Hong Kong has some of the best universities in Asia. In 2025, eight of its universities made it to world rankings, and five are in the top 100 best universities worldwide. These schools mix Eastern and Western teaching styles, making them special places where students from all over the world can learn together.
Each university is really good at different things. HKU is famous for teaching dentistry and education. HKUST is in the top 20 schools in the world for data science and artificial intelligence. Whether you want to do research, learn about technology, or study professional skills, Hong Kong has a great university for you.
International students pay between HK$175,000 to HK$244,000 each year for tuition. This money gets you a degree that companies around the world respect, great job chances, and the chance to study with people from many countries. This guide looks at each university’s world rankings, what they’re best at, and what you need to get in.
🏆 Hong Kong Universities Global Rankings 2025
Quick answer: Here are the top 8 universities in Hong Kong with their world rankings
| Rank | University Name | QS World Ranking | THE World Ranking | What They’re Famous For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Hong Kong (HKU) | #17 | #35 | Medicine, Law, Education, Dentistry |
| 2 | Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) | #36 | #53 | Research, Nursing, AI, Medicine |
| 3 | Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (HKUST) | #47 | #64 | Technology, Engineering, Business |
| 4 | Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) | #57 | #87 | Design, Hotel Management, Engineering |
| 5 | City University of Hong Kong (CityU) | #62 | #82 | Most International, Science Research |
| 6 | Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) | #252 | #301-350 | Journalism, Chinese Medicine |
| 7 | Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) | Not Ranked | #501-600 | Teacher Training, Education |
| 8 | Lingnan University | #711-720 | #601-800 | Liberal Arts, Small Classes |
#17 QS
5 Institutions
HK$175-244K
40-45%
📑 Hong Kong’s Top Universities 2025
- University of Hong Kong (HKU): Asia’s Elite Institution
- Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK): Research Excellence
- HKUST: Technology & Innovation Powerhouse
- Hong Kong PolyU: Professional & Applied Excellence
- City University: Global Integration Leader
- International Admissions Guide & Requirements
- Tuition Fees & Living Expenses 2025-26
- FAQs: Your Questions Answered
The University of Hong Kong (HKU): Hong Kong’s Top University
HKU is Hong Kong’s best university. It ranks #17 in the world according to QS rankings and #35 in THE rankings. The university is really good at teaching 39 different subjects that are all in the world’s top 50.
HKU is especially famous for Dentistry (2nd best in the world), Education (3rd best), and Language Studies (9th best). The university has 196 professors who are among the smartest 1% of scientists in the world. It also has 53 researchers who write papers that other scientists read and use a lot.
What HKU Teaches Best
According to HKU’s official information, the university has four subjects in the world’s top 10 and 11 more in the top 20. HKU is really good at medical subjects, social studies, and arts.
HKU’s Top Global Rankings by Subject
- Dentistry: 2nd globally (QS 2025)
- Education: 3rd globally (QS 2025), 1st globally (U.S. News)
- Linguistics: 9th globally (QS 2025)
- Geography: 10th globally (QS 2025)
- Social Policy & Administration: 11th globally
- Law: 15th globally (QS 2025)
- Civil & Structural Engineering: 13th globally
- Medicine: 21st globally (THE 2025)
Student Life at HKU
Almost half of HKU’s students (45%) come from other countries, and most teachers (72%) are from outside Hong Kong too. The university has 17 places where students can live on campus. This creates a fun campus where students from over 100 different countries can meet and learn together.
💡 Application Tip: HKU looks at everything about you when you apply – your grades, sports, clubs, and other activities all matter. If they accept you, they automatically check if you can get a scholarship. You don’t need to apply for scholarships separately.
The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK): Best for Research
CUHK ranks #36 in the world according to QS and is Hong Kong’s best research university according to U.S. News (#42 globally). The university is really strong in medicine, technology, and communication studies.
CUHK has some amazing programs. Their stomach and liver medicine program is 2nd best in the world. Their AI program ranks 7th globally, and Computer Science is 12th. What makes CUHK special is its college system – students join smaller colleges within the big university, which helps them make friends and get extra support.
