TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taipei is ranked 26th in the world by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) in the 12th edition of its Best Student Cities ranking released on Tuesday (June 18).
London took first place followed by Tokyo, Seoul, Munich, Melbourne, Sydney, Paris, Zurich, Berlin, and Montreal, rounding out the top 10. In addition to ranking 26th globally, Taiwan placed seventh in Asia, trailing only Tokyo, Seoul, Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Kuala Lumpur.
The global higher education network based its rankings on cities with a minimum population of 250,000 and at least two universities. The ranking assessed the cities based on the following six categories: University rankings, student mix, desirability, employer activity, affordability, and student view.
It also collected opinions from 100,000 prospective, current, and former students on the desirability and student view indicators.
Taipei received 84.6 out of the maximum potential score of 100. In its analysis of Taipei, QS pointed out that Taiwan's universities have been “steadily climbing in greater global prominence in recent years.”
It noted that Taipei has eight universities ranked among the best in the world in the QS World University Rankings. The top-rated institution in Taipei at 77th in the world is National Taiwan University, according to its 2023 rankings.
According to QS, Taipei made “big gains this year” in employer activity, climbing up to 24th globally. Students who responded to the survey "are clearly enjoying their experience in the city and are often keen to stay after graduation.”
When asked to list the best aspects of studying in Taipei, one student said “Inclusion. Diversity. Friendliness.” Another student said, “The local people are friendly and helpful to foreigners.”
QS cited low tuition fees and competitive scores in each of the QS Best Student Cities categories as an explanation for the popularity of Taipei with students. The higher education network said Taipei's wide range of academic institutions is “arguably its strongest asset.”
As for reasons for choosing to study in Taipei, QS listed the high standard of living including “excellent transportation, medical, public health, and law enforcement systems.” It described the city as picturesque with temples, skyscrapers, and “stunning beaches.”
QS highlighted that Taipei has eight universities featured in the World University Rankings. Those universities include NTU (77), National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (327), National Taiwan Normal University (332), Taipei Medical University (384), National Taipei University of Technology (436), National Chengchi University (601-650), Fu Jen Catholic University (1201-1400), Soochow University (1201-1400).
Although its affordability score has dropped since the previous ranking, QS said Taipei still offers “competitively priced education options that make it well worth considering if you're on a tight budget.” It described living costs in Taipei as “extremely affordable compared to most other student cities.”
According to Numbeo, a single person in Taipei requires about US$855 (NT$27,000) per month in living expenses. It estimates that a single-bedroom apartment in Taipei's city center costs around US$718 per month.
It estimated tuition fees in the city run about US$4,700 per year for foreign students.
QS compared Taipei to Hong Kong as a travel destination for its “fast-paced modern city life” and traditional cultural aspects. It said that Taipei has preserved historic sites such as Longshan Temple, described the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall as a “beautiful monument located in a quiet central park," and hailed the “breath-taking views of Taipei” from Taipei 101.
As for career opportunities, QS said that Taipei is the heart of Taiwan's economy, a global hub for electronics and industrial manufacturing. It said there are many job opportunities for graduates in Taipei in IT, technology, finance, journalism, and international trade.
