The Portuguese capital stands out in a ranking led by Prague and Leuven, surpassing renowned destinations such as Barcelona, Paris and Madrid.

This analysis was based on a weighted scoring system that assessed ten key indicators, with a particular focus on the QS university ranking, safety, and the density of higher education institutions by area.

One of the determining factors for Lisbon's success is its affordability, ranking second in this specific indicator among the ten cities analysed.

With an estimated monthly cost of €724.80 for a single person, the city is a robust option for students on tighter budgets.

Added to this is the competitive advantage of public transport, whose monthly pass costs €40, offering an economical and convenient way to get around the metropolis.

In terms of student support infrastructure, Lisbon has a remarkable concentration of accommodation, with 2,122 rooms, studios, and apartments per 100 km².

This is the second-highest figure in the top 10, behind only Barcelona, underscoring strong housing availability for the academic community.

The educational offering is equally dense, with 32 universities per 100 km², complemented by a vibrant social life featuring 200 bars and nightclubs in the same area.

Gerrit Jan Reinders, CEO of BOXIE24, states that European students are becoming increasingly strategic in their choices due to the rising cost of living and education. According to the expert, Lisbon continues to appeal to this audience not only for its low costs, but also for combining respected educational institutions with a dynamic lifestyle, rich culture, and a very close-knit student community.

The study reinforces that the Portuguese capital offers a rare balance between academic quality, safety (with a crime rate of 28.53%), and leisure opportunities outside the classroom.