Hong Kong universities have reached new heights in the 2027 QS World University Rankings, with five institutions in the top 100 and two in the top 20 for the first time. The University of Hong Kong (HKU) remained 11th, while The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) surged 14 places to 18th. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology rose 11 spots 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 noted that Hong Kong is 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.
A spokesman for Hong Kong's Education Bureau (EDB) attributed the success to the HKSAR Government's commitment to developing the city into an education hub, supported by policy measures such as raising the admission ceiling for non-local students to 50% and increasing over-enrolment for research postgraduate places to 120%. The Government is also promoting the "Study in Hong Kong" brand and expanding the Belt and Road Scholarship to attract global talent. The EDB spokesman said, "These achievements fully affirm the effectiveness of the HKSAR Government's steadfast investment in education and its full support through the University Grants Committee for institutions to continuously innovate, optimise, expand capacity, and enhance quality."
The rankings follow the Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report, where 20 Hong Kong subjects placed in the global top 10. Notably, CUHK, HKU, and The Education University of Hong Kong swept the top three spots for "Education and Educational Research." The strength of Hong Kong's higher education aligns with the National 15th Five-Year Plan to build a leading nation in education, technology, and talent. The EDB spokesman emphasized that the Government will continue to promote internationalization and diversification of post-secondary education to enhance Hong Kong's development and contribute to the nation's goals. For more information, visit the Brand Hong Kong website.
