Colleges & Universities in Hong Kong

Universities in Hong Kong New

Introduction

What are the most popular Universities and Colleges in Hong Kong? uniRank answers this question by publishing the 2025 HK University Ranking of 14 HK higher-education institutions meeting the following uniRank selection criteria:

  • being chartered, licensed or accredited by the appropriate higher education-related organization in Hong Kong
  • offering at least three-year bachelor's degrees or postgraduate master's or doctoral degrees
  • delivering courses predominantly in a traditional, non-distance education format

2025 Ranking of HK Universities

2025 University Sub-rankings by Districts

League Tables and University sub-rankings of HK Universities in the following administrative divisions:


Eastern District (1)  
Kowloon City (4)  
Sai Kung (1)  
Sha Tin (2)  
Southern District (1)  
Tai Po (1)  
Tai Wai (1)  
Tseung Kwan O (1)  
Tuen Mun (2)  

Country Featured Universities

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Overview of Universities in Hong Kong

Overview of Hong Kong Universities

Hong Kong's higher education system is globally recognized for its academic excellence, international outlook and robust research output. The territory hosts 14 degree-awarding institutions, comprising public universities funded by the University Grants Committee and private institutions. Key characteristics include bilingual education (English and Chinese), strong industry connections and extensive global partnerships. Universities offer comprehensive programs across disciplines or specialize in fields like education, liberal arts or applied sciences. Most institutions are public non-profit, ensuring high-quality teaching and cutting-edge research infrastructure.

Top Hong Kong Universities

  1. The University of Hong Kong (香港大學) (HKU)
    Country Rank: 1 | World Rank: 147. Established 1911. Public research university in Southern District. Comprehensive programs.
  2. The Chinese University of Hong Kong (香港中文大学) (CUHK)
    Country Rank: 2 | World Rank: 213. Established 1963. Public research university in Sha Tin. Comprehensive programs.
  3. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (香港科技大學) (HKUST)
    Country Rank: 3 | World Rank: 358. Established 1991. Public research university in Sai Kung. Specialized in science, engineering, business.
  4. City University of Hong Kong (香港城市大學) (CityU)
    Country Rank: 4 | World Rank: 467. Established 1984. Public research university in Kowloon City. Comprehensive programs.
  5. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (香港理工大學) (PolyU)
    Country Rank: 5 | World Rank: 495. Established 1937. Public research university in Kowloon City. Applied sciences and professional education.
  6. Hong Kong Baptist University (香港浸會大學) (HKBU)
    Country Rank: 6 | World Rank: 731. Established 1956. Public research university in Kowloon City. Comprehensive programs with liberal arts focus.
  7. The Education University of Hong Kong (香港教育大學) (EdUHK)
    Country Rank: 7 | World Rank: 1328. Established 1994. Public university in Tai Po. Specialized in teacher education.
  8. Lingnan University (嶺南大學) (LU)
    Country Rank: 8 | World Rank: 1824. Established 1967. Public university in Tuen Mun. Specialized in liberal arts education.
  9. Hong Kong Metropolitan University (香港都會大學) (HKMU)
    Country Rank: 9 | World Rank: 2471. Established 1989. Public university in Kowloon City. Professional and continuing education.
  10. Hong Kong Shue Yan University (香港樹仁大學) (HKSYU)
    Country Rank: 10 | World Rank: 4206. Established 1971. Private non-profit university in Eastern District. Humanities and social sciences focus.

Analysis of University Types

Hong Kong hosts 14 universities total. Public institutions dominate with 9 universities (64.3% of all institutions), while private universities comprise 4 institutions (28.6%). This distribution reflects the government's significant investment in higher education through the University Grants Committee funding model.

Global Ranking and Standing

Hong Kong universities achieve exceptional global recognition, with 1 institution ranking in the top 200 worldwide (7.1% of local universities). Over 42.9% (6 institutions) rank within the top 1,000 globally, demonstrating the region's outsized academic influence relative to its size. These top-ranked Hong Kong universities excel in research output, international faculty ratios and graduate employability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How many public universities are in Hong Kong?

A: Hong Kong has 9 public universities, including all institutions ranked in the country's top 9.

Q: What is the oldest university in Hong Kong?

A: The University of Hong Kong (HKU), founded in 1911, is the territory's oldest higher education institution.

Q: Do Hong Kong universities teach in English?

A: Most programs at top universities are English-medium, particularly at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Q: Are Hong Kong degrees internationally recognized?

A: Yes, degrees from Hong Kong's universities are globally respected and feature prominently in international rankings.

Q: Which Hong Kong university specializes in teacher education?

A: The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) is dedicated to teacher training and education research.


Related HK University Lists

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