Study at The University of Hong Kong
Experience one of Asia's highest-ranked universities, combining over a century of academic excellence with innovation, global research, and an international learning environment in the heart of Hong Kong.
Asia's Premier University
The University of Hong Kong (HKU), founded in 1911, is Hong Kong's oldest university and one of the most prestigious institutions in Asia. As a publicly funded research university, HKU has established itself as a global leader in academic excellence, research impact, and international engagement.
HKU is home to over 31,000 students from more than 100 countries and territories, with approximately 40% of its student body being non-local. The university comprises 10 faculties offering programmes across architecture, arts, business & economics, dentistry, education, engineering, law, medicine, science, and social sciences.
With a commitment to internationalisation and bilingual education (English and Chinese), HKU offers an outstanding learning environment supported by world-class research facilities, extensive exchange programmes with over 340 partner institutions, and strong connections to the Greater Bay Area and global business community. HKU has produced numerous distinguished alumni including Nobel laureates and heads of state.
Academic Excellence
10 faculties offering world-class programmes in English
Faculty of Architecture
Main Campus
Faculty of Arts
Main Campus
Faculty of Business & Economics
Main Campus
Faculty of Dentistry
Prince Philip Dental Hospital Campus
Faculty of Education
Main Campus
Faculty of Engineering
Main Campus
Faculty of Law
Centennial Campus Campus
Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine
Sassoon Road Campus
Faculty of Science
Main Campus
Faculty of Social Sciences
Centennial Campus Campus
Investment in Your Future
Generous scholarships available for outstanding students
Undergraduate
- tuition local: HKD $42,100/year (approximately USD $5,400/year β local students)
- tuition international: HKD $182,000/year (approximately USD $23,300/year β non-local students, 2024β2025)
- tuition medicine dentistry: HKD $182,000/year (same as other programmes for non-local students)
- caution money: HKD $350 (refundable deposit, one-time)
- note: All undergraduate programmes for non-local students have the same tuition fee. Tuition is reviewed annually by the University and subject to change.
Graduate
- taught postgraduate: HKD $120,000β$350,000/year (approximately USD $15,400β$44,900/year β varies by programme)
- mba: HKD $588,000 total (approximately USD $75,400 β full-time MBA)
- research postgraduate: HKD $42,100/year (approximately USD $5,400/year β same as local rate; most MPhil/PhD students receive stipends)
- postgraduate scholarship: MPhil/PhD students typically receive a Postgraduate Scholarship (PGS) of approximately HKD $18,390/month
- note: Taught postgraduate fees vary significantly by programme. Research postgraduate students (MPhil/PhD) typically receive full funding through postgraduate scholarships covering tuition and living stipend.
Living in Hong Kong
- on campus accommodation: HKD $16,000β$30,000/year (approximately USD $2,050β$3,850/year β residential halls)
- off campus housing: HKD $6,000β$15,000/month (approximately USD $770β$1,920/month β Hong Kong rental market)
- food: HKD $3,000β$5,000/month (approximately USD $385β$640/month)
- health insurance: HKD $500β$1,000/year (approximately USD $65β$130/year β university health service)
- transportation: HKD $400β$800/month (approximately USD $50β$100/month β MTR student Octopus)
- personal expenses: HKD $2,000β$4,000/month (approximately USD $255β$510/month)
- total estimate: HKD $8,000β$15,000/month (approximately USD $1,025β$1,920/month total living)
Tuition fees and living costs are reviewed annually by the University of Hong Kong. The figures above are estimates for the 2024β2025 academic year. Students should always verify the latest official figures on the HKU website before applying.
Funding Your HKU Education
Generous scholarships for outstanding international students
HKU Entrance Scholarships
Full tuition + accommodation + living allowance (up to HKD $222,000/year for top applicants) β renewable for normative study period
Eligibility: Outstanding non-local undergraduate applicants with exceptional academic records
HKU's most prestigious undergraduate award. Automatically considered upon admission β no separate application required. Covers full cost of study in Hong Kong.
HKU Foundation Entrance Scholarships
Partial tuition (HKD $50,000β$100,000/year)
Eligibility: High-achieving non-local undergraduate applicants
Multiple tiers of awards available. Automatically considered during admission. Renewable subject to satisfactory academic progress.
