Prime Highlights

• Two Hong Kong universities ranked among the world’s top 20 for the first time in the QS World University Rankings 2027.
• More than 30,000 non-local students from over 100 countries and regions enrolled in Hong Kong’s eight funded universities in the 2025-26 academic year.

Key Facts

• The University of Hong Kong retained 11th place globally, while the Chinese University of Hong Kong rose to 18th position.
• The Hong Kong government launched a $1.5 billion Research Matching Grant Scheme and allocated funding to promote the “Study in Hong Kong” brand internationally.

Background

Hong Kong’s higher education sector has recorded strong gains in the latest QS World University Rankings 2027, with five universities remaining among the world’s top 100 and two institutions entering the global top 20 for the first time.

According to the rankings, the University of Hong Kong retained its 11th position globally, while the Chinese University of Hong Kong climbed 14 places to 18th. The achievement marks the first time that two Hong Kong universities have been ranked among the world’s top 20. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology rose 11 places to 33rd, while the Hong Kong Polytechnic University advanced four places to 50th, securing a place in the global top 50 for the first time.

The Hong Kong government said the results reflect the effectiveness of continued investment in education, research and talent development. Officials credited universities for attracting leading scholars, investing in infrastructure and maintaining high academic standards.

To strengthen the sector further, universities introduced 27 new undergraduate programmes during the 2025-28 triennium. These classes involve learning artificial intelligence, data science, creative industry, and other STEAM subjects to address the requirements of the future working environment.

Hong Kong has been successful in drawing international students. In 2025-2026, Hong Kong’s eight publicly-funded universities attracted more than 30,000 non-local students coming from more than 100 countries and regions, witnessing an annual growth of about 14%.

The government has extended admission places for non-local students and enhanced research funding. It has launched a Research Matching Grant Scheme worth US$1.5 billion and is working on marketing Hong Kong as a study destination under the slogan of “Study in Hong Kong.”