In an increasingly complex and dynamic global talent landscape, Hong Kong's higher education institutions are embracing internationalization, actively attracting top scholars and students from across the globe. Bolstered by a series of policy measures from the HKSAR Government, local universities have consistently achieved excellent results in international rankings, laying a solid foundation for HK's development as a global education hub.
For the upcoming 2025/2026 academic year, global recruitment efforts by HK universities have gained significant momentum. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) received a record-breaking 20,000 applications from non-local undergraduate students, marking a 40% year-on-year increase in international applications. Similarly, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) also set a new record with over 21,000 non-local applications, while Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) saw a 50% year-on-year increase in applications from outside the Chinese mainland.
Due to the chaotic state of US study abroad policies, HKUST and The University of Hong Kong (HKU) alone have received inquiries from around 500 affected students. Among them, several Harvard University students who had already received admission offers have opted to enroll in HKUST.
With the HKSAR Government doubling the admission quota for non-local undergraduate students at subsidized universities to 40% and universities highlighting their outstanding teaching and research quality, the appeal of "Study in HK" continues to rise. HKUST has announced that its non-local undergraduate applications for the 2025/2026 academic year have reached a historic high, with applicants coming from over 85 countries and regions, including Germany, France, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, the UAE, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, and Uzbekistan.
CUHK to add over 1,000 dormitory spaces for new students
To promote "Study in HK," HKUST has recently intensified recruitment efforts in Belt and Road countries such as India, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan, launching two new initiatives—"I.ELITE" and themed summer camps—to recruit outstanding overseas high school students and provide them with a chance to experience life and education in HK before entering university.
In response to inquiries about the latest admissions data, PolyU stated that it plans to enroll approximately 1,200 non-local students for the new academic year, receiving a record 21,000 applications. To attract more talented non-local students, PolyU is constructing two student dormitories that will provide an additional 2,900 beds, expected to be completed gradually by the second quarter of 2028.
HKBU reported that applications from mainland students increased from 11,000 in 2024/2025 to 12,600 for the new academic year, with enrollments rising from over 400 to nearly 600. Applications from other countries and regions saw a more than 50% increase year-on-year. The university plans to select the best candidates while continuing its recruitment efforts to achieve the target of 40% non-local students.
The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) stated that it plans to admit 400 mainland Gaokao students through the National College Entrance Exam for the 2025/2026 academic year. While exact application numbers were not disclosed, the university confirmed receiving over 10,000 non-local undergraduate applications beyond the Gaokao route. CUHK will gradually expand dormitory spaces and related facilities, including adding around 1,100 undergraduate dormitory beds by 2027.
City University of Hong Kong (CityU) reported a steady increase in non-local student numbers, with last year's enrollment showing a more than 20% rise. Applications for the new academic year have also grown significantly.
Lingnan University (LU) indicated that its admissions process for the new academic year is still ongoing, with the Graduate School expecting an increase in student numbers compared to last year. The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) did not provide specific enrollment data but emphasized its commitment to internationalization and actively recruiting non-local students from around the world.
HKU issues acceptance to Harvard transfer students
HKU's non-local student application window remains open, but President Zhang Xiang revealed that the university has already received inquiries from around 300 US-based international students and over 100 transfer applications, including from Harvard students affected by US visa policies. After a rigorous selection process, HKU has issued multiple admission offers, though specific numbers remain undisclosed. Zhang emphasized that the university's aim is to support talented students in continuing their studies or research, rather than pursuing profit.
HKUST, which was the first to actively recruit Harvard students, added yesterday (June 24) that it had received inquiries from nearly 200 students globally affected by US policies. Among them, six Harvard students or graduate researchers have been offered admission, with five from Pakistan, Georgia, and the Chinese mainland already accepting offers. Their research areas span science, technology, humanities, and interdisciplinary fields.
HK universities' 2025/26 non-local enrollment overview
- HKUST: Received nearly 20,000 non-local undergraduate applications, competing for approximately 800 spots, setting a record high. International applications increased by 40%. Five Harvard students have accepted HKUST's offer.
- HKU: Received inquiries from around 300 US-affected students and over 100 transfer applications, including from Harvard students. Admission offers have been issued, though specific numbers remain undisclosed.
- CUHK: Plans to admit 400 mainland Gaokao students and has received over 10,000 other non-local undergraduate applications.
- PolyU: Received over 21,000 non-local applications (including mainland and international students), a record high, and plans to enroll approximately 1,200 non-local students.
- CityU: Reported a significant increase in non-local applications, with enrollment expected to rise accordingly. Plans to admit 300 mainland students through the Gaokao.
- HKBU: Received around 12,600 mainland applications and plans to admit nearly 600 students
- Applications from outside the Chinese mainland increased over 50% year-on-year.
- LU: Admissions process ongoing; the Graduate School expects an increase in student numbers.
- EdUHK: Did not provide specific data but emphasized its commitment to internationalization and actively recruiting non-local students.
(Source: Wen Wei Po; English Editor: Zoey Sun)
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