Hong Kong is a compact region in Asia and a major international financial center with strong transport and logistics links. Its blend of Chinese and Western cultures, modern infrastructure, and rich history make it a distinctive place to study.
Hong Kong offers a diverse learning environment for international students. Let’s take a look at some of the best universities in Hong Kong for international students.
Top Universities in Hong Kong for International Students
1. University of Hong Kong
Established in 1911, the University of Hong Kong (HKU) is Hong Kong’s oldest institution of higher learning. HKU ranked 33rd worldwide in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026 and sixth in the Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings 2026. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, HKU ranked second globally for dentistry. HKU describes itself as an English-medium public research university offering programs across 10 faculties.
HKU is a research-led university with a long heritage. In 2025/26, it had a population of more than 45,000 students, including over 25,000 non-local students, excluding exchange-in students.
2. Chinese University of Hong Kong
Founded in 1963, the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is a comprehensive research university. CUHK is the only university in Hong Kong with a collegiate tradition. Its nine colleges complement the formal curriculum and support students’ whole-person development. Students can choose from a wide range of programs, including business, engineering, medicine, law, social science, arts, and science.
CUHK is a bilingual university, and courses are generally taught in English and/or Chinese. Its 138.4-hectare campus overlooking Tolo Harbour is the largest and greenest in Hong Kong, creating opportunities for international students to immerse themselves in Chinese culture.
3. Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) was founded in 1991 and is based in Clear Water Bay. It ranked 44th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and third in the latest Times Higher Education Young University Rankings, published in 2024. In Times Higher Education’s 2026 subject rankings, HKUST ranked joint 30th in Business and Economics, joint 25th in Computer Science, and joint 38th in Engineering.
HKUST promotes research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. As of December 2025, it had 20,475 students, including 9,860 non-local students.
4. Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Admissions | Tuition Fees
- Selected Academic Areas: Hospitality and Leisure Management, Civil and Structural Engineering, and Nursing
PolyU traces its origins to the Government Trade School, established in 1937 as Hong Kong’s first publicly funded post-secondary technical institution, and gained university status in 1994. PolyU ranked 54th in the QS World University Rankings 2026, 10th in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026, 80th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, and seventh in the latest Times Higher Education Young University Rankings, published in 2024.
PolyU emphasizes creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Students can take part in work-integrated education, service-learning activities, student exchange programs, and overseas internships. PolyU also maintains exchange and mobility partnerships with institutions around the world.
5. City University of Hong Kong
City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) is located in Kowloon and offers programs across a wide range of fields, including business, computing, engineering, liberal arts and social sciences, science, law, creative media, energy and environment, biomedicine, and veterinary medicine and life sciences. Its research infrastructure includes two State Key Laboratories and one Hong Kong Branch of a Chinese National Engineering Research Centre. The two State Key Laboratories focus on marine environmental health and terahertz and millimeter waves.
CityUHK has a strong international profile. Times Higher Education ranked it first in its list of the world’s most international universities for 2026.
FAQs: Studying in Hongkong Universities
Is Hong Kong Good for International Students to Study In?
Hong Kong is home to several highly ranked universities, especially in science and technology. Five Hong Kong universities placed within the top 100 in both the QS World University Rankings 2026 and the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026. These universities offer internationally recognized programs in engineering, medicine, technology, and many other fields suited to the modern digital age. Students can study current developments in these disciplines in Hong Kong.
Tuition fees at Hong Kong universities generally range from US$11,500 to US$34,000 per year. Living expenses vary by housing choice and lifestyle: university-provided residence halls or hostels typically cost HK$5,000 to HK$15,000 per semester, while other living costs are estimated at HK$30,000 to HK$50,000 per year. The Hong Kong government, post-secondary institutions, and other organizations also offer scholarships and awards for eligible non-local students.
Can International Students Work in Hong Kong While Studying?
Eligible non-local students may take up employment during their studies under the conditions stated in their No Objection Letter (NOL). Non-local students, excluding exchange students, in full-time locally accredited local programs at the undergraduate level or above with a study period of at least one academic year are temporarily exempted from the usual employment restrictions.
Can International Students Stay in Hong Kong After Graduation?
Non-local graduates who meet the Immigration Department’s eligibility criteria may apply under the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG). Entrants are normally granted an initial stay of 24 months without other conditions of stay. Eligible extensions normally follow a 3-3-year pattern, making the standard IANG stay pattern 2-3-3 years.
Along with access to nearby destinations, international perspectives, and higher education opportunities, Hong Kong offers a vibrant multicultural environment. Explore the universities mentioned above to find an institution and program that suit your goals.
We hope this article on the best universities in Hong Kong for international students was helpful. Check out the Study in Hong Kong and Available Programs for International Students pages for more insightful articles.