Top Programs at CUHK
CUHK’s Nursing program is 5th best in the world, and their Communication & Media Studies ranks 12th globally. The university is good at both old subjects (like medicine) and new technology (like AI and data science, which ranks 19th globally).
Why CUHK is Great at Research
As shown in CUHK’s research reports, the university has been Hong Kong’s best research school for two years in a row according to U.S. News. This means they create a lot of important research that helps people around the world.
💡 Application Tip: CUHK is more flexible than other schools. Sometimes they accept really good students who have only finished their first year of IB Diploma program, while other schools won’t consider them yet.
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST): Best for Tech Students
HKUST ranks #47 in the world (QS 2025) and is the 3rd best young university worldwide. Even though it only opened in 1991, it gets perfect scores for how much other scientists use their research and how international the school is.
HKUST is the best Hong Kong school for engineering and technology – they’ve been #1 for 15 years straight! Their Data Science & AI program ranks 17th in the world. Their business school is also famous – the HKUST MBA program has been ranked #1 in the world 12 times.
Great Technology Programs
According to HKUST’s School of Engineering, the university is a leader in new technology areas. They work closely with tech companies, which means students can get good internships and jobs.
HKUST’s Premier Programs
- Data Science & AI: 17th globally (QS 2025)
- Electrical & Electronic Engineering: 29th globally
- Computer Science: 32nd globally (QS)
- Engineering: 33rd globally (THE 2025)
- Mechanical Engineering: 42nd globally
- Executive MBA: World #1 multiple times
Starting Your Own Business at HKUST
HKUST helps students who want to start their own companies. They have special programs and places where students can work on their business ideas. Because the school focuses on modern subjects, it became world-class very quickly. About 40% of students come from other countries, making it a fun place to learn.
💡 Job Tip: HKUST gets a perfect score for working with companies. This means students can easily find internships and jobs, especially in technology and banking.
Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU): Best for Jobs
PolyU ranks #57 in the world (QS 2025) and is the 7th best young university globally. The school focuses on teaching skills you can use in real jobs. Their Civil Engineering program is 2nd best in the world according to U.S. News, and Engineering overall is 5th best according to U.S. News.
PolyU is Hong Kong’s best school for Hotel Management, Art and Design, and Environmental Sciences. What makes PolyU special is that students get real work experience while studying, so they’re ready for jobs when they graduate.
Amazing Programs for Real Jobs
PolyU is great at teaching subjects that lead directly to jobs. Their research helps solve real problems, like making medicine for liver cancer, checking if trains are safe, and helping blind people with special technology.
Cool Buildings and Learning Spaces
The campus has an amazing building called the Jockey Club Innovation Tower, designed by a famous architect named Zaha Hadid. Students learn design there. PolyU also owns a real hotel called Hotel ICON where hotel management students practice working.
💡 Job Ready: PolyU students can work for up to 8 months while studying through special programs. This work experience helps them get jobs easily after graduation.
City University of Hong Kong (CityU): Most International School
CityU ranks #62 in the world (QS 2025) and is the #1 most international university in the world according to THE 2025. The school is really good at specific science subjects – three of their programs rank 9th in the world.
CityU is especially strong in Physics, Materials Science, and Chemistry. The school has more international students and teachers than almost any other university in the world, making it a great place to meet people from different countries.
Special Research Areas
CityU focuses on specific science areas and does them really well, according to City University’s information. Their research helps create new technologies and solve important problems.
💡 Application Tip: CityU lets you apply for three different programs at once, and they treat all three choices equally. This gives you more chances to get in compared to schools that only let you pick one program.
The Most International University
CityU has been ranked #1 for being international two years in a row. They work with universities all over the world and have exchange programs that let students study in other countries. This helps students get ready for jobs anywhere in the world.
How to Apply to Hong Kong Universities
You need to apply to each university separately – there’s no single application for all schools. Applications usually open in September for students who want to start the next year. If you apply by November, you have a better chance of getting in and getting scholarship money.