Postgraduate Scholarship (PGS)
Monthly stipend of approximately HKD $18,390/month + tuition waiver (for MPhil/PhD students)
Eligibility: All full-time MPhil and PhD students admitted to research programmes
Standard funding package for research postgraduate students. Covers tuition and provides a competitive living stipend. Duration matches normative study period.
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)
Annual stipend of HKD $27,600/month + conference travel allowance of HKD $13,800/year + tuition waiver
Eligibility: Exceptional PhD applicants worldwide β selected through a competitive process administered by the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong
Hong Kong's most prestigious doctoral award. Approximately 300 fellowships awarded across all Hong Kong universities annually. Apply by December.
HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme
Enhanced stipend, research funding, and mentorship
Eligibility: Top PhD students at HKU with outstanding research potential
A prestigious enhancement for the most exceptional doctoral students. Provides additional research funding and networking opportunities.
Taught Postgraduate Scholarships
Partial to full tuition β varies by programme and faculty
Eligibility: Outstanding applicants to taught postgraduate programmes (MA, MSc, MBA, JD, etc.)
Each faculty and programme offers its own scholarships. Check individual programme pages for available awards. Some are merit-based, others need-based.
How to Get In
Deadline: Non-local applicants: varies by qualification β typically NovemberβJune. Main Round: before June 28 (for most international qualifications)
- Recognised secondary school qualification (A-Levels, IB Diploma, SAT/AP, HKDSE, or equivalent national examinations)
- Strong academic performance (competitive grades β specific requirements vary by programme)
- English language proficiency (medium of instruction at HKU is English)
- IELTS 6.5+ (with no subtest below 6.0) or TOEFL iBT 93+ or equivalent β for applicants from non-English medium schools
- Personal Statement / Motivation Letter
- Reference letter(s)
- Interview (required for some programmes including Medicine, Dentistry, and selected programmes)
- Portfolio (for Architecture and related programmes)
- Applicants with IB: minimum 36 points (competitive programmes require 38β43+)
- Applicants with A-Levels: typically AAAβA*A*A (varies by programme)
HKU admits approximately 1,500 non-local undergraduate students annually from thousands of applications. Admission is competitive and holistic β academic results, personal qualities, and interview performance (where applicable) are all considered. The medium of instruction is English for most programmes. Applicants from schools where English is the medium of instruction may be exempt from English language test requirements.
Life at HKU
A vibrant international campus in one of the world's most dynamic cities
Main Campus (Pokfulam)
A hillside campus on the western end of Hong Kong Island with a blend of historic colonial buildings and modern architecture, connected by covered walkways and escalators.
Centennial Campus
HKU's newest campus expansion featuring state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities, the Faculty of Law, and innovative learning spaces opened in 2012.
Libraries
The HKU Libraries system includes the Main Library, special collections, and digital resources with over 3 million volumes β a comprehensive academic resource hub.
Residential Halls
13 residential halls providing a vibrant community living experience with traditions, inter-hall competitions, and mentorship β housing approximately 6,000 students.
Student Organisations
Over 200 student clubs and societies spanning academic, cultural, sports, community service, and special interest groups with active programming year-round.
Hong Kong City Life
Located in one of the world's most dynamic cities β a global financial hub with world-class dining, transport, cultural attractions, and stunning natural landscapes.
Sports & Recreation
Comprehensive sports facilities including a swimming pool, fitness centre, sports grounds, and courts. HKU competes in inter-university and international competitions.
International Community
Students from 100+ countries with approximately 40% non-local student population. Extensive exchange programmes with 340+ partner institutions across 40+ countries.
Career Outcomes
Research Strengths
Artificial Intelligence & Data Science
HKU's Department of Computer Science and Faculty of Engineering lead AI research in natural language processing, computer vision, machine learning, and smart city applications.
Biomedical Sciences & Medicine
Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine is globally recognized for research in infectious diseases (including COVID-19), cancer biology, stem cells, and precision medicine.
Climate & Environmental Science
Research on climate change adaptation, air quality, sustainable urban development, marine ecology, and environmental policy β particularly relevant to Asia-Pacific challenges.
Finance & Economics
Faculty of Business & Economics research on Asian financial markets, fintech, Chinese economy, corporate governance, and economic policy with global significance.
Smart Cities & Urban Innovation
Cross-disciplinary research on smart transportation, building technology, urban planning, and infrastructure β leveraging Hong Kong as a living laboratory.
