Famous for being the city with the largest number of skyscrapers in the world and having teeny-tiny apartments, Hong Kong is often a dream destination for international students. Along with Beijing and Shanghai, Hong Kong is among the most popular cities in China. It is known for being a multicultural spot with great opportunities for both graduates and students.
Friendly immigration policies, different islands to visit, a Disneyland park, countless companies, and dozens of universities are only a few of the reasons why studying here can be a life-changing experience. You will notice that many characteristics of their higher education system are similar to those in the Western world.
Also, getting a degree at a quality university in Hong Kong is quite affordable when compared to tuition prices in other countries. In this article, we will be looking at cheap universities in Hong Kong!
Affordable Schools in Hong Kong for International Students
1. The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA)
- Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: from HK$59,750/year (Bachelor’s) | from HK$52,470/year (MPhil/PhD)
Founded in 1984, the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts is Hong Kong’s publicly funded conservatory for dance, drama, film and television, music, theatre, and entertainment arts, and Chinese opera. It combines rigorous studio-based training with professional productions, drawing faculty and guest artists from leading global stages. The campus sits in the cultural hub of Wan Chai, a short walk from the Arts Centre and major performance venues, which gives students consistent exposure to industry partnerships, auditions, and internships. HKAPA’s small class sizes, audition-led admissions, and performance-intensive timetable make it ideal for students who want an immersive pathway into the performing arts.
Non-local undergraduate composition fees start from HK$59,750 per year, with programme-specific rates applying to certain disciplines. Research postgraduate tuition starts from HK$52,470 per year, while taught master’s fees vary by programme and study mode. Fees are normally paid in two instalments per academic year, and students should budget separately for production-related costs (e.g., instrument maintenance, costumes, performance travel) where applicable. Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts is probably the cheapest university in Hong Kong for international students.
2. Lingnan University of Hong Kong
- Tuition Fees Page
- Tuition Fees: from HK$100,000/year (Bachelor’s), HK$44,500 (Master’s)
The Lingnan University of Hong Kong (LU), founded in 1889 as a Christian college, is ranked 591–600 globally by QS. It has ~3,000 students and is a liberal arts university in the Global Liberal Arts Alliance. LU has faculties of arts, business, and social sciences. It offers ten student residences (250 students each) and guarantees accommodation for all undergrads. It partners with 210 universities worldwide, and 85% of LU students go on exchange.
For Bachelor’s, tuition fees start from HK$100,000 per year for subjects like translation and go up to HK$160,000 for subjects like Global Economics and Banking, and it can be paid in two installments. For Master’s and Ph.D., the tuition fee is HK$44,500 per year for a research-based degree, making it an affordable university in Hong Kong for international student.
3. Saint Francis University (Hong Kong)
Formerly the Caritas Institute of Higher Education, Saint Francis University (SFU) became Hong Kong’s first Catholic private university in 2024.SFU offers applied, community-focused programmes in social sciences, psychology, social work, language and healthcare, with strong service-learning traditions inherited from Caritas. Small class sizes, close advising, and professional accreditation routes make SFU attractive to students who want an intimate campus environment and direct engagement with NGOs, schools, and social service agencies.
As one of the cheapest universities for international students, SFU lists non-local bachelor’s tuition starting around HK$103,290 per year for Social Sciences, with programme-specific increases in senior years and higher rates for professional tracks like Social Work.
4. Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU)
HKMU (formerly The Open University of Hong Kong) is a large, self-financing university known for flexible, career-focused degrees and strong support for working learners. It offers full-time and part-time pathways in business, nursing and health studies, language and translation, creative arts, technology, and education. With sizeable student numbers and multiple learning centres, HKMU combines classroom teaching with online resources and work-integrated elements, and is a popular destination for both local and overseas students seeking value and choice.
Programme fees for non-local undergraduates vary by discipline and are published as whole-programme totals. Many bachelor’s programmes fall roughly in the HK$440,000–520,000 range across four years (approximately HK$110,000–130,000 per year equivalent).
