Hong Kong's higher education system is world-renowned, with numerous top universities and tertiary institutions. This presentation will explore the characteristics, institutions, rankings, and development of Hong Kong's higher education.
Overview of Hong Kong Higher Education
Higher education in Hong Kong refers to post-secondary education, encompassing professional, technical, and academic education. It represents the highest level of Hong Kong's education system and is regulated by Hong Kong law. Hong Kong has 22 degree-awarding higher education institutions, offering students diverse learning opportunities.
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Diversity
Encompasses professional, technical, and academic education
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Legal Regulation
Strictly governed by Hong Kong law
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Multiple Institutions
22 degree-awarding higher education institutions
Joint University Programmes Admissions System
The Joint University Programmes Admissions System (JUPAS) is the main route of application for Hong Kong university admission. It is designed for students with Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSE) or Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE) results, helping them apply for programs at various universities in Hong Kong.
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Submit Application
Students submit JUPAS applications within designated timeframe
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Results Release
Update application information after examination results are released
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Admission Notification
Universities issue admission offers through JUPAS system
UGC-funded Universities
Hong Kong has 8 universities funded by the University Grants Committee (UGC). These universities enjoy high reputation in both teaching and research, forming the core of Hong Kong's higher education.
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The University of Hong Kong (1911)
Established in 1911, it is Hong Kong's oldest university
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The Chinese University of Hong Kong (1963)
Founded in 1963, known for its unique college system
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The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (1991)
Founded in 1991, excels in technology and business
The University of Hong Kong
The University of Hong Kong (HKU), established in 1911, is Hong Kong's oldest university. It is globally renowned for its excellence in teaching and research, enjoying high prestige across multiple academic disciplines. HKU, governed by the University of Hong Kong Ordinance (Chapter 1053), has nurtured numerous outstanding talents for Hong Kong.
Key Features of HKU
Rich history and traditions
High degree of internationalization, attracting students from around the world
Outstanding performance in international university rankings
Home to multiple world-class research centers
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), established in 1963, is renowned for its unique college system. The university is dedicated to integrating Chinese and Western cultures while nurturing well-rounded talent. CUHK is governed by The Chinese University of Hong Kong Ordinance (Chapter 1109) and excels in multiple academic disciplines.
CUHK's Distinctive Features
Unique college system that promotes faculty-student interaction
Emphasis on the integration of Chinese and Western cultures
Extensive campus with beautiful natural surroundings
Outstanding achievements in medicine, engineering, and other fields
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), established in 1991, has quickly risen to prominence in technology and business fields despite its relatively short history, becoming a world-renowned research university. HKUST is governed by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Ordinance (Chapter 1141) and is known for its innovative spirit and research excellence.
HKUST's Distinctive Features
Emphasis on innovation and technological development
Home to a world-class business school
Beautiful campus overlooking Clear Water Bay
Close collaboration with leading international universities
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), established in 1937, was originally the Hong Kong Polytechnic and was officially upgraded to university status in November 1994. PolyU is governed by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Ordinance (Chapter 1075) and is renowned for its applied research and professional education.
Applied Research
Focus on practical applications of research outcomes
Professional Education
Offering diverse professional programs
Innovation Spirit
Encouraging student innovation and entrepreneurship
City University of Hong Kong
City University of Hong Kong (CityU) was established in 1984, initially as City Polytechnic of Hong Kong, and was officially upgraded to university status in November 1994. CityU is governed by the City University of Hong Kong Ordinance (Cap. 1132) and is renowned for its professional education and applied research.
Professional Focus
Curriculum aligned with societal needs
Applied Research
Emphasis on practical application of research outcomes
Internationalization
Promoting international exchange and cooperation
Hong Kong Baptist University
Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) was established in 1956, initially as Hong Kong Baptist College, and was officially upgraded to university status in November 1994. HKBU is governed by the Hong Kong Baptist University Ordinance (Cap. 1126) and is renowned for its whole-person education philosophy and humanities research.
Whole-Person Education
Focuses on students' comprehensive development, including moral, intellectual, physical, social, and aesthetic aspects
Humanities
Demonstrates excellence in humanities fields including literature, history, and philosophy
Creative Media
Home to a prestigious School of Communication, nurturing numerous media professionals
Community Service
Encourages student participation in community service to develop social responsibility
Lingnan University
Lingnan University (LU) traces its history in Hong Kong back to the establishment of Lingnan College in 1967, and was officially granted university status in July 1999. LU is governed by the Lingnan University Ordinance (Cap. 1165) and is renowned for its liberal arts education philosophy and small-class teaching approach.
Liberal Arts Education
Emphasizes general education and cultivates students' critical thinking
Small-Class Teaching
Adopts small-class system to promote teacher-student interaction and in-depth discussion
Internationalization
Encourages students to participate in overseas exchanges to broaden international perspectives
Community Engagement
Values students' community service and practical experience
The Education University of Hong Kong
The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) was established in 1994 as the Hong Kong Institute of Education and was officially granted university status in May 2016. EdUHK is governed by The Education University of Hong Kong Ordinance (Cap. 444) and is Hong Kong's only university dedicated to teacher education and educational research.
Teacher Training
Nurturing high-quality education professionals
Educational Research
Conducting cutting-edge research in educational theory and practice
Educational Innovation
Advancing innovative teaching methods and technologies
Self-financing Institutions
In addition to UGC-funded universities, Hong Kong has several self-financing institutions that provide more diverse higher education options for students. These institutions include statutory universities and approved post-secondary colleges, which play an important role in expanding Hong Kong's higher education landscape.
Statutory Universities
Such as Hong Kong Metropolitan University (formerly Hong Kong Open University)
Post-secondary Colleges
Such as Hong Kong Shue Yan University, The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, etc.