Public Health & Infectious Diseases
School of Public Health research on epidemiology, pandemic preparedness, health policy, and global health β with decades of expertise in respiratory virus research.
International Student Support
Over 12,000 non-local students from 100+ countries and territories (~40% of student body)
- International Student Exchange & Overseas Learning
- Centre of Development and Resources for Students (CEDARS)
- Student visa sponsorship and guidance
- International student orientation
- On-campus residential hall placement
- University Health Service
- Counselling & Person Enrichment
- International student associations and cultural events
- Exchange programmes with 340+ partner institutions in 40+ countries
- Career services and internship support
- Academic advising for non-local students
- Cantonese and Mandarin language programmes
Your Path to HKU
Expert guidance from enquiry to enrolment
Programme Selection
We help you navigate HKU's 10 faculties, unique common-core curriculum, and flexible major/minor system to find the perfect academic pathway for your goals.
Application Strategy
Expert guidance on HKU's non-local admission process β personal statement writing, qualification presentation, interview preparation, and timeline management.
Scholarship Guidance
Identify and apply for HKU entrance scholarships, HKPFS (PhD), faculty awards, and external funding. Maximize your chances of receiving financial support.
Research & Postgraduate Fit
For graduate applicants, we help identify supervisor alignment, craft research proposals, and navigate the HKPFS application for doctoral funding.
Visa & Accommodation
Hong Kong student visa guidance, residential hall applications, off-campus housing search, health registration, and Octopus card setup assistance.
Pre-Departure & Arrival
Comprehensive pre-departure briefing for Hong Kong, airport pickup coordination, orientation preparation, banking setup, and ongoing post-arrival support.
Apply to HKU
Free expert guidance β no hidden fees
Hear From HKU Students
βHKU's international environment is unmatched β 40% non-local students, exchange opportunities with 340+ universities, and Hong Kong as your classroom. The entrance scholarship made a world-class education accessible.β
βThe Hong Kong PhD Fellowship gave me exceptional funding and access to HKU's AI research labs. Being in Asia's tech hub while working on cutting-edge NLP research has been the perfect combination.β
βHKU Law combines common law tradition with expertise in Asian legal systems. The faculty's international connections and Hong Kong's position as a legal and financial hub opened exceptional career paths.β
Frequently Asked Questions
HKU is Hong Kong's oldest and highest-ranked university (QS #17 globally, #2 in Asia). It offers English-medium instruction, approximately 40% non-local student body, extensive exchange programmes (340+ partners), generous scholarships, and is located in one of the world's most dynamic international cities.
Non-local undergraduate tuition is HKD $182,000/year (approximately USD $23,300) for 2024β2025. Taught postgraduate programmes range from HKD $120,000β$350,000/year. Research postgraduate students (MPhil/PhD) pay HKD $42,100/year and typically receive full funding through scholarships.
HKU offers generous entrance scholarships for undergraduates (up to full tuition + accommodation + living allowance). PhD students can apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKD $27,600/month + travel). Research students receive the Postgraduate Scholarship (~HKD $18,390/month). Taught programme scholarships vary by faculty.
HKU accepts IELTS (minimum 6.5 with no subtest below 6.0 for most programmes), TOEFL iBT (93+ for undergraduate, 80+ for some postgraduate programmes), and equivalent qualifications. Applicants educated in English-medium schools may be exempt.
Admitted non-local students apply for a Hong Kong student visa through the Immigration Department. HKU sponsors visa applications and provides guidance through CEDARS. Processing typically takes 6β8 weeks. Students on student visas can work part-time on campus and during summer.
HKU has 13 residential halls housing approximately 6,000 students. First-year non-local undergraduates are guaranteed hall placement. On-campus accommodation costs HKD $16,000β$30,000/year. Off-campus housing in Hong Kong is more expensive (HKD $6,000β$15,000/month).
HKU is ranked #17 in the QS World University Rankings 2025, #2 in Asia (QS Asia 2025), and #35 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. Individual subjects rank even higher β Dentistry #1 worldwide, Education #7, Law #20, and Engineering top 40.
Educational Hub provides expert guidance on programme selection, application strategy, personal statement development, interview preparation, scholarship applications, visa processing, accommodation, and pre-departure support specifically for HKU applicants.