The Ultimate Guide to Studying in Hong Kong (SAR) in 2023

Study in Hong Kong (SAR)

Over the years, universities in Hong Kong (SAR) have been focusing on promoting quality higher education by welcoming talents, upholding academic freedom, respecting institutional autonomy, supporting collaboration, and promoting academic exchanges.

Hong Kong aspires to further develop itself as a regional education hub with world-class universities and quality institutions, through diversification and internationalisation. Universities focus on offering bilingual students a broad knowledge base, a global outlook, as well as the ability to think critically and creatively, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Over 3,700 overseas companies have based their Asia-Pacific operations, employing over 200,000 people.

Find the best information about what it’s like to study in Hong Kong, including degree course offers, career opportunities, student life, living costs, and more.

Why study in Hong Kong?

1. Top-ranked universities

Universities in Hong Kong are among the best educational institutions in both Asia and the world.

The University of Hong Kong, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology — these are only a few examples that are present every year in prestigious global university rankings.

Hong Kong universities stand out especially when it comes to Business studies, offering a wide range of academic programmes whose quality is at the highest level.

2. English is an official language

You don't need to worry about language barriers if you've decided to study in Hong Kong. Together with Chinese, English is an official language. Almost 50% of the population speaks the English language, so it shouldn't be too hard to ask for help and make friends.

3. Scholarships for everybody

The high quality of education provided by Hong Kong universities comes at a price: tuition fees range between 11,500 and 34,000 USD per academic year, which isn't exactly affordable for everyone.

Luckily, there are numerous scholarships available to international students. Some of them are offered by the local government, others by educational institutions or public/private organisations.

If you meet the requirements, don't hesitate to apply. After all, it's free money that can make your study experience a lot easier.

4. Hong Kong is a bridge between the East and the West

If you really look at it, Hong Kong is a blend between Eastern and Western cultures. This is reflected in the lifestyle, architecture, official languages, administrative processes, and so on.

It also means diversity is at home here, so internationals from all over the world shouldn't find it too difficult to integrate and quickly find their own rhythm.

5. Plenty of things to see and do

Hong Kong isn't only a great place for studies, but it's also an exciting place to live in. There are numerous attractions and activities to explore.

You can visit the Victoria Peak, amuse yourself at the Hong Kong Disneyland, jump into wild rides at the Ocean Park, take pictures of the Tian Tan Buddha statue, travel with the famous Peak Tram, and witness the beauty of Hong Kong's Symphony of Lights.

Which universities to attend in Hong Kong?

Here are a few universities in Hong Kong we recommend:

• The University of Hong Kong
• The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
• Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
• City University of Hong Kong
• PolyU Design
• The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Admission requirements

Institutions in Hong Kong enjoy a high degree of autonomy in admission of students, and admission requirements may vary between different institutions. Some institutions will invite applicants to attend interviews. You are advised to read the course information provided by institutions carefully and contact the institution(s) you intend to apply for if you need further advice and clarification.

Generally, the main documents students should provide include the following:

• A secondary school graduation certificate;
• Proof of satisfactory results in your country's Leaving or Aptitude exams;
• If English is not your mother tongue, you will need to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System), or equivalent exams.

Of course, you should contact the admission office of institutions for more detailed information. For more information regarding the higher education admission process visit: http://studyinhongkong.edu.hk/en/apply-to-study/admission-requirement.php

Academic degrees

The Government strives to provide multiple study pathways for secondary school leavers, with multiple entry and exit points. Some of them will study bachelor's degree programmes. Some will choose to study sub-degree programmes. Upon graduation, they can pursue study in top-up degree programmes and obtain their undergraduate qualifications.

Apart from undergraduate programmes offered, students can also choose a wide diversity of sub-degree programmes, various continuing and vocational programmes that best suit their interests and ability.

There is also a wide array of taught and research postgraduate programmes for students who have graduated from their undergraduate studies to choose from.

Research opportunities

Higher education institutions in Hong Kong also provide quality research. They emphasize inter-disciplinary and inter-institutional collaboration in research activities.

The Hong Kong Government established the Research Endowment Fund in 2008, which provides a stable source of funding for research conducted by the higher education sector in Hong Kong.

To attract both outstanding local and non-local students to pursue PhD studies in Hong Kong, The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme was launched in 2009. The scheme provides a monthly stipend and a conference and research-related travel allowance per year will be provided for a period up to three years. Additional support is possible for students who need more than three years to complete their PhD degree.

Study language

Hong Kong is an international city where both English and Chinese are official languages and English is used as teaching medium in most university courses. Students are able to learn authentic Chinese at the higher education institution they are enrolled in.

English language preparation for studying in Hong Kong

Develop your academic English language skills in order to meet the English language requirements at universities in Hong Kong offering degree studies for international students. Choose an English language school anywhere in the world and pick your preferred English exam preparation course from diverse language course options.

The certificates generally accepted by the universities in Hong Kong are:

• PTE Academic
• TOEFL
• IELTS
• C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency 

Curriculum

Higher education institutions in Hong Kong adopt international standards in curriculum design and quality assurance, and their qualifications awarded are internationally recognized. Academic freedom and a highly internationalized campus broaden student’s gained knowledge and expose them to different learning perspectives.