Hong Kong's universities have achieved record-breaking results in the 2027 World University Rankings published by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), with five institutions ranked among the world's top 100 and two entering the top 20 for the first time. The rankings, released on June 18, underscore the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government's success in developing the city into a premier education hub.
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) maintained its position at 11th globally, while The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) surged 14 places to 18th. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology rose 11 places to 33rd, and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University climbed four places to 50th, entering the top 50 for the first time. City University of Hong Kong also improved 11 places to 52nd. QS described Hong Kong as "Asia's most improved higher education system for the second consecutive year, and the second most improved globally among systems with three or more ranked universities."
These results follow strong showings in the U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities Rankings, where multiple Hong Kong universities demonstrated exceptional international competitiveness. Notably, CUHK, HKU, and The Education University of Hong Kong swept the global top three spots for "Education and Educational Research."
An Education Bureau (EDB) spokesman attributed the achievements to the HKSAR Government's steadfast investment in education and support through the University Grants Committee (UGC). "The significant year-on-year rise in the overall rankings of our institutions further validates Hong Kong's strong appeal as a premier hub for international high-end talent," the spokesman said. The Government has implemented policy measures such as raising the admission ceiling for non-local students in taught programmes at funded institutions to 50% and increasing the over-enrolment ceiling for self-financing places in funded research postgraduate programmes to 120%.
The strength of Hong Kong's higher education system aligns with the National 15th Five-Year Plan's goals to build a leading nation in education, technology, and talent. The Government is also promoting the "Study in Hong Kong" brand through the Task Force on Study in Hong Kong, collaborating with major institutions to highlight academic, research, and international collaboration resources on the Chinese Mainland and overseas. Initiatives such as expanding the Belt and Road Scholarship aim to attract outstanding talent from around the world.
For more information about Hong Kong's education hub initiatives, visit the Brand Hong Kong website or follow updates on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and Instagram.
