The University was first incorporated in Hong Kong as a self-governing body of scholars by the University Ordinance on March 30, 1911. In 1937, Queen Mary Hospital opened and has served as the University's teaching hospital since then. Before the outbreak of the Second World War, which would bring academic activities to a halt, there were four Faculties - Arts, Engineering, Medicine, and Science.
The University of Hong Kong, Asia’s Global University, delivers impact through internationalisation, innovation and interdisciplinarity. It attracts and nurtures global scholars through excellence in research, teaching and learning, and knowledge exchange. It makes a positive social contribution through global presence, regional significance and engagement with the rest of China.
HKU intends to be a world-class university with frontier research in critical areas through knowledge creation, translation, realisation and impact. HKU’s research policy is formulated to strengthen its capabilities in both fundamental and outcome-driven research and knowledge exchange within a culture that enables our researchers to flourish and innovate.
HKU’s research strategies and policies are managed by the University Research Committee (URC), a committee of the Senate chaired by the Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research).
The University of Hong Kong has given unparalleled service to Hong Kong and the region since its foundation in 1911, drawing on the great cultural traditions of the West and China. We shall strive to continue to offer the highest standards of teaching, research and scholarship practiced in the international academic community, in an environment conducive to creativity learning, freedom of thought, enquiry and expression.
To fulfil our mission, the International Affairs Office of Admissions and Academic Liaison Section of Registry is established to maintain closer communication with overseas institutions in the aspects of student exchange, academic collaboration and cultural activities.
If you do not want to reside in the university student residences, you can choose to find your own apartment or share a flat with your friends or other HKU students. Information on vacant flats and rooms can be found in local newspapers, real estate agencies or from the website of CEDARS. CEDARS runs an ‘Accommodation Service’ which gathers information on rooms and flats available for renting in the vicinity of the campus.
The University of Hong Kong Libraries was established in 1912. The Main Library comprises an all-rounded collection of materials in the arts, humanities, science and technology, giving vital support to teaching and research in the University.The Main Library occupies the Library Building which is composed of the Old and New Wings. The Old Wing was opened in 1961 and renovated in 1992/93.
Welcome to all new comers joining HKU! Below is a quick starter guide to let new comers know the central IT services and facilities available to them for supporting their works and studies at the University.
The University Health Service provides for the health needs of students, staff, dependants and retired staff with the aim of promoting and maintaining their physical and psychological well being through the provision of accessible and cost-effective primary health care and health education.
The Main Campus of the University covers about 14 hectares of land in the Bonham Road and Pokfulam area of Hong Kong Island and accommodates five of the ten faculties, namely Architecture, Business and Economics, Education, Engineering and Science, as well as the Main Library.
Diversity of architectural styles is one of the greatest features of the Main Campus, having evolved since 1912. Besides different architectural styles, the hilly terrain in Pokfulam provides a unique landscape for the Main Campus which has many popular gardens and courtyards that contribute to the collective memory of our alumni.
HKU sports facilities are first allocated on an annual basis to various user groups and programmes according to a priority list that has been approved by CSE Management Team. Once the requirements of these groups have been satisfied, bookings are accepted from students and sports card holders, and various internal and external groups.
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
By TopUniversities
The university hasn’t moved up or down in the rankings over the past year.
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.
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 17 | 11 | 11 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
By U.S. News & World Report
Climbed 4 places compared to 2026
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.
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 44 | 44 | 40 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
By Times Higher Education
This university doesn’t have a ranking for 2027 yet. Rankings are updated yearly, so check back later for the latest info.
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.
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 35 | 33 | - |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
By Shanghai Jiao Tong University
This university doesn’t have a ranking for 2026 yet. Rankings are updated yearly, so check back later for the latest info.
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.
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 69 | 67 | - |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Based on 23 reviews
This is very good school for it offers various ways for students to discover who they really are, in IT , design, Fashion, business and Tourism. What I like about the school is the professors and lectures who are firendly to student , this makes it easy for us to consult freely. What I disliked is the strategies that are imposed to make sure the environment is secure, safe and clean. Less attention is paid to the classrooms the building and strucure. I would highly recommend it
Great people, great environment. Very flexible in terms of classes, clubs and social events. The mass mail system is kind of annoying at first, but you could check off the ones you're uninterested in and they will stop sending it to you so it's all good. Overall, it is a place where you can easily find your own rhythm and community.
Living in Hong Kong and studying at The University of Hong Kong (HKU) offers me an enriching experience that broadens my academic horizons and deepens my appreciation for the unique cultural and economic dynamics of this vibrant city. As an Economics major, I explore various aspects of global and regional markets, economic theory, and policy-making, all while being in one of the most dynamic economic hubs in the world. The academic rigor at HKU pushes me to develop critical thinking skills and a keen analytical mindset, both of which are invaluable in understanding complex economic issues. I particularly appreciate the diverse perspectives I encounter in class, as the university attracts students and professors from around the globe, creating a truly global learning environment. The chance to engage in discussions about macroeconomics, international trade, and development economics, among other topics, challenges and rewards me every day. Beyond academics, living in Hong Kong allows me to experience the fusion of Eastern and Western cultures. From the bustling streets of Central to the serene hiking trails, the city's blend of modernity and tradition provides endless opportunities for exploration. This unique environment not only shapes my academic journey but also influences my personal growth, helping me better understand the global interconnectedness of economies. Overall, my time at HKU transforms me, equipping me with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a successful career in economics while providing a rich cultural experience that stays with me.
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2025. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 7 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!
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