Hong Kong's Student Population: University Enrolment Numbers

how many university students are there in hong kong

Hong Kong is home to 22 accredited degree-awarding higher education institutions, which offer a wide range of high-quality programmes from sub-degree to doctoral levels. In addition to these, there are 22 post-secondary institutions offering a variety of locally accredited sub-degree programmes. The University of Hong Kong (HKU), for example, admitted more than 1,200 first-year students from outside the city in 2024, with about half of them from mainland China. With a diverse range of academic opportunities, Hong Kong is a hub for students seeking quality education.

Characteristics Values
Number of accredited degree-awarding higher education institutions in Hong Kong 22
Number of non-local courses conducted in Hong Kong by institutions outside Hong Kong 997
Number of first-year students from outside the city admitted to The University of Hong Kong 1200+

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There are 22 accredited degree-awarding higher education institutions in Hong Kong

Hong Kong has 22 accredited degree-awarding higher education institutions. This includes universities funded under the University Grants Committee (UGC) and other approved institutions.

The University Grants Committee (UGC) funds research and provides financial support to universities in Hong Kong. The University of Hong Kong (HKU), founded in 1911, and The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), founded in 1963, are among the institutions funded by the UGC.

In addition to the universities funded by the UGC, there are other approved institutions that offer higher education programmes but are not authorised to confer degrees. These institutions are government-supported and offer full-time self-financing degree programmes. An example of such an institution is the Savannah College of Art and Design of Hong Kong, which was a campus of a US-based university in North Kowloon Magistracy until it shut down in 2020.

To achieve full university status, colleges or institutes first award an honour diploma, which is equivalent to a higher diploma or associate degree in Hong Kong and equivalent to a bachelor's degree in some countries. Examples of universities that have achieved full university status include Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU), also known as The Open University of Hong Kong (OUHK), Hong Kong Shue Yan University (HKSYU), and Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK).

In summary, Hong Kong has 22 accredited degree-awarding higher education institutions, including universities funded by the UGC and other approved institutions that offer a range of higher education programmes. The process of achieving full university status involves awarding honour diplomas before being granted official recognition.

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The University of Hong Kong admitted 1,200+ first-year students from outside the city

Hong Kong is home to several prestigious universities that attract students from across the globe. The University of Hong Kong (HKU), for instance, has a diverse campus and extensive global programmes, making it a favourite destination for bright minds worldwide. HKU's admissions office invites applications from non-local students with international qualifications or other national examination qualifications.

HKU admitted more than 1,200 first-year students from outside the city this autumn, marking a significant 50% increase from the previous academic year. This cohort of non-local students represents a diverse range of nationalities, with approximately half hailing from mainland China and the rest coming from about 60 different countries and regions.

This surge in international student enrolment aligns with the government's initiative to transform Hong Kong into a prominent hub for post-secondary education. As part of this endeavour, publicly funded universities' quotas for non-local students were doubled from 20% to 40% this year. HKU's director of undergraduate admissions and international student exchange, Professor Bennett Yim Chi-kin, emphasised the need to balance academic merit with increased diversity in student recruitment.

HKU offers a world-class education and provides a unique Discovery-Enriched Curriculum (DEC) that fosters a passion for knowledge and innovation. The university also boasts state-of-the-art facilities, such as the HK$4 million Gateway Education Laboratory (GE Lab), which enhances the undergraduate experience. Additionally, HKU has established transfer policies for students enrolled at universities ranked in the global top 50, making it a desirable destination for those seeking academic excellence.

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Half of the University of Hong Kong's non-local students come from mainland China

Hong Kong has seen a notable increase in the number of non-local students enrolling in its universities in recent years. In the 2020/21 academic year, almost 13,600 non-local students in UGC-funded universities in Hong Kong came from mainland China. This influx of students from the mainland has sparked concerns about the city's ability to meet its goal of internationalising its campuses.

The University Grants Committee (UGC) data revealed that 75% of non-local first-year undergraduates at Hong Kong's public universities are from mainland China. This proportion has increased over the years, with the latest figures showing a 55% rise in the number of mainland students among the newest batch. The surge in mainland Chinese students has led to concerns about the universities' over-reliance on this demographic and the potential impact on the admission of international students from other countries.

The University of Hong Kong, the city's oldest tertiary education institution, has a non-local student population of 30%, with PolyU close behind at 29%. HKUST has achieved 26%, while Lingnan University stands at 23%. These universities benefit financially from the higher fees paid by non-local students, and academics generally view the increased intake of non-local students positively.

