History
- 1960: Founded at the Hong Kong Technical College; Part-time evening General Certificate courses offered
- 1970: Renamed as Department of Design at the Hong Kong Polytechnic’s establishment
- 2005: Multimedia Innovation Center became part of School of Design
- 2017: BA (Hons) in Social Design programme launched
Education
- We nurture nearly 900 students yearly in a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes with some 50 of them being PhD students.
- The School provides a high level, well equipped environment that includes significant research infrastructure with eight laboratories and a variety of first class technical workshops in the Jockey Club Innovation Tower, a landmark building designed by Zaha Hadid. We believe new premises drives new thinking.
Research
- Research in the School of Design generates conceptual and technical resources that shape Hong Kong’s social and material futures. Research is currently organised under three initiatives of interest; Social Design, Design Economy and Design Making .
- Social Design: collaborative design with communities to improve their lives through participatory, theoretical and critical approaches
- Design Economy: collaborative design that enhances the role of design in innovation and value creation in the private sector
- Design Making: user-centred design investigations with communities and practices of making, such as the “maker movement,” with technological, organizational as well as sociological facets.
Career
MDes graduates have been successful in securing ideal positions in their chosen field. Some are hired in-house or in agencies as specialists into a wide range of functions in design. Some have broadened their professional fields and took on positions in project management, research and teaching. Others run their own design firm. Industries that have hired our graduates include fashion, retail, hospitality, financial services, healthcare, toy, consumer electronics, information technologies, advertising, research and development, higher education and also public services.
Non-local graduates can stay in Hong Kong for 12 months under the “Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates” (IANG) scheme.
PolyU Design Scholarships
Below you will find scholarships related to PolyU Design. Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.
Independent provider
Grant
3500 CNY
Deadline
15 Mar 2025
Chinese Government Scholarship Type A - Bilateral Program
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Beijing Government Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
ADB-Japan Scholarship Program for Developing Countries in Asia and Pacific
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000000 INR
Deadline
Anytime
Education Future International Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
24 May 2025
Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
01 Jun 2025
1040 Abroad International Studies Scholarship Initiative
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
7000 USD
Deadline
24 Apr 2025
Go Global MBA Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
09 Jul 2025
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
02 Jul 2025
Jewish Heritage Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
90000 AUD
Deadline
Not specified
World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
2000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2025
The Rick Blight Leadership in Action Scholarship for Athletes
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
8000 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
AAPG Foundation Grants-in-Aid
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
20 May 2025
PlagiarismSearch 2025 Essay Contest
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
01 Mar 2025
Voice Talent Online Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
965 USD
Deadline
Anytime
Dr. Martin Blank – SYB Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
30 Apr 2025
Student Grant Program
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 CNY
Deadline
15 Mar 2025
Chinese Government Scholarship Type A - Bilateral Program
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Beijing Government Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
ADB-Japan Scholarship Program for Developing Countries in Asia and Pacific
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000000 INR
Deadline
Anytime
Education Future International Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
24 May 2025
Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
01 Jun 2025
1040 Abroad International Studies Scholarship Initiative
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
7000 USD
Deadline
24 Apr 2025
Go Global MBA Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
09 Jul 2025
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
02 Jul 2025
Jewish Heritage Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
90000 AUD
Deadline
Not specified
World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
2000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2025
The Rick Blight Leadership in Action Scholarship for Athletes
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
8000 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
AAPG Foundation Grants-in-Aid
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
20 May 2025
PlagiarismSearch 2025 Essay Contest
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
01 Mar 2025
Voice Talent Online Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
965 USD
Deadline
Anytime
Dr. Martin Blank – SYB Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 CNY
Deadline
15 Mar 2025
Chinese Government Scholarship Type A - Bilateral Program
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Beijing Government Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
ADB-Japan Scholarship Program for Developing Countries in Asia and Pacific
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000000 INR
Deadline
Anytime
Education Future International Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
24 May 2025
Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
01 Jun 2025
1040 Abroad International Studies Scholarship Initiative
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
7000 USD
Deadline
24 Apr 2025
Go Global MBA Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
09 Jul 2025
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
02 Jul 2025
Jewish Heritage Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
90000 AUD
Deadline
Not specified
World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
2000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2025
The Rick Blight Leadership in Action Scholarship for Athletes
