Savanna Hoffman
Hong Kong is known for its international universities, with a recent surge in international students. The University Grants Committee (UGC) has recorded 14,756 non-local undergraduate students at eight tertiary education institutions, with mainland Chinese students accounting for about 70% of this number. The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has also seen a 50% increase in first-year students from outside the city, with half of them from mainland China. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology is regarded as one of the fastest-growing universities globally, with more than a third of its students being international. The city's universities aim to attract international students and academics to foster a diverse and comprehensive learning experience, promoting Hong Kong as a global hub for post-secondary education.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of international students | 8,000 (for Hong Kong's leading university) |
| Percentage of international students | 40% (for publicly funded universities) |
| Number of nationalities represented | 60 |
| Number of first-year international students in 2024 | 1,200 |
| Number of international students in 2016 | Over 16,000 |
| Number of international exchange programmes | 4 |
| Number of international internship opportunities | 70% of students undertake internships overseas |
| Number of international sports clubs | 5 (including swimming, rowing, table tennis, squash and volleyball) |
| Number of international research collaborations | N/A |
| Number of international faculty members | 80% (for the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology) |
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What You'll Learn
- Hong Kong's leading university has almost 8,000 international students
- HKU's international students come from 60 countries
- HKU's international student intake increased by 50% in 2024
- HKU offers scholarships to international students
- Hong Kong encouraged universities to attract international students affected by the Harvard ban
Hong Kong's leading university has almost 8,000 international students
Hong Kong is known for its international universities, with students and scholars from all over the world. The leading university in Hong Kong has more than 20,000 students, with almost 8,000 international students. The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is the leading university for outstanding students in Hong Kong and is a favourite destination for bright minds from around the world. HKU has a diverse campus and extensive global programmes, attracting international students with its excellent academic standards.
HKU's international focus in education prepares students to become global citizens who can be successful anywhere in the world. The university offers a broad range of merit-based scholarships to support outstanding undergraduate students with one-off payments and renewable financial assistance for tuition and living expenses. HKU also has a dedicated portal for nominated counsellors to help international students navigate the application process.
HKU admitted more than 1,200 first-year students from outside the city in 2024, a 50% increase over the number for the 2023-24 academic cycle, with about half of them from mainland China. The university aims to balance its goal of selecting the best students based on academic merit with its desire to increase diversity. The Chinese Language Centre at HKU offers Cantonese credit-courses for Mainland Chinese and Taiwan students, and ab initio Mandarin Chinese and Cantonese credit-courses for international and exchange students.
HKU is a founding member of Universitas 21, an international consortium of research-led universities, and a member of several other international university associations. In 2018/19, the Research Grants Council (RGC) granted HKU a total research funding of HK$12,127 million, the highest among all universities in Hong Kong. HKU's main campus covers 177,000 square meters of land on Hong Kong Island, with additional buildings in the Southern District.
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HKU's international students come from 60 countries
Hong Kong is known for its international universities, with students and scholars from all over the world. The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is one of the leading universities in the region, with over 20,000 students, including almost 8,000 international students. In 2024, HKU admitted more than 1,200 first-year students from outside the city, a 50% increase over the previous year. The university aims to provide a world-class education to talented students from diverse backgrounds, offering a broad range of merit-based scholarships for outstanding undergraduates.
HKU has a strong focus on internationalisation, aiming to prepare students to become global citizens who can be successful anywhere in the world. The university has a large operating budget, with high levels of government funding, and encourages all students to participate in exchange programmes outside Hong Kong. It has partnerships with over 244 universities worldwide and offers internships and other global opportunities.
HKU's reputation as a global university has made it an attractive option for international students affected by visa and admission policy changes in other countries. The university has actively welcomed students impacted by the Trump administration's ban on foreign students at Harvard, offering a seamless transition for those affected. HKU's response reflects its commitment to attracting top talent from around the world and maintaining its standing in academia.
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HKU's international student intake increased by 50% in 2024
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has long been a popular destination for international students, with its excellent academic standards, diverse campus, and extensive global programmes. In 2024, HKU's international student intake increased by 50%, with over 1,200 first-year students from outside the city, half of whom were from mainland China. This surge in international students is attributed to the Hong Kong government's initiative to transform the city into a global hub for post-secondary education, doubling the publicly funded universities' quota of non-local students from 20% to 40%.
HKU's director of undergraduate admissions and international student exchange, Professor Bennett Yim Chi-kin, emphasised the university's commitment to both academic merit and diversity. The university's international focus aims to prepare students to become global citizens who can succeed anywhere in the world. This development positions HKU as a leading institution for outstanding students in Hong Kong and a favoured choice for bright minds from around the world.
