The University of Hong Kong

Asia's Global University. A prestigious research institution where East meets West, delivering world-class education entirely in English.

Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong World Rank: #11 (QS 2026) Founded: 1911

36,000+

Students

127

Nationalities

99.4%

Employment Rate

#1

Most International (World)

Why Study at HKU?

English Medium

As an English-medium university, HKU offers a Western-style education without language barriers, making it ideal for international students.

Gateway to China

HKU provides unique insights and access to Mainland China's economy while enjoying the freedoms and international legal system of Hong Kong.

Dentistry Leader

The Faculty of Dentistry is consistently ranked #1 or #2 globally, outperforming even Harvard and Karolinska Institute in this specialty.

Global Employability

Ranked #10 worldwide for Graduate Employability. Major global banks, law firms, and tech giants recruit heavily from HKU.

Vibrant City Life

Located on Hong Kong Island, the campus is minutes away from the Central business district and lush mountain trails.

Diverse Community

With over 12,000 international students, the campus is a melting pot of cultures, offering a truly global networking opportunity.

Popular Programs

MBBS (Medicine)

Highly prestigious 6-year program

Global Business

IBGM: The top business degree in Asia

Dentistry

World-leading dental surgery degree

Law (LLB)

Common Law jurisdiction training

Computer Science

Focus on FinTech and AI

Economics & Finance

Rigorous quantitative training

Architecture

Sustainable high-density urban design

Biomedical Science

Cutting-edge medical research

Engineering

Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and more

Social Sciences

Psychology, Politics, and Sociology

MBA

HKU Business School (Top in Asia)

Master of Finance

Specializations in FinTech/Financial Engineering

MSc Computer Science

Cybersecurity, Multimedia, and Data tracks

LLM (Law)

Corporate, Financial, and Human Rights Law

Master of Education

Ranked among top education schools globally

MSc Business Analytics

Big data for business decision making

Master of Public Health

Renowned for epidemiology research

MSc Engineering

Advanced structural and geotechnical engineering

MArch (Architecture)

Professional architectural qualification

PhD

Research degrees with HKPFS funding available

Scholarships & Funding

Entrance Scholarships

HKU Entrance Scholarships for Outstanding International Students can cover full tuition and living expenses based on academic merit.

HKPFS (PhD)

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme offers a stipend of ~US$42,000 per year for the best doctoral candidates worldwide.

Belt and Road

Government scholarships for students from Belt and Road countries covering tuition fees.

HeForShe Scholarship

Impact scholarships for students committed to gender equality and creating social change.

Foundation Scholarships

The HKU Foundation provides entrance scholarships specifically for top-performing international undergraduates.

Internships

While not a scholarship, HKU allows students to take on internships, and many courses include paid placement opportunities.

A Historic Campus

Main Building

A declared monument and the oldest structure on campus, featuring iconic Edwardian Baroque architecture.

Chi Wah Learning

The "Learning Commons" is a modern, tech-enabled study hub with collaborative zones open to students.

Residential Halls

17 residential halls (like St. John's and Ricci) offer a rich tradition of "Hall Education" and community living.

HKU Libraries

Includes the Main Library and specialist libraries for Law, Music, and Education, holding over 3 million volumes.

Stanley Ho Sports

Comprehensive sports complex featuring swimming pools, athletics stadiums, and fitness centers.

UMAG

The University Museum and Art Gallery houses extensive collections of Chinese art and archaeology.

Research Excellence

Infectious Diseases

HKU played a key role in identifying the SARS virus and remains a global leader in emerging infectious disease research.

AI & Fintech

Leveraging Hong Kong's status as a financial hub, HKU leads research in blockchain, AI, and financial technology.

Urban Lab

Focuses on high-density living, smart cities, and sustainable urban development in the Asian context.

Genomics

The Centre for PanorOmic Sciences provides state-of-the-art support for genomic and proteomic research.

State Key Labs

Home to 5 Partner State Key Laboratories (SKLs) recognized by the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology.

China Studies

Unrivaled expertise in the study of China's politics, economy, society, and history.

Entry Requirements

Undergraduate Requirements

  • IB Diploma: Typically 37-43 points (Medicine/Law/IBGM require 42+).
  • A-Levels: A*A*A to A*AA depending on the program.
  • SAT/ACT: Accepted. SAT 1350-1500+ usually expected alongside AP exams.
  • English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0) or TOEFL 93+.
  • Second Language: Requirement to have studied a language other than English (exemptions available).
  • Interview: Frequently conducted for Medicine, Dentistry, Law, and Architecture.
  • Personal Statement: Focus on academic achievements and global outlook.

Graduate Requirements

  • Bachelor's Degree: Honours degree from a recognized university (typically 2:1 equivalent).
  • GMAT/GRE: Highly recommended (often required) for Business School programs.
  • Work Experience: Required for MBA and some specialized Master's programs.
  • English Proficiency: Strict. IELTS 6.0-7.0 or TOEFL 80+ depending on the faculty.
  • References: Two academic/professional referees required.
  • Specific Prerequisites: Quantitative background required for Finance/Econ degrees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to speak Cantonese?
No. The medium of instruction at HKU is 100% English. You can live and study comfortably without Cantonese, though learning basic phrases is helpful for daily life in the city.
Is on-campus housing available?
Yes, but it is competitive. HKU has several residential halls and colleges. International undergraduates are prioritized, but spots are not guaranteed for all 4 years.
Can I work in Hong Kong after graduating?
Yes! Non-local graduates can apply for the IANG visa, which allows you to stay in Hong Kong for 12 months (or more) after graduation to look for a job, without having a secured offer beforehand.
How competitive is the Medical School?
Extremely. The MBBS program is one of the most selective in the world. However, HKU does accept international students (unlike some countries), provided they have near-perfect grades and interview scores.

Ready to Study in Asia's World City?

From IANG visas to scholarship applications, we guide you through the process of joining HKU.