Maple News reports that Montreal has been ranked as one of the top cities in the world for international students, securing 10th place in the 2025 QS Best Student Cities ranking. With an overall score of 92.1 out of 100, Quebec’s cultural and academic hub stands out on the global stage as a welcoming destination for higher education.
Compiled by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), the annual Best Student Cities index evaluates cities based on factors such as affordability, student diversity, desirability, employer activity, and the presence of top-ranking universities. To be eligible, cities must have a population of at least 250,000 and feature at least two institutions in the QS World University Rankings.
Montreal is home to leading academic institutions such as McGill University and Concordia University, both located in the heart of downtown. The vibrant, bilingual city stood out particularly in categories such as “Student Mix,” which examines the proportion of international students, overall population diversity, and social inclusiveness.
Tourisme Montreal reports that the city welcomes approximately 40,000 international students from over 150 countries each year, a testament to its global appeal and multicultural lifestyle. The city earned high marks for fostering an inclusive and adaptable environment, making it easier for students from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds to thrive.
Montreal was the only Canadian city to crack the global top 10, edging out Toronto, which placed 11th, and Vancouver, which came in at 19th. Other cities in the top 10 include London, Tokyo, Seoul, Munich, Melbourne, Sydney, Paris, Zurich, and Berlin.
Known for its mix of European charm and North American innovation, Montreal continues to attract students with its dynamic culture, high-quality education, and relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major cities.
For international students evaluating where to study abroad, this ranking signals strong academic infrastructure, cultural vibrancy, and a supportive community—all factors that position Montreal as a top-tier destination for global education.
Maple News will continue to monitor how Canadian cities perform on global education indexes and what this means for students considering a move to Canada.