The University of Hong Kong

 

The University of Hong Kong is the territory’s oldest institute of higher learning and also an internationally recognized, research led, comprehensive university. On March 16, 1910, Sir Frederick Lugard, the then Governor of Hong Kong, laid the foundation stone for the University. The University of Hong Kong, founded in 1911. It was granted a shield and a motto by the College of Arms in 1913, and throughout its history the University's visual identity has been firmly based on their display, often coupled the University's name.  This is a distinction that resonates outside Hong Kong, particularly in the United Kingdom, other Commonwealth jurisdictions, and the United States. It is also a reminder of the University's antiquity, and a most dignified and effective corporate identity.While recognising the strength of its heritage and traditions, HKU also engages in frontier research and academic endeavours that reflect and address the needs of a fast changing, knowledge-based world.

There is one thing about the University that will not change: the importance of its people. HKU’s greatest assets have always been, and will always be, its staff, students, alumni and friends. HKU making ever-greater contributions in education, research, leadership and public engagement, locally and globally.

 

The University of Hong Kong, as a leading international institution of higher learning in Asia, strives to attract and nurture outstanding scholars from around the world through excellence and innovation in teaching and learning, research and knowledge exchange, contributing to the advancement of society and the development of leaders through a global presence, regional significance and engagement with the rest of China.

Today, HKU, as it is fondly called, is a dynamic, comprehensive, university of world-class standing. With ten Faculties and numerous research centres, its reputation as a centre of intellectual excellence is recognised around the world. It continues to build on its strengths with innovative research and teaching, producing well-rounded graduates with outstanding leadership qualities.The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is Hong Kong's first and foremost tertiary institution. It served as an international university for South-East Asia in the early years of the last century, having almost as many Malayan students as Hong Kong students during some decades. Today, the University has more than 20,500 students from 80 different countries around the world, and 2,250 academic staff. World-Class Comprehensive Research University HKU has won a proud reputation as a world-class comprehensive research university. It offers internationally recognized qualifications and it is renowned for its academic and research excellence worldwide. As an English-medium university in China, HKU also offers researchers unique opportunities to bridge cultures.

The University of Hong Kong is today ranked amongst the most respected comprehensive research-led universities in the world, ranked as the 26th best university in the world (according to the QS World University Rankings 2013). In Hong Kong, the University leads the way in terms of funding and awards, which means you can experience exceptional support and learning facilities. You’ll find the largest international student population in Hong Kong here. English as the medium of instruction, countless exchange, internship and other experiential learning opportunities, plus the location of its campus near to the dynamic business and entertainment heart of Hong Kong, are among many factors that attract tens of thousands of applicants each year and the highest admissions standards in the territory. HKU alumni continue to be the most preferred by employers here, as indicated by a virtually 100% employment rate for every one of the last seven consecutive years (99.8% Graduate Employment Rate, CEDARS, HKU, 2013). Learn about opportunities, admissions and life at HKU through our e-brochure.

The University’s ethos of providing “outstanding teaching and world-class research” and its international outlook is signified by its Coat of Arms. It features two Chinese phrases from Confucius: “Illustrious Virtue” and “The investigation of things,” combined with the Latin motto “Sapientia et Virtus” meaning “wisdom and virtue.” As Hong Kong’s pre-eminent research university, the University of Hong Kong receives a large proportion of government research grants. In particular, its strength in scientific research is internationally recognised. The University’s Faculty of Medicine, for instance, consolidated its international reputation when its pioneering influenza research team identified the coronavirus that triggered the 2003 SARS epidemic.

The University’s international outreach is reflected in numerous joint initiatives, student mobility and academic programs with overseas institutions. It has more than 250 exchange partners in the world with over 1,600 students on exchange programs this year. It is a founding member of Universitas 21, an international consortium of research-led universities; its well-regarded MBA program has announced partnerships with the London Business School and Columbia Business School, giving students the opportunity to take classes in London and New York; and it hosts the world’s first World Trade Organisation (WTO) Regional Training Centre in Asia, providing cross disciplinary training for governmental officers from the region.

The University of Hong Kong has many courses with research or field study components.  These are listed in the course catalogs as directed studies, field courses, or projects. Enrollment in these courses usually requires permission from the instructor after arrival during the add/drop period.

Internships for academic credit for exchange students (UCEAP) are not possible in Hong Kong due to immigration policy.​Research and special study for academic credit may be possible in this program. Arrangements for either are made at the Study Center after arrival at the host institution. Predeparture preparation may be required.