However, critics argue that the sudden increase in quotas to 40% may have unintended consequences. There are concerns that local students may find it more challenging to gain admission to top universities, potentially pushing them to lower-tier institutions. Additionally, accommodating the growing number of overseas students presents logistical challenges, as Hong Kong universities already struggle to guarantee housing for local students.

In conclusion, while the influx of non-local students, particularly from mainland China, has its advantages for Hong Kong's universities, there are valid concerns about maintaining a diverse student body and ensuring fair access for local students. The government and universities must carefully consider the impact of their policies on the overall educational landscape in Hong Kong and take steps to promote a balanced and inclusive higher education system.

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Hong Kong has 997 non-local courses conducted by institutions outside Hong Kong

Hong Kong is home to 22 higher education institutions with local degree-awarding power, offering a range of programmes from sub-degree to doctoral levels. In addition to these, there are 22 post-secondary institutions offering locally-accredited sub-degree programmes. Hong Kong's universities are known for their high quality, with several institutions ranked within the top 100 worldwide.

Beyond these local options, Hong Kong also boasts a diverse array of non-local educational opportunities. There are 997 non-local courses conducted within Hong Kong by institutions based outside the territory. These courses provide students with the opportunity to obtain non-local higher academic or professional qualifications.

The availability of these non-local courses broadens the educational landscape in Hong Kong, offering students a wide range of choices for their further studies. These courses are monitored by the Non-local Courses Registry of the Education Bureau and must be registered or exempted from registration under the Non-local Higher and Professional Education (Regulation) Ordinance (Cap. 493).

Of the 997 non-local courses, 115 have been locally accredited by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ). This accreditation ensures that the qualifications obtained through these courses are recognised and placed on the Qualifications Register.

For students considering non-local further studies, Hong Kong serves as a hub of information and opportunities. Regular events, such as the Education and Careers Expo organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, provide valuable insights into studying outside Hong Kong. Students can also utilise resources like the HKCAAVQ's Qualifications Assessment (QA) service to assess the equivalence of non-local educational qualifications for employment or further study in Hong Kong.

Additionally, students have the option to pursue their studies entirely outside Hong Kong. Popular destinations include the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, the United States of America, and New Zealand. When considering further education outside Hong Kong, students are advised to conduct thorough research, carefully review application requirements, consult relevant authorities, and make informed decisions regarding their chosen institutions and courses.

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Three of Hong Kong's universities are ranked in the top 50 worldwide

Hong Kong is a densely populated city state with several highly ranked universities. While I cannot determine how many university students there are in Hong Kong, I can tell you that three of its universities are ranked in the top 50 worldwide.

The University of Hong Kong, one of the oldest higher education institutions in the city, is ranked 44th in the Best Global Universities. The university attracts students from Hong Kong, mainland China, Asia, and the rest of the world with its academic excellence. It offers a broad range of programmes, including architecture, arts, business and economics, dentistry, education, law, medicine, science, and social sciences. The University of Hong Kong boasts a strong international staff and student body, with all programmes taught in English and Chinese. Its academic reputation and research performance are widely recognised, and it has a good graduate employment rate.

Hong Kong Polytechnic University, founded in 1972, is another highly regarded institution. It offers a diverse range of degrees, including applied science and textiles, business, tourism management, engineering, health and social sciences, and design and humanities. Hong Kong Polytechnic University stands out for its notable research projects, such as the development of a drug to cure liver cancer (BCT-100) and the creation of electronic "bat ears" to assist the visually impaired. The campus features the iconic Jockey Club Innovation Tower, a Zaha Hadid-designed building that hosts design-related events.

While I cannot find specific ranking information for other universities in Hong Kong, it is clear that the city's higher education institutions are well-regarded globally, with strong academic and research credentials. The best universities in Hong Kong offer impressive campuses, social programmes, and international opportunities for students, contributing to their reputation and appeal.

Frequently asked questions

There are 22 accredited degree-awarding higher education institutions in Hong Kong, although an exact number of students is harder to find. The University of Hong Kong (HKU) admitted 1,200 first-year students from outside the city in 2024, with about half from mainland China.

There are 22 higher education institutions in Hong Kong with local degree-awarding power.

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is one of the 22 accredited degree-awarding higher education institutions in Hong Kong.

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