Paris topped the table ahead of London, Boston and Melbourne in a new ranking of the world’s best cities for students.

Six European cities made it to the top ten, while Singapore (12th) is the leading Asian city ahead of Hong Kong and Tokyo (both placed 19). Australia is the only country with two cities in the top 10 on the list released for the first time by the research specialist behind the annual QS World University Rankings.

Based on 12 criteria, QS Best Student Cities 2012 took into account the quality and number of internationally ranked universities, alongside factors such as affordability, quality of living and the reputation of local universities among employers.

Europe triumphed on quality of living and affordability, with tuition fees in top-ten cities Paris, Vienna, Zurich and Berlin averaging under $1,000 per year, compared to $30,000 in the US. Twenty European cities made the top 50 compared to nine each from North America and Asia and four from Latin America.

London claimed the top score for the quality of its leading universities, but Paris had a greater number of internationally ranked institutions alongside superior all-round scores.

Édouard Husson, vice-chancellor of Paris universities said: 'This research recognises the world-class study experience provided by Paris. We have more globally ranked universities than any other city, alongside low tuition fees. Moreover, Paris has four ‘universities of excellence’ as a result of the IDEX competition.'

London Mayor Boris Johnson added: 'I'm delighted to learn that London has once again been confirmed as one of the best places on earth to be a student.”

“With over 400,000 students and more top ranked universities than any other capital, London is a great student's city. With the Olympic Games just around the corner, London is undergoing an enormous transformation. Moreover, we've got twice as many book shops as New York, and more museums than Paris. And by the way, our museums are free.'

'Going to university is about more than just selecting the most prestigious institution. When a broad range of factors are taken into account, cities in continental Europe, Australia and Asia offer distinct advantages for students,” said QS managing director Nunzio Quacquarelli. – TradeArabia News Service