to establish itself as a premier global study destination,” said Jessica Turner, CEO of QS, in a statement.
The QS rankings evaluate cities with populations of at least 250,000 and at least two universities featured in the QS World University Rankings. The assessment is based on six categories: desirability, affordability, student mix, employer activity, university rankings, and student voice, derived from surveys of prospective and former students.
Kuala Lumpur showed mixed performance across these metrics. It made significant strides in desirability, climbing eight spots to 81st globally, though this remains its weakest category. However, the city saw declines in affordability (down nine spots year-on-year) and student voice (down two spots).
In contrast, Shah Alam, the capital of Selangor, experienced a sharp decline, falling 21 places to 144th due to weaker performance across five of the six metrics.
Globally, Seoul claimed the top spot as the world’s best student city, overtaking London, which had held the position for six consecutive years. Tokyo secured second place, while London dropped to third, largely due to an 11-place slide in affordability.
Kuala Lumpur’s rise in the rankings highlights its growing reputation as a vibrant, student-friendly city, bolstered by its strong academic institutions and dynamic urban environment.
