Dhaka has been ranked as one of the least desirable cities for students in the QS Best Student Cities 2025 rankings, securing the 141st position out of 150 global cities. The rankings, published on June 18, 2024, assess cities based on factors such as desirability, affordability, and student mix, among others.
With a desirability score of just 9.4 out of 100, Dhaka stands at the bottom of the list in this category, reflecting significant concerns about safety, pollution, and its limited appeal to international students. The city also scored poorly in the student mix category, which evaluates inclusivity and international student representation.
However, Dhaka was ranked 10th in affordability, earning a score of 80.2 out of 100. This highlights the city’s cost-effectiveness, which is a potential draw for students despite other challenges.
In contrast, cities like Tokyo, Copenhagen, Zurich, and Sydney topped the list as the most desirable student cities globally, benefiting from higher safety levels, better living conditions, and international appeal.
The QS Best Student Cities ranking is based on various factors, including university reputation, employer activity, and feedback from students, providing a comprehensive overview of the strengths and weaknesses of each city as a study destination.