Hong Kong is shining as a global hub for higher education, with five of its universities ranked among the top 100 in the 2026 QS World University Rankings. This academic growth is attracting elite scholars and ambitious students from around the world, drawn to a city where academia and innovation meet opportunity.
The scale of this international appeal is reflected in Education Bureau data, which shows that one in five students and 70% of academic staff at publicly funded universities come from outside Hong Kong. These institutions have further reinforced their global connectivity by establishing over 2,600 student exchange agreements with partners worldwide.
To build on this reputation, the Bureau is actively forging strategic international partnerships. A recent example was Secretary for Education Dr. Choi Yuk-lin’s visit to Osaka, Japan, in late July to promote the city as a premier destination for post-secondary learning. Central to this effort is the “Study in Hong Kong” brand, designed to attract top-tier non-local students and foster a globally connected academic community. The Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) 2026 Conference, to be hosted in Hong Kong in February, will further elevate this brand on the world stage.
Considering the complex and evolving global academic landscape, the Bureau has also directed universities to implement support measures for students and scholars affected by recent U.S. academic policies. This initiative aims to safeguard their rights while enhancing institutional efforts to attract top international talent. Eight universities funded by the University Grants Committee (UGC) received 850 enquiries according to data from July.
This aligns with the increase in non-local student quota at UGC-funded institutions from 20% to 40% starting in the 2024/25 academic year, a significant step toward a more diverse campus experience.
Focusing on attracting talent from ASEAN and Belt & Road countries and regions, Hong Kong has introduced targeted scholarships and incentives. These efforts are complemented by the HK$3.07 billion Government Scholarship Fund, which rewards outstanding students enrolled in full-time, publicly funded programmes across eight UGC-funded institutions, the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, and the Vocational Training Council.
Jeff Tang, Chairman of the Chamber’s Manpower Committee, underscored the importance of capitalizing on this impetus. “With the emergence of new economic sectors and jobs, a strong partnership between industries and universities allows our young talents to develop and cultivate the right skills that will propel our economic activities forward,” he noted.
The University of Hong Kong (HKU)
HKU, which stands 11th in the 2026 QS World University Rankings, has implemented several initiatives designed to enhance academic excellence, drive research innovation and foster international collaboration.
“To attract and retain global talent, HKU has launched the HKU Professoriate Recruitment Campaign, aimed at recruiting distinguished scholars across all disciplines and career stages,” said Professor Peng Gong, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic Development), HKU. “The university has leveraged government initiatives, such as the Global STEM Professorship Scheme, to attract leading researchers and academics. Furthermore, the Top Talent Pass Scheme has streamlined visa approvals and relocation processes, facilitating a seamless transition for overseas scholars.”
HKU’s Career Readiness Training series equips students with essential skills in job search strategies, while career fairs, recruitment talks and networking sessions connect students with local employers for internships and job opportunities. Initiatives such as CareerAI and Employer Voices offer hands-on experience, complemented by exclusive HKU job platforms and AI-aided career resources that enhance employability. Ongoing support, like Career Coaching, offered throughout students’ academic journeys and after graduation, helps equip graduates to successfully transition and settle in Hong Kong.
Currently, 52.9% of HKU’s student body, encompassing both undergraduate and postgraduate cohorts, comprises international students (based on nationality). For the 2025/26 academic year, HKU received over 25,000 non-local undergraduate applications, a record-breaking number that exceeded pre-pandemic figures. Students are actively recruited from diverse regions, including the Americas, the Middle East and Belt & Road countries.
Besides expanding global partnership networks and providing tailored support services for the integration of international students, HKU also collaborates with overseas governments to enhance scholarship opportunities.
City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK)
CityUHK is building a dynamic, global academic community – growth fuelled by strategic initiatives to attract world-class talent. At 63rd place in the 2026 QS World University Rankings, the university has launched several prestigious schemes, including the Distinguished Visiting Professors, Presidential Assistant Professors and Global Research Assistant Professors schemes to bring leading scholars to Hong Kong.
In addition, over the past two years, CityUHK has established several new academic institutes and research centres: the CityUHK Academy of Innovation, the Institute of Digital Medicine, the Hong Kong Institute of AI for Science, the College of Computing, and the College of Biomedicine.
In response to the evolving global academic landscape, CityUHK recently launched a strategic initiative to attract talented PhD candidates from top international institutions affected by current circumstances, particularly those from Tsinghua University and Peking University. This initiative includes an expedited admissions process, dedicated scholarships, and career support and opportunities. Since its launch, CityUHK has received inquiries from international students pursuing doctoral degrees at prestigious universities, such as Columbia University.
Its global network is expansive, featuring over 400 exchange partners in 40+ countries. For example, a landmark collaboration with the University of Cambridge will support 18 postdoctoral researchers across diverse fields.