Hong Kong universities accept many types of international test scores like IB Diploma, A-Levels, SAT/ACT with AP tests, and tests from your country. If English isn’t your first language, you need to take IELTS (score at least 6.0-6.5) or TOEFL (score at least 80-93) to show you can study in English.
What You Need to Apply
- Your high school grades from the last 2-3 years
- Your graduation certificate or expected grades
- Test scores (like IB, A-Levels, or SAT)
- English test scores (IELTS or TOEFL)
- A personal essay about why you want to study there
- Letters from teachers saying you’re a good student
- Art portfolio (only for art programs)
- Application fee receipt (costs HK$450-500)
Grades You Need
Each university wants different grades, but here’s what most look for: IB Diploma score of 30-38 points, A-Levels with grades ABB to AAA, or SAT score above 1350 with good AP scores. Popular programs might need even better grades.
⚠️ Important Dates: Apply by November to get the best chance for scholarships. If you apply later, there might be fewer spots left in the programs you want.
Getting Scholarship Money
According to Hong Kong government information, there are many scholarships for international students. When universities accept you, they automatically check if you can get a scholarship. Some scholarships pay for part of your tuition, and the best ones pay for everything plus money to live on.
After Graduation Work Visa
Hong Kong offers a 24-month visa (IANG) after graduation to find work. You can work anywhere during this time without restrictions. Many graduates find good jobs in Hong Kong’s business sector and stay long-term.
Common Questions About Hong Kong Universities
The top 3 are HKU (ranked #17 in the world), CUHK (#36), and HKUST (#47). HKU is best if you want a famous school that’s good at everything. CUHK is best for research and medical programs. HKUST is best for technology and business. Pick based on what you want to study.
You’ll pay HK$175,000 to HK$244,000 per year for classes. Add HK$50,000 for food and daily stuff, plus HK$15,000 to HK$45,000 for a room on campus. Total: HK$240,000 to HK$339,000 per year (about US$31,000 to US$44,000). Good students can get scholarships that pay for everything.
They’re both great but different. HKU is more famous (#17 vs #36) and better for law, education, and dentistry. CUHK is better for research and has top programs in nursing, AI, and medicine. Pick HKU if you want the most famous name. Pick CUHK if you love research or want to study medicine or technology.
No! All classes are taught in English. You need IELTS score of 6.0-6.5 or TOEFL score of 80-93 to show you know English well enough. Learning some Chinese can help with daily life, but it’s not required for studying. Many students from other countries don’t speak Chinese at all.
Yes! You can work on campus anytime and do internships related to your studies. During summer break, you can work full-time anywhere. After you graduate, you get 24 months to stay and work in Hong Kong without needing special permission. Many students find good jobs and stay.
HKUST has been #1 in Hong Kong for engineering for 15 years. It’s great for computer, electrical, and mechanical engineering. But PolyU’s Civil Engineering is 2nd best in the world according to U.S. News! Pick HKUST for tech and new ideas. Pick PolyU for building things and getting real work experience.
You need really good grades. For IB: 30-38 points. For A-Levels: ABB to AAA. For SAT: above 1350 with good AP scores. GPA should be 3.5 or higher (out of 4.0). Popular programs like medicine or business need even better grades. Each school looks at grades differently, so apply to several.
Start in September for next year’s classes. Apply by November to get the best chance for scholarships and your favorite program. The final deadline is usually in January. You need to apply to each university separately – there’s no single application for all schools. Start early because it takes time!
Yes! Hong Kong degrees are accepted all over the world. Five universities are in the world’s top 100. Graduates easily get jobs or go to graduate school in Asia, UK, Australia, and America. Because classes are in English and teachers come from many countries, your degree will be respected everywhere.
Hong Kong costs less than UK schools but offers similar quality. It has more international students than Singapore – 4 of the world’s top 5 most international universities are in Hong Kong! It’s also the best place if you want to work in China later. Choose Hong Kong for great education at a fair price with lots of diversity.
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