5. The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK)
HSUHK is a private, self-financing university that evolved from the Hang Seng School of Commerce and attained university status in 2018. It offers business, communication, translation, social science, and computing programmes that emphasise small classes, mentoring, and a “Liberal + Professional” model. The university’s green Siu Lek Yuen campus in Sha Tin provides modern learning spaces, residences, and a strong culture of student societies, case competitions, and internship placements with banks, logistics firms, and media groups.
Non-local first-year bachelor’s tuition is HK$137,520 per year for most programmes (Art and Design carries a higher fee band). For taught master’s degrees, HSUHK charges by credit (non-local rates commonly around HK$6,000–9,000 per credit depending on programme), so the total depends on credit load.
6. City University of Hong Kong
The City University of Hong Kong (CityU) started as a polytechnic institution and became a university in 1994. It is the 52nd best in the world according to the QS World University Ranking, and the 110th best according to the Times Higher Education World University Ranking.
It is divided into five colleges, which are engineering, science, business, liberal arts and social sciences, and veterinary medicine and life sciences, and five schools of energy and environment, data science, law, creative media, and graduate studies. It has 20 research centers, two research institutes, laboratories, and student residences.
Tuition fees for bachelor’s programs are HK$170,000 per year. Veterinary Medicine is higher at HK$350,000. Master’s fees vary by program. CityU also has scholarship options for undergraduates and graduates to make the education even more affordable.
7. Chinese University of Hong Kong
Founded in 1963, the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) was established by merging three smaller colleges. It is the third-best university in Hong Kong, according to the QS University World Ranking and the Times Higher Education World University Ranking, in which CUHK has 46th and 53rd places, respectively.
With over 20,000 students, CUHK is the biggest university here. It is organized into nine colleges to which students are affiliated. They receive assistance through them and residences, clubs, organizations, and services are distributed according to these colleges.
This cheap university in Hong Kong has eight faculties of business administration, medicine, law, arts, engineering, education, social science, and science. These offer more than 70 undergraduate programs, most of them in English. CUHK also offers student residences with over 8,000 places. It also has seven libraries, several research centers, an art museum, an art gallery, and a museum of climate change.
Tuition fees for international students are HK$178,000 per annum, paid in two installments. Although the institution doesn’t have financial aid available for international students, all admitted students are automatically considered for scholarships. Visit the fee calculator to learn more.
FAQs: Studying in Hong Kong
How Difficult is the Admissions Process at Universities in Hong Kong?
Most universities require standardized exams like A-Levels, ACT, or SATs for admission. The process often includes interviews, and each program may have additional requirements. Besides academics, applicants must also complete legal procedures like obtaining a student visa.
In some cases, mature applicants (aged 23 or older) may be admitted based on exceptional ability in their chosen field of study. Universities also provide alternative pathways for international students to enter programs if they meet specific qualifications.
Can I Study in English at Universities in Hong Kong?
Yes. English is one of Hong Kong’s official languages, and most universities are bilingual. Many undergraduate and postgraduate programs are fully taught in English, making them highly accessible for international students. However, proof of English proficiency (such as IELTS or TOEFL) may be required for non-native speakers.
Is Life in Hong Kong Expensive?
Hong Kong uses the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD). Living costs can be high, especially for housing. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center ranges from HKD12,000 (USD1,500) to HKD17,000 (USD2,170) monthly, though smaller units or those outside the center may cost closer to USD1,000. Groceries average USD190–250 per month, while eating out can cost from USD7 at a casual restaurant to USD50 at higher-end places.
Transportation is efficient and affordable. A monthly subway pass typically costs around HKD500 (USD64). Utilities, especially heating and electricity, can add USD70–100 per month depending on the season.
If you secure a place in university dormitories, your living costs will be much lower. Most universities in Hong Kong guarantee or prioritize accommodation for international students.
We hope this article on cheap universities in Hong Kong was useful. Check out the Study in Hong Kong and Available Programs for International Students pages for more information on studying abroad.