This international focus is reflected in its diverse community. The student body at CityUHK is drawn from nearly 100 nationalities, and its faculty hail from more than 40 countries and regions. In the 2024/25 academic year, the university admitted non-local students from nearly 30 countries and regions worldwide, with the number of international students rising by over 20% compared to that in the 2023/24 academic year.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)
PolyU, ranked 54th in the 2026 QS World University Rankings, aims to become a world-class university that excels in education, research and knowledge transfer as per its strategic plan for 2025/26 to 2030/31.
“We will drive world-leading research and innovation focused on solving the most pressing global challenges and cultivate graduates who are leaders of innovation and also proficient in AI and emerging technologies,” stated Professor Ben Young, Vice President (Student and Global Affairs), PolyU.
In 2024, over 50% of the university’s newly recruited academic, teaching, and clinical staff members were from outside Hong Kong. PolyU has also leveraged the Government’s Global STEM Professorship Scheme to attract academic talent. Besides this, its Strategic Hiring Scheme attracts international talent with competitive remuneration packages and start-up grants to support research activities. The Presidential Young Scholars Scheme has also been established to attract outstanding young scholars.
Alongside career training workshops, fairs with leading employers, recruitment talks, and a dedicated job portal featuring over 12,000 job vacancies available to both local and non-local students, the university has set up a Work-Integrated Education scheme offering internship opportunities in Hong Kong, the Mainland, and overseas.
It also boasts a community of over 14,000 non-local students from various countries. To further enhance diversity, PolyU is actively seeking to attract students from the Belt and Road countries and is exploring new markets in Central Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and South America. Notably, the PolyU Summer Institute offers the first-ever residential programme tailored for non-local high school students.
The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)
CUHK aims to emphasize a balanced focus on both the arts and sciences, while transforming research into practical applications and promoting sustainable development.
At 32nd place in the 2026 QS World University Rankings, the university is going all out to attract global talent and support career growth. Key strategies include enhancing academic and interdisciplinary research, strengthening collaborations with institutions and solidifying its leadership position among elite universities.
CUHK actively participates in the Government’s Global STEM Professorship Scheme, which aids in recruiting renowned professors in STEM fields to Hong Kong. Since 2023, CUHK has welcomed over 150 international scholars across diverse disciplines from 15 countries, enriching its teaching and research capacity.
To support career development, the university’s Career Planning and Development Centre (CPDC) provides various employment services, including recruitment talks, career fairs and mentorship programs. These initiatives aim to prepare both local and non-local students for the job market, with services such as one-on-one career consultations and a dedicated job portal for internships and job opportunities, a spokesperson for CUHK said.
In the 2024/25 academic year, CUHK admitted approximately 800 non-local students, constituting 23.6% of the first-year population. To aid their integration and career preparedness, the CPDC conducts “Working in Hong Kong” talks and offers language courses in Cantonese and Putonghua. CUHK’s proximity to Mainland China also provides added convenience for those seeking to explore opportunities across the border, as well as for Mainland Chinese students who prefer to stay close to home.
Amid rapidly changing global circumstances, the university is providing comprehensive support to affected students. In addition to the established procedures, it will handle matters with flexibility and swiftly implement appropriate measures to assist students from diverse backgrounds in their transition to CUHK, the spokesperson stated.
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)
HKUST thrives on recruiting outstanding faculty and students, focusing on attracting world-class scholars and a diverse student body to promote academic excellence.
At 44th place in the 2026 QS World University Rankings, its faculty recruitment strategy emphasizes competitive remuneration and research autonomy, supporting innovation in key areas such as biomedical science and translational medicine; AI & electronics; material science & future energy; sustainability & green tech; management; and art tech & humanities. Collaborations with prestigious institutions like MIT, Stanford and Cornell University facilitate knowledge exchange and strengthen research initiatives.
As Professor Nancy Ip, President of HKUST, noted: “What distinguishes HKUST is our commitment to creating an ecosystem where brilliant minds thrive. We don’t just recruit top faculty – we invest in their long-term growth by providing strong research support, an environment that encourages innovation, and a vast network of local and international partners. An excellent faculty naturally attracts outstanding students who seek to learn from the best, creating a virtuous cycle that elevates our entire academic community.”
HKUST has a diverse student population from over 80 countries and regions. For the 2025/26 academic year, the university received nearly 20,000 applications for around 800 non-local undergraduate positions, representing a 40% year-on-year increase. Non-local student intake has reached 40% of the approved student number, as per the enrolment cap set by the Government. This is coupled with recruitment efforts that include outreach in Belt and Road countries across Asia and the Middle East, as well as Europe and North America.
The university also provides support services including career counselling, internship placements and entrepreneurship programmes. Its strong industry connections ensure students gain practical experience, with over 90% of graduates securing employment within six months of completing their studies.