According to the 2025 edition of the QS World University Rankings for “Best Student Cities,” Yogyakarta in Indonesia has been ranked 6th in Southeast Asia. With a score of 52.8 points, it surpassed Jakarta and Bandung. This result reflects not only the city’s rich educational environment but also its overall livability and cultural appeal.

Known as Kota Pelajar (“Student City”), Yogyakarta attracts a large number of students from across the country and abroad. This article introduces the features that make Yogyakarta such a compelling student city, using specific data and insights from on-site coverage.

Introduction

Yogyakarta, located in the central part of Java Island in Indonesia, is a city renowned for its rich history and culture, and is also widely recognized as an educational hub where many young people gather.

The findings of the QS survey affirm that Yogyakarta is not merely a center of academia, but also a livable city that fosters the development of future talent. Through data and video content, we will explore the reasons why Yogyakarta is known as a “student city.”

Yogyakarta as a “Student City” by the Numbers

6th Best “Student City” in Southeast Asia

Compiled by our company based on databoks “Kota Pelajar Terbaik di Asia Tenggara”

In the “Best Student Cities” ranking announced by the QS World University Rankings, Yogyakarta was selected as the 6th best city in Southeast Asia with a score of 52.8, surpassing both Jakarta and Bandung. The ranking is based on six criteria: the quality of universities, student composition (diversity), desirability (such as city safety), employability, affordability, and student feedback.

The top 10 “Best Student Cities” in Southeast Asia are as follows. In addition to Yogyakarta, Jakarta, Bandung, and Surabaya also made the list.

When expanding the scope to all of Asia, Yogyakarta ranks 24th and Jakarta 25th. The top five cities in Asia are Tokyo, Seoul, the Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe area, Singapore, and Hong Kong.

2025 “Best Student Cities” Ranking (Southeast Asia)

• Singapore: 89.6 points
• Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia): 85.4 points
• Bangkok (Thailand): 71.8 points
• Manila (Philippines): 59.4 points
• Subang Jaya (Malaysia): 56 points
• Yogyakarta (Indonesia): 52.8 points
• Jakarta (Indonesia): 52.4 points
• Shah Alam (Malaysia): 52.3 points
• Bandung (Indonesia): 49.9 points
• Surabaya (Indonesia): 46.5 points

References:

• databoks “Kota Pelajar Terbaik di Asia Tenggara”
• Kampus Pepublika “30 Kota Pendidikan Terbaik di Asia Versi QS Best Student Cities 2025, Ada Tiga Kota di Indonesia”

Why Yogyakarta is Known as a “Student City”

There are several reasons why Yogyakarta is considered one of Indonesia’s foremost “student cities.”

1. Home to Many Prestigious Universities

Yogyakarta hosts a large number of renowned and high-quality educational institutions.

Among the most prominent is Gadjah Mada University (UGM), a national university recognized as one of the oldest and most prestigious in Indonesia. Other notable institutions include Yogyakarta State University (UNY), known for its teacher training programs, and the Islamic University of Indonesia (UII), the country’s oldest Islamic university.

In total, Yogyakarta is home to over 100 higher education institutions, including public and private universities, academies, and polytechnics, where thousands of students live and study.

2. High Livability

Factors such as cleanliness, public safety, convenient public transportation, and low cost of living make Yogyakarta an attractive place for students. The city’s overall appeal is evident in the fact that many graduates choose to stay in Yogyakarta even after completing their studies.

For instance, according to a 2022 report by the Indonesian Association of Urban and Regional Planners (IAP), Yogyakarta was ranked the second most “livable city” in Indonesia after Surakarta (Solo). This ranking was based on indicators such as safety, cleanliness, transportation, public facilities, and the environment.

Moreover, a 2020 survey by Statistics Indonesia (BPS), conducted across all provinces, found that 75.6% of Yogyakarta residents feel safe walking alone at any time of day. This is the third-highest figure in the country, following Bali and West Sulawesi, highlighting the city’s reputation for safety.

References:

• GoodStats “7 Daerah Teraman di Indonesia”
• GOERS “10 Kota Ternyaman di Indonesia 2024, untuk Tempat Tinggal”

3. An Environment Conducive to Learning

Yogyakarta offers an environment that enables students to pursue academics as well as various other activities with enthusiasm. The city also fosters a culture that values education and scholarship. It is home to numerous facilities that support student learning, such as libraries, museums, historical sites, and temples.

Yogyakarta as a “Student City” in Video

Affordable and Popular Student Canteens

Watch the Video

In Indonesia, many university students live in rented rooms or dormitories known as Kos, which often lack kitchen facilities in the rooms or buildings.

Thus, affordable canteens are indispensable in any “student city.” The video showcases one such canteen that is especially popular among students at Gadjah Mada University. It offers a wide variety of dishes at very reasonable prices—ranging from IDR 12,000 to IDR 30,000 (approximately USD 0.75–1.90*) per meal. Free refills of rice, vegetables, and water are included, making it a guaranteed satisfying meal.

In addition, the canteen features free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and sofas, making it a comfortable space where students often spend extended time. It is beloved as a hangout spot.

“Trans Jogja”—The City’s Essential Public Transport

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The “Trans Jogja” bus system, which covers a wide area of Yogyakarta, is a highly convenient mode of transportation for the city’s residents. The standard fare per ride is IDR 3,600 (approximately USD 0.23), but for students, it is only IDR 60 (approximately USD 0.004). This makes it not only ideal for commuting to school, but also for other off-campus activities. Both the buses and stops are staffed with personnel, offering a high level of safety.

In the video, a group of young women takes the Trans Jogja to visit the Islamic University of Indonesia (UII).

It happens to be during the month of Ramadan. After sunset, food stalls selling takjil—light snacks to break the fast—line the university and surrounding areas. Students and local residents gather in large numbers, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere.

*Exchange rate used for conversion: USD 1 = IDR 16,000 (as of June 2025)

Yogyakarta: A City Admired by Students Across Indonesia

Yogyakarta’s recognition as the 6th best “student city” in Southeast Asia is supported by a combination of factors: the high quality of its universities, livability, safety, and an environment that is both engaging and attractive for students.

The presence of renowned institutions such as Gadjah Mada University, along with excellent public safety, affordable living costs, and convenient transportation infrastructure, all contribute to supporting student life. Moreover, the city’s deep-rooted cultural and academic atmosphere further fuels students’ enthusiasm for learning.

With growing attention from both within Indonesia and abroad, Yogyakarta is poised to further solidify its presence as a premier destination for academic pursuit in the years to come.