HKU's rise in international student enrolment aligns with Hong Kong's reputation as one of the most global cities, serving as a gateway between East and West. The university's high calibre of education, coupled with its diverse and inclusive environment, makes it a desirable option for international students seeking a world-class academic experience. HKU's response to the Trump administration's attempted ban on foreign students at Harvard further underscores its dedication to fostering a multicultural academic community.
HKU's efforts to attract international students are facilitated by its competitive tuition fees, merit-based scholarships, and streamlined admission procedures. The university's transfer policy also accommodates students impacted by visa policy changes, ensuring that deserving students worldwide have access to top-quality education. HKU's dedication to diversity and inclusivity is further evidenced by its Cantonese and Mandarin Chinese language courses offered to international and exchange students.
In conclusion, HKU's 50% increase in international student intake in 2024 underscores its appeal as a leading global institution. With its academic excellence, diverse campus community, and international focus, HKU continues to attract top talent from around the world, fostering a dynamic and culturally enriching environment for its student body.
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HKU offers scholarships to international students
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has been actively recruiting international students in recent years, with more than 1,200 first-year students from outside the city admitted in 2024, a 50% increase over the previous academic cycle. HKU has also been ranked as the Most International University in the World by Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022.
HKU offers a variety of scholarships for international students to pursue their undergraduate and postgraduate studies. These scholarships aim to nurture future global leaders and innovators, providing them with opportunities to join cultural exchange, study, and internship programmes worldwide. Here are some of the scholarships offered by HKU for international students:
- HKU Future Leaders of the Year Scholarship (FLY Scholarship): Established in 2020, this scholarship is designed for students who aspire to launch their own startups and make a significant impact in the future. It provides a platform for innovative ideas to be realised and encourages positive contributions to society.
- HKU HeForShe IMPACT Champion Scholarship (HeForShe Scholarship): This scholarship supports students who advocate for gender equality and empowers them to pursue their academic dreams. Scholarship recipients have pursued degrees in fields such as Biomedical Sciences and Engineering.
- HKU Worldwide Undergraduate Exchange Scholarship (HKUWW): This scholarship scheme offers funding for students participating in semester exchange studies outside of Hong Kong. It encourages international exposure and cultural exchange, providing a valuable opportunity for personal growth and a broader world perspective.
- Reaching Out Award (ROA): The ROA supports students who need to travel outside Hong Kong to participate in exchange programmes. It ensures that financial assistance is available for those seeking international educational experiences, promoting cultural diversity and global citizenship.
HKU's commitment to offering scholarships demonstrates its dedication to creating a diverse and inclusive community, enriching the university experience for all its students, and fostering a global mindset. These scholarships not only provide financial support but also open doors to numerous opportunities, enabling students to pursue their passions and make a difference in the world.
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Hong Kong encouraged universities to attract international students affected by the Harvard ban
Hong Kong is known for its global universities, which have a high proportion of international students and staff. The city itself is considered one of the most global cities in the world, acting as a gateway between East and West.
In 2025, President Donald Trump restricted foreign student visas at Harvard University, citing national security concerns and alleging that Harvard had a history of concerning foreign ties and radicalism. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) claimed that foreign adversaries took advantage of easy access to American higher education to steal information and exploit research. In response to these concerns, Trump suspended the entry of foreign nationals seeking to study or participate in exchange programs at Harvard. This decision affected almost 6,800 international students, who made up about 27% of Harvard's student population.
Following this, Harvard announced contingency plans for its international students. Both the Kennedy School of Government and the Harvard Business School offered remote learning options for international students who were barred from entering the United States. Additionally, the University of Toronto partnered with Harvard to allow returning Kennedy School students to finish their Harvard degrees in Toronto.
Hong Kong's universities could attract international students affected by the Harvard ban by highlighting their global nature and focus on international education. For example, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, regarded as one of the fastest-growing universities in the world, has more than a third of its student body comprising international students, with at least 60 nationalities represented. Similarly, Hong Kong's leading university has almost 8,000 students from abroad out of a total of over 20,000.
Furthermore, Hong Kong universities could emphasize their international collaborations and exchange programs. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, for instance, has partnerships with over 244 universities worldwide to facilitate student exchanges. All students at this university are encouraged to undertake exchange programs outside of Hong Kong. Additionally, Hong Kong universities could showcase their international research collaborations, such as HKU's membership in the Association for Pacific Rim Universities and the Association of Commonwealth Universities.
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Frequently asked questions
Hong Kong University (HKU) has almost 8,000 international students, with about half of them from mainland China.
Hong Kong University has more than 20,000 students in total.
Approximately 40% of the students at Hong Kong University are international.
Hong Kong University has an international focus in its education with the aim of preparing students to become global citizens who can be successful anywhere in the world.
The UGC's internationalisation strategy accommodates exchange students, allowing them to stay in Hong Kong for a full degree programme, an academic year, or just a semester. Over 2,600 student exchange agreements have been signed between UGC-funded universities and institutions worldwide.