Other Institutions
Including institutions under the Vocational Training Council
Hong Kong Metropolitan University
Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU, formerly known as The Open University of Hong Kong) was established in 1989 and was granted university status in May 1997. HKMU is governed by the Hong Kong Metropolitan University Ordinance (Cap. 1145) and is Hong Kong's only university primarily focused on distance education, providing flexible learning opportunities for adult learners.
Distance Education
Offering flexible distance learning programs
Lifelong Learning
Providing continuing education opportunities for working professionals
Utilizing advanced technology to support teaching and learning
Hong Kong Shue Yan University
Hong Kong Shue Yan University (HKSYU), established in 1971, was initially Hong Kong Shue Yan College and became Hong Kong's first private university in December 2006. Shue Yan University is known for its unique educational philosophy and emphasis on moral education, adding diversity to Hong Kong's higher education system.
Moral Education
Focus on character development
Chinese Culture
Emphasis on traditional Chinese cultural education
Academic Research
Encouraging faculty and student research
The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong
The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK) was established in 2010, formerly known as Hang Seng Management College, and was officially granted university status in October 2018. HSUHK is renowned for its business education and liberal-professional education model, dedicated to nurturing talents with professional knowledge and whole-person development.
Business Education
Providing high-quality business and management programs
Liberal Professional
Combining liberal arts education with professional training
Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Encouraging innovative thinking and entrepreneurial spirit
Practice-oriented
Emphasizing the integration of theory and practice
Publicly Funded Institutions
In addition to UGC-funded universities and self-financing institutions, Hong Kong has several specialized institutions funded by public money. These institutions provide professional education in specific fields, enriching the diversity of Hong Kong's higher education landscape. Among these, the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts is the most prominent.
Introduction to Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts
The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA), established in 1984, is Hong Kong's only higher education institution dedicated to professional performing arts education. The Academy is governed by the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts Ordinance (Chapter 1135) and has nurtured numerous outstanding performing arts talents. The Academy offers professional programs in music, dance, drama, film and television, theater and production arts.
Hong Kong Higher Education Rankings
Hong Kong universities perform exceptionally well in international rankings, with several institutions consistently ranking among the world's top 100. Major international university rankings include the QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education World University Rankings. The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and Chinese University of Hong Kong are typically the three highest-ranked Hong Kong universities.
QS World University Rankings
The QS World University Rankings is one of the most watched international university rankings. Hong Kong's top universities have performed exceptionally well in these rankings, consistently maintaining leading positions globally. The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and Chinese University of Hong Kong frequently rank within the global top 50, demonstrating the international competitiveness of Hong Kong's higher education.
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Ranking Indicators
Including academic reputation, employer evaluation, and faculty-student ratio
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Data Collection
Information gathered through surveys and data analysis
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Results Publication
New rankings published annually, generating widespread attention
Times Higher Education World University Rankings
The Times Higher Education World University Rankings is another highly regarded international university ranking system. Hong Kong universities have shown outstanding performance in these rankings, particularly in areas such as teaching, research, and internationalization. The University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology consistently rank among the global top 100, highlighting Hong Kong's international standing in higher education.
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Assessment Areas
Includes teaching, research, citations, internationalization, and industry income
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Data Analysis
Comprehensive evaluation based on multiple indicators
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Annual Updates
Rankings updated yearly to reflect changes in university performance
QS Asian University Rankings
The QS Asian University Rankings focuses on evaluating higher education institutions in the Asian region. Hong Kong universities have shown particularly outstanding performance in these rankings, with multiple universities consistently ranking in Asia's top 20. These rankings reflect Hong Kong's leading position in Asian higher education and its excellence in talent cultivation and research advancement.
QS World University Rankings by Subject
QS World University Rankings by Subject evaluates universities' performance in specific academic fields. Hong Kong universities excel in multiple disciplines, particularly in business, engineering, and social sciences. These rankings demonstrate the competitiveness and distinctive strengths of Hong Kong's higher education across various professional fields.
Business Management
Business schools of multiple Hong Kong universities are globally renowned
Engineering & Technology
Outstanding performance in computer science and electronic engineering
Social Sciences
Law, communications and other disciplines enjoy high international reputation
Medicine & Health
Strong competitiveness in medicine, nursing and related disciplines
Characteristics of Higher Education in Hong Kong
Hong Kong's higher education system possesses several unique characteristics that make it stand out on the international education stage. These features include a high degree of internationalization, excellent teaching quality, strong research capabilities, and close ties with industry. These advantages attract numerous local and international students to pursue higher education in Hong Kong.
Internationalization
Attracts students and scholars from around the world
Quality Teaching
Emphasizes teaching quality and student experience
Research Strength
Conducts world-class research in multiple fields
Industry Connections
Maintains close collaboration with business and industry
Internationalized Education
Internationalization is a major characteristic of Hong Kong's higher education. Hong Kong's universities attract students and scholars from around the world, creating a multicultural learning environment. Many courses are taught in English, and rich international exchange opportunities are provided to help students develop a global perspective.
Multicultural Environment
Students from different countries and cultural backgrounds learn together
English Teaching
Most courses are taught in English, enhancing international competitiveness
Exchange Programs
Extensive student exchange programs with top universities worldwide
Research and Innovation
Hong Kong universities demonstrate excellence in research and innovation. Many universities house world-class research centers and laboratories conducting cutting-edge research across various fields. The Hong Kong government strongly supports research activities in higher education institutions through various research grants and support programs.
Research Funding
Substantial research funding support from government and private sectors
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Encouraging research collaboration across different disciplines
Industry-Academia Partnership
Promoting integration of academic research with industrial applications
International Cooperation
Developing collaborative projects with top global research institutions
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