Top 10 Safest Cities in the World for Students in 2025-26

With so many ongoing geographical and political disputes in the world, choosing a safe city to study abroad is a paramount factor for Indian students and their parents. This article presents the list of the safest cities in the world for students based on several safety parameters.

Every day, the news brings fresh headlines of distant wars with global consequences, deep political divisions causing unrest in cities, and sudden policy changes that can leave international students feeling vulnerable in the moment. So, safety becomes a major factor in finalising your abroad destination. 

Real safety for international students abroad shouldn’t be monitored by just a number on a chart. True safety is a feeling. It’s the confidence to explore your new city without the need to constantly check your surroundings. It’s in knowing that you can take the last train home from the library without a second thought. Safety is also in the comfort of finding a welcoming Indian community in a foreign country and knowing that your university is your real support system, not just a place where you go to attend your classes. Hence, real safety for Indian students abroad is a sense of being able to focus on their studies without dealing with the constant stress and anxiety that comes with an unsafe society. 

In this article, we have listed the safest cities in the world for students by weighing everything from official Global Peace Indices to city-wise Safety Indices, real-world factors affecting the daily life of Indian students abroad, QS Best Student City rankings and the QS's desirability factor.

Factors Determining the Safest Cities in the World for Students in 2025

To create the list of the top 10 safest cities in the world 2025 for students, we have balanced the following parameters to determine the real safe options. The factors that contribute to the making of this list are:

1. City-Specific Safety Indices: The Safety Index of a city provides granular, crowd-sourced information on crime rates and how safe people feel in a city. This is a primary parameter that determines city-level safety.
2. Global Peace Index (GPI) 2025: The Global Peace Index offers a country-level perspective on stability and peacefulness. As a nation's safety directly impacts its city’s safety and environment, this factor is also crucial in determining the overall safety of a city. Check the Safest Countries for Indian Students to Study Abroad. 
3. QS Best Student Cities 2026: The overall “QS Best Student Cities 2026” rankings reflect a city’s quality as an educational hub, while its desirability score reflects the real-world experience of safety, tolerance, and quality of life by real students, acting as a powerful indicator of a city's true environment.

Top 10 Safest Cities in the World for Students in 2025

Check out the top 10 safest cities in the world list below. 

1. Zurich, Switzerland

Switzerland is known for its long-standing history of political neutrality, stability, and high standard of living. This makes its cities like Zurich exceptionally safe for its residents, visitors and international student community. Switzerland also often occupies the top spot in the Global Peace Index (GPI) rankings by country, and this year, the country stood in the 5th position in the Global Peace Index 2025 rankings.

Zurich is the economic capital of Switzerland and is also a global hub for finance and education. The city boasts its exceptionally low crime rate, pristine environment, excellent public transport services, and access to world-class institutions like ETH Zurich. The only challenge that Indian students may face in the city is coping with the high cost of living in Switzerland. However, the trade-off for high living costs is the city's unparalleled sense of safety, order and security.

2. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in the world and provides a perfect blend of vast urban development and a strong cultural heritage. Tokyo, Japan,  is known for its exceptionally low crime rates, where even lost wallets are often returned to their owners. 

Tokyo has an efficient transportation system, which also adds to the safety of international students in the city. The Economist Intelligence Unit's Safe Cities Index frequently places Tokyo at the top, citing its high personal and infrastructure security. For Indian students, Tokyo offers a clean, well-organised environment and an opportunity to engage with a society that values respect and politeness. Check out the top 10 universities in Japan for 2026.

3. Munich, Germany

German cities, in general, are known for their order and safety, with strong social security systems and reliable public services. With this, ranked among the top in the QS Best Student Cities 2026, Munich is renowned for its excellent quality of life and safe surroundings.

Munich, along with being a haven for international students, provides a lively student experience, a wide range of academic options (particularly in engineering and technology), and a friendly environment for international students. Germany’s position as a peaceful country in the Global Peace Index 2025 also solidifies its standing as a safer and secure option to study abroad for Indian students. The free education in Germany, top research institutions like the Max Planck Institute and HQs of the top engineering and motor companies are other major attractions for Indian students.

4. Singapore

For an Indian student seeking a world-class education with the ultimate peace of mind, Singapore is in a league of its own. Singapore’s hyper-modern efficiency and cultural familiarity make it a haven for Indian students. Singapore’s high safety ranking isn't just about statistics; it's about a lived reality of security that you can feel from the moment you arrive in the place. 

