QS Best Student Cities 2025: is Munich worth it for international students?

Munich just ranked #4 in the QS Best Student Cities 2025, outperforming dozens of global heavyweights and climbing higher than cities like Amsterdam, Toronto, and even New York. But what’s the real story behind the ranking? Is Munich truly a dream destination for students—or does the experience differ from the expectations?

A Reddit thread from an LMU student recently sparked debate:

“I like studying in Munich. But if I could grab LMU and place it somewhere else … I would do it, no questions asked.”

That tension—between prestige and practicality—is exactly what we’ll unpack in this blog. Let’s explore why Munich secured its elite spot, and whether it lives up to the hype for international students like you.

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Why Munich scored high in QS Best Student Cities 2025

The QS Student Cities ranking is based on key factors like academic reputation, student satisfaction, affordability, employer activity, and overall desirability. Here’s where Munich excels:

• Academic excellence: LMU and TUM both rank in the global top 60 universities.
• Graduate employability: Munich is home to global companies like BMW, Siemens, Google, and a growing biotech scene.
• Quality of life: Efficient public transport, green spaces, safe, and clean
• International student mix: With over 100,000 students and growing international enrollment, diversity is a big draw.

✅ Source: QS Best Student Cities 2025

But numbers alone don’t paint the full picture.

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What the numbers don’t show: Munich’s high cost of living

One of the biggest downsides to studying in Munich? It’s expensive. The average student in Munich spends €1,100 to €1,400 per month, with rent consuming the majority of these figures.

Compared to cities like Jena or Leipzig, where rent can be half as much, that’s a big deal.And unlike smaller student towns, Munich’s universities don’t dominate the city—you’re part of a metropolis first, a student second. That can feel isolating if you’re used to tight-knit campuses and affordable nightlife.

Yet, QS still ranks Munich #4. Why? Because long-term return on investment matters.

📊 According to the Stepstone Salary Report 2024, Munich has the highest average salaries in Germany.

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Munich’s student life: infrastructure over intimacy

If you’re expecting classic student vibes—think bike rides to class and cozy coffee shop hangouts—you might find Munich overwhelming. Its campuses are decentralized, and its nightlife is pricey.

But it’s a city that works. LMU and TUM offer:

• International student offices that actually help
• Research centers with global funding
• Student housing services (apply early!)
• Career support with direct links to industry

Programs like the LMU Buddy Program and TUM Buddy Program offer help adjusting to life in Munich. But you have to take the initiative.

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How to make Munich work as an international student: survive and thrive

Studying in Munich is doable—with the right strategy. Here’s how:

• Apply early for student housing via Studierendenwerk München
• Use your semester ticket for unlimited public transport
• Shop second-hand and eat at Mensa canteens (€3–€5 meals)
• Work part-time (up to 20 hrs/week) during semester
• Search for scholarships via DAAD

These aren’t “life hacks”—they’re survival strategies. And they work.

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Final verdict: is Munich actually worth the hype?

If you’re chasing a budget-friendly, student-centered lifestyle, Munich may not be your dream city. In the end, it depends on what you value

If you want:

• Affordable rent and tight-knit campus vibes → Consider cities like Leipzig, Jena, or Freiburg

But, if you value

• Top-tier education, international exposure, and post-grad job power → Munich is one of your best bets in Europe

It’s not perfect. It’s not cheap. But it is strategic. Whether you’re climbing toward a career in AI, medicine, finance, or sustainability, Munich offers a launchpad few cities can match.