India’s Most Affordable Student City in QS 2026 Rankings

Want to study in a fun, budget-friendly city? Delhi, India’s capital, is the most affordable student city in India according to the QS Best Student Cities 2026 Rankings! Created by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), this list ranks the best cities for students based on cost, schools, jobs, and lifestyle. Delhi’s low prices, great universities, and vibrant culture make it a top pick for students like you. Let’s see why Delhi is so awesome!

Why Delhi Rocks

Delhi scored an impressive 96.5/100 for affordability, making it the cheapest student city in India and among the most budget-friendly worldwide. It also climbed seven spots to rank 104th globally in the 2026 rankings, showing its growing popularity. Here’s why Delhi is a great choice:

• Super Affordable: Tuition at public universities like Delhi University is very cheap. Food and transport are budget-friendly too—a monthly metro pass costs less than $10!
• Top Schools: Delhi and Delhi NCR is home to famous universities like the University of Delhi, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), IIT Delhi and Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth offering awesome education.
• Great Job Options: Delhi ranks in the top 50 globally for employer activity, meaning you can find good jobs in fields like tech, media, or policy after graduation.
• Fun Culture: From the Red Fort to lively markets like Chandni Chowk, Delhi is packed with cool places to explore.

How QS Ranks Cities

The QS Best Student Cities Rankings look at 150 cities worldwide using six factors:

• Affordability: How cheap is it to live and study?
• University Rankings: Are the schools top-notch?
• Employer Activity: Can you get a job after studying?
• Desirability: Is the city safe and fun?
• Student Mix: Are there lots of different students?
• Student View: What do students think about the city?

Delhi shines in affordability but ranks lower in student mix (147/150) due to fewer international students. Still, its culture and job opportunities are fantastic. QS used 100,000 student surveys to make these rankings, so they reflect real student opinions.

Other Indian Cities Are Awesome Too

Delhi isn’t the only star! Three other Indian cities—Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai—are in the top 130 globally:

• Mumbai (Rank 98): Jumped 15 spots with an affordability score of 86.3 and strong job opportunities (top 50 globally). Home to IIT Bombay and University of Mumbai, it’s great for finance or media careers.
• Bengaluru (Rank 108): Soared 22 spots with an affordability score of 84.3 and high student satisfaction (56/100). Known as India’s tech hub, it has IISc and IIM Bangalore.
• Chennai (Rank 128): Rose 12 spots with an affordability score of 80.1. Anna University and IIT Madras make it ideal for engineering students.

These cities show India’s growing fame as a student-friendly country, thanks to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which improves education and welcomes global students.

What Makes Delhi Special?

Delhi is more than just affordable. Its huge metro system makes getting around easy and cheap. Areas like North and South Campus are student favourites with cool cafes, libraries, and bookstores. Air quality and traffic can be tricky, but Delhi’s culture and job options are unbeatable. Plus, 79% of students care about safety, and Delhi’s lively student communities make it feel welcoming.

Ready to Study in Delhi?

The QS Best Student Cities 2026 Rankings prove Delhi is India’s best choice for students who want affordable living, great schools, and exciting experiences. With low costs, top universities, and awesome job prospects, Delhi is ready for you. Start planning your study adventure in India’s most affordable student city today.

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