The day-to-day feeling of safety among its residents, tourists and international students is where Singapore truly excels. Imagine studying late at the library and taking the MRT (metro) home at midnight without a second thought. Picture leaving your laptop on a café table while you order, knowing it will be there when you get back. This isn't an exaggeration; it's the norm in Singapore. This profound sense of public safety in Singapore is a result of strictly enforced laws and a culture that deeply values social harmony. Check out the top universities in Singapore in 2026.

5. Seoul, South Korea

Often ranked as one of the best student cities in the world, Seoul is ranked as the best student city in the world for 2026 by QS. One of the safest cities to live in the world, Seoul, South Korea, is an emerging education hub, known for its high-tech infrastructure complemented by a society that values order and security. Seoul’s top position in the QS Best Student Cities 2026 rankings reflects its academic excellence and desirable living conditions for international students. For Indian students interested in technology and innovation, Seoul presents a dynamic and secure environment. Check out the top universities in South Korea in 2026.

6. Vienna, Austria

Vienna is renowned for its high quality of life, cleanliness, order and low crime rate. Vienna, Austria, also consistently appears at the very top of the "World's Most Livable City" rankings. Additionally, Austria's elite Global Peace Index rank (#4) is not just a number; it's a promise of stability. For your parents, this means peace of mind knowing you are in a country shielded from the political turmoil and social unrest seen elsewhere in the world. And for you, it means a predictable environment where you can focus on your studies without the disruption of sudden protests, a dependable visa and immigration system, and a government that prioritises social cohesion and peace. Check out the best universities in Austria for International students in 2026.

7. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam’s place in the top 10 cities in the world is defined by a different, more profound kind of safety - one that comes from social trust, tolerance, and an exceptionally high quality of life. It’s no surprise it received a perfect 100 Desirability Score from other students. This isn't safety born from strict rules, but from a culture of mutual respect, which, for a young adult learning to be independent, is an invaluable environment.

The feeling in Amsterdam in the Netherlands, is one of relaxed security. The city is designed for people, not just cars. You’ll spend your days cycling along canals, studying in open parks, and walking through well-lit, historic streets. The safety here in the city is less about surveillance and more about a high-trust society where people respect personal space and property.

8. Sydney, Australia

Sydney is consistently ranked as one of the most desirable cities for students globally. Australia has robust measures in place to protect international students, and cities like Sydney are known for being safe and student-friendly. 

One of the biggest anxieties of moving abroad is the fear of loneliness and cultural isolation. However, in Sydney, this concern dissolves almost immediately. The city is home to one of the largest and most vibrant Indian communities in the world. From the bustling, familiar streets of Harris Park (often called "Little India") to celebrating Diwali and Holi with city-wide enthusiasm, you are never far from the comfort of your culture. Check out how many students are studying in Australia.

9. Melbourne, Australia

Similar to Sydney, Melbourne is renowned for its diverse international student population and is often known to be one of the most livable and safe cities. The city boasts its vibrant arts and culture, some of the top-notch Australian universities, and a friendly and safe environment for individuals from various nationalities. In the QS rankings, Melbourne scores exceptionally high for its diverse and inclusive "Student Mix," which is a welcoming factor for Indian students. The city's commitment to student welfare and its multicultural fabric make it a comforting option for Indian students.

10. Berlin, Germany

Berlin, as a city, at first glance, gives a sprawling, energetic, and gritty metropolis vibe. Yet, the city consistently ranks as one of the safest and top-tier destinations for international students. While Berlin is a major city in Germany with the expected need for urban awareness, its infrastructure is built for security. The public transport system in Berlin (U-Bahn and S-Bahn) is known for its efficiency and runs 24/7 on weekends, which means you can never be stranded in the city. Streets in Berlin are well-lit, and the city’s division into distinct neighbourhoods (Kiez) creates smaller, community-focused areas where you quickly feel at home. It’s a city you can confidently explore day or night. Additionally, Berlin is a magnet for young people from all over the world, making it one of the most diverse and international cities in Europe.

Safety Rankings

#Note:- The cities taken in the list are compiled, ensuring:

• There are good university and college options for international students, not just the safety, security, law and order.
• The safety of the city and country aligns with its desirability score in the QS Best Student Cities 2026, as this key parameter also includes the safety issue. 

This was all about the safest cities in the world for students to study abroad. If you seek assistance with studying abroad, reach out for Shiksha’s Counselling Services for free. For any queries, feel free to write in the comments below.