Famous for its skyscraper skyline and compact apartments, Hong Kong is often a dream destination for international students. Along with major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, Hong Kong is one of the region’s best-known study destinations. It is a multicultural city with opportunities for both graduates and students.
Student visa procedures, nearby islands to visit, a Disneyland park, many international companies, and a wide range of universities are only a few of the reasons why studying here can be a life-changing experience. You will also notice that many characteristics of Hong Kong’s higher education system are similar to those in the Western world.
Getting a degree at a quality university in Hong Kong can be affordable by international standards, especially at institutions with comparatively lower non-local tuition fees. 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: HK$63,000/year (Bachelor’s) | from HK$107,000/year (full-time Master’s)
Founded in 1984, the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts is Hong Kong’s publicly funded conservatory for dance, drama, film and television, music, theater 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 tuition for 2026/27 is HK$63,000 per year. Full-time master’s tuition starts at HK$107,000 per year for several MFA and MMus programs, while other master’s programs have different rates. Fees are normally paid in two installments per academic year, and students should budget separately for production-related costs, such as instrument maintenance, costumes, and performance travel, where applicable. HKAPA has one of the lowest annual non-local undergraduate tuition rates among the institutions in this list.
2. Lingnan University of Hong Kong
- Tuition Fees Page
- Tuition Fees: HK$175,000/year (Bachelor’s) | HK$47,000/year (MPhil/PhD)
Lingnan University of Hong Kong (LU) traces its history to the Christian College in China, which was founded in Guangzhou in 1888. It is ranked #701–710 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and follows a liberal arts education model. LU is connected to the Global Liberal Arts Alliance and offers programs through its faculties and schools in arts, business, social sciences, interdisciplinary studies, and graduate studies. Its residential, liberal arts approach emphasizes close faculty-student interaction, broad learning, and global exposure.
For bachelor’s degrees, the non-local tuition fee is HK$175,000 per year for the 2026/27 academic year. For MPhil and PhD programs, full-time tuition is HK$47,000 per year, payable in two installments. Taught master’s tuition varies by program, so students should check the relevant department before applying.
3. Saint Francis University (Hong Kong)
Formerly the Caritas Institute of Higher Education, Saint Francis University (SFU) acquired its university title and was renamed in January 2024. SFU is a Catholic, not-for-profit, self-financing university with applied, community-focused programs in areas such as social sciences, psychology, social work, language, and health care. 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 more affordable universities for international students in Hong Kong, SFU lists non-local tuition for the 2025/26 Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) starting at HK$103,290 in Year 1. Fees increase modestly by year and track, with higher senior-year rates for professional programs such as 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 became Hong Kong’s first university of applied sciences in 2024. HKMU 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 centers, HKMU combines classroom teaching with online resources and work-integrated elements, making it a popular destination for students seeking value and choice.
For 2026/27 international undergraduate applicants, HKMU estimates annual tuition at HK$130,000. Its international undergraduate leaflet also lists estimated annual accommodation at HK$99,200 and general living expenses at HK$60,000, so students should budget beyond tuition when comparing universities.
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 programs that emphasize small classes, mentoring, and a “Liberal + Professional” education 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.
For 2026/27 Year 1 entrants with international qualifications, first-year non-local undergraduate tuition starts at HK$153,820 for most programs and rises to HK$193,240 for Art and Design. For 2025/26 taught master’s programs, non-local tuition starts at HK$4,580 per credit and varies by program, so the total depends on credit load.
6. City University of Hong Kong
- Tuition Fees Page
- Tuition Fees: HK$190,000/year (Bachelor’s) | HK$392,000/year (Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine)
City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) started as a polytechnic institution and became a university in 1994. It is ranked =63 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and 73rd in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026.
CityUHK offers programs across fields such as biomedicine, business, computing, creative media, energy and environment, law, liberal arts and social sciences, veterinary medicine and life sciences, science, and engineering. Its English-medium teaching environment, international partnerships, laboratories, and student residences make it a strong option for students who want a research-active urban university.
Tuition fees for non-local bachelor’s students admitted in 2026/27 are HK$190,000 per year. The Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine program is higher at HK$392,000 per year. CityUHK also has scholarship options for undergraduates and graduates to make education more affordable.
7. Chinese University of Hong Kong
Founded in 1963, the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is one of Hong Kong’s highest-ranked universities. It is ranked =32 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and =41 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026.
With over 20,000 students, CUHK is organized into nine colleges and eight faculties. Students are affiliated with colleges that provide support, residence life, clubs, organizations, and services.
This university in Hong Kong has faculties of arts, business administration, education, engineering, law, medicine, science, and social science. These faculties offer a wide range of undergraduate programs, many of them taught in English. CUHK also has student residences, libraries, research centers, an art museum, an art gallery, and a museum of climate change.
Tuition fees for non-local undergraduate students entering in 2026/27 are HK$214,000 per year, with yearly adjustments for that cohort capped at 3%. Admitted students may be considered for scholarships, depending on eligibility and academic merit. Visit the fee calculator to learn more.
FAQs: Studying in Hong Kong
How Difficult is the Admissions Process at Universities in Hong Kong?
Admissions can be competitive and differ by university and program. Applicants usually need to meet academic qualifications such as A-Levels, IB, SAT/ACT, national exams, or equivalent qualifications. Some programs may also require interviews, portfolios, auditions, or professional prerequisites. Non-local students who need permission to study in Hong Kong should also follow university instructions for a student visa or entry permit. Hong Kong’s Immigration Department states that student visa processing normally takes about six weeks after all required documents and information are received.
Some universities provide alternative pathways for applicants with non-standard qualifications, but these rules vary by institution and program. Always check the official admission page for the program you want to apply to.
Can I Study in English at Universities in Hong Kong?
Yes. English is one of Hong Kong’s official languages, and many universities use English as a main teaching language for a large share of their undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Some programs are taught in Chinese or are bilingual, so students should check the language of instruction before applying.
Proof of English proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL, may be required for non-native speakers. Exact scores vary by university and program. For example, HKMU lists IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 79 for many undergraduate applicants, while CityUHK lists IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 79 for many international applicants.
Is Life in Hong Kong Expensive?
Hong Kong uses the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD), and housing is often the largest living cost. University estimates are a safer guide than broad citywide averages because dormitory availability, location, and lifestyle can change the total significantly.
As a practical benchmark, CityUHK estimates HK$50,000 per academic year for general living costs, plus HK$19,800 for student residence or HK$50,000–60,000 for off-campus accommodation for two semesters. HKMU’s 2026/27 international undergraduate leaflet estimates HK$99,200 for accommodation and HK$60,000 for living expenses per year. If you secure a university residence place, your living costs may be much lower than renting privately.
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.