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
8000 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
AAPG Foundation Grants-in-Aid
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
20 May 2025
PlagiarismSearch 2025 Essay Contest
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
01 Mar 2025
Voice Talent Online Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
965 USD
Deadline
Anytime
Dr. Martin Blank – SYB Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 CNY
Deadline
15 Mar 2025
Chinese Government Scholarship Type A - Bilateral Program
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Beijing Government Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
ADB-Japan Scholarship Program for Developing Countries in Asia and Pacific
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000000 INR
Deadline
Anytime
Education Future International Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
24 May 2025
Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
01 Jun 2025
1040 Abroad International Studies Scholarship Initiative
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
7000 USD
Deadline
24 Apr 2025
Go Global MBA Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
09 Jul 2025
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
02 Jul 2025
Jewish Heritage Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
90000 AUD
Deadline
Not specified
World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
2000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2025
The Rick Blight Leadership in Action Scholarship for Athletes
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
8000 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
AAPG Foundation Grants-in-Aid
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
20 May 2025
PlagiarismSearch 2025 Essay Contest
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
01 Mar 2025
Voice Talent Online Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
965 USD
Deadline
Anytime
Dr. Martin Blank – SYB Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
30 Apr 2025
Student Grant Program
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 CNY
Deadline
15 Mar 2025
Chinese Government Scholarship Type A - Bilateral Program
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Beijing Government Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
ADB-Japan Scholarship Program for Developing Countries in Asia and Pacific
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000000 INR
Deadline
Anytime
Education Future International Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
24 May 2025
Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
01 Jun 2025
1040 Abroad International Studies Scholarship Initiative
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
7000 USD
Deadline
24 Apr 2025
Go Global MBA Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
09 Jul 2025
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
02 Jul 2025
Jewish Heritage Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
90000 AUD
Deadline
Not specified
World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
2000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2025
The Rick Blight Leadership in Action Scholarship for Athletes
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
8000 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
AAPG Foundation Grants-in-Aid
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
20 May 2025
PlagiarismSearch 2025 Essay Contest
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
01 Mar 2025
Voice Talent Online Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
965 USD
Deadline
Anytime
Dr. Martin Blank – SYB Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 CNY
Deadline
15 Mar 2025
Chinese Government Scholarship Type A - Bilateral Program
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Beijing Government Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
ADB-Japan Scholarship Program for Developing Countries in Asia and Pacific
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000000 INR
Deadline
Anytime
Education Future International Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
24 May 2025
Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
01 Jun 2025
1040 Abroad International Studies Scholarship Initiative
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
7000 USD
Deadline
24 Apr 2025
Go Global MBA Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
09 Jul 2025
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
02 Jul 2025
Jewish Heritage Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
90000 AUD
Deadline
Not specified
World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
2000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2025
The Rick Blight Leadership in Action Scholarship for Athletes
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
8000 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
AAPG Foundation Grants-in-Aid
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
20 May 2025
PlagiarismSearch 2025 Essay Contest
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
01 Mar 2025
Voice Talent Online Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
965 USD
Deadline
Anytime
Dr. Martin Blank – SYB Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
University Ranking
QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities
2025
57 8
2024
65
2023
65
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
Academic Ranking of World Universities by Shanghai Jiao Tong University
2024
151
2023
151
2022
151
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
World University Rankings by Times Higher Education
2025
-
2024
87 -8
2023
79
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report
2025
-
2024
67 33
2023
100
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
Student services
PolyU's Non-local Student Services Team (NLSST) helps non-local students make the best use of the opportunities and facilities available during your stay at PolyU and in Hong Kong.
Housing services
Non-local postgraduate students have to arrange their own accommodation in Hong Kong. Given the central location of our University, students living off campus can still travel to the campus conveniently.
Library services
Our academic library is Pao Yue-kong Library, which is linked with all public and university library services in Hong Kong. The Library provides a wide variety of computing facilities, services and spaces to suit different user needs. The Library Extension and Revitalisation Project (LER) is in progress and will be completed by the end of 2023.
Medical services
PolyU's University Health Service (UHS) provides a comprehensive range of primary health care for all full-time students.
