Overview
Established in 1984 as City Polytechnic of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong achieved full university status in 1994. When it first opened its doors, about 1,100 students were registered. Today, more than 20,000 students attend the university. The university's main 15.6-hectare campus — housing its eight colleges and schools — is located in the Kowloon area.
CityUHK has established itself as one of the most innovative universities in Asia, pioneering research in diverse fields that are of high relevance on pressing issues, in particular five overarching research themes: One Health, Digital Society, Smart City, Matter, and Brain. Apart from Colleges and Schools, CityUHK has established Research Institutes, Centres and Laboratories with the purposes of advancing scholarly activities. The Run Run Shaw Creative Media Centre was designed by the eminent architect Daniel Libeskind and was selected as one of the 10 most spectacular university buildings in the world by Emporis.
CityUHK was ranked #63 worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2026, #73 worldwide in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, #54 worldwide in the USNEWS Global Rankings 2025, and #99 worldwide in ARWU 2025. CityUHK is ranked as the most international university in the world in 2024 and 2025 by Times Higher Education.
In 2025, about 256 CityUHK scholars were included in Stanford University's "World's Top 2% Scientists" list. Among these, two professors were ranked within the global top 1,000, representing two of the five scholars from Hong Kong universities to achieve this ranking. CityUHK is #4 worldwide in the QS "Top 50 Under 50" 2021 and #4 worldwide in THE Young Universities Rankings 2024.
The CityU Academy of Innovation is a leading Hong Kong academic institute in innovation education and entrepreneurship. The Academy offers a series of innovative academic programmes with a focus on deep-tech venture creation, to develop a leading international ecosystem that nurtures young entrepreneurs, incubates deep-tech start-ups and promotes university-industry collaboration. The university operates CityU Shenzhen through a partnership and has campuses across Greater Bay Area through affiliated entities, giving graduates direct access to one of the world's fastest-growing economic zones.
| ~35% Acceptance Rate | 20,000+ Students | 80+ Countries Represented | #1 World — Most International University (THE 2024 & 2025) |
|---|
Ranking
CityUHK was ranked #63 worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2026, #73 worldwide in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, #54 worldwide in the USNEWS Global Rankings 2025, and #99 worldwide in ARWU 2025. CityUHK is ranked as the most international university in the world in 2024 and 2025 by Times Higher Education.
The School of Law is distinguished by its strong commitment to scholarship in common law, comparative law and international law, with an emphasis on Chinese law. The university offers over 150 programmes in diverse and extensive subject areas. CityUHK's trajectory from a polytechnic founded in 1984 to a top-70 global university in just four decades represents one of the most remarkable institutional ascents in higher education history.
| Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings 2026 | #63 Globally / #4 in Hong Kong |
| Times Higher Education 2026 | #73 Globally / #4 in Hong Kong |
| ARWU (Shanghai) 2025 | #99 Globally |
| US News Best Global Universities 2025 | #54 Globally |
| THE — Most International University | #1 Globally (2024 & 2025) |
| THE Young University Rankings 2024 | #4 Globally |
| QS Top 50 Under 50 | #4 Globally |
| QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022 | #89 Globally |
Intakes
CityUHK operates on a Hong Kong academic calendar with one primary annual intake.
Primary Intake — September — Main intake for all undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
- PG applications: rolling admissions; international students advised to apply by January–March for September entry; competitive programs (Law, Business, Data Science) close early
- UG applications (non-JUPAS international): rolling; early application by December–January recommended
January Intake — Available for select postgraduate programs only; verify at cityu.edu.hk.
Important for Indian Students:
- Tuition fee for non-local students admitted to government-funded Bachelor's degree programmes in the 2026–27 academic year is subject to annual review; BVM (Veterinary Medicine) programme is HKD $392,000 per academic year for non-local students; standard UG programs approximately HKD $160,000–$185,000/year
- Application fee: HKD $400–500 (approximately ₹4,400–₹5,500)
- Acceptance fee (non-refundable) credited towards tuition upon enrollment
- Hong Kong Student Visa / Entry Permit required
- International students may work part-time during term and full-time during holidays
- Post-Study Work: IANG — graduates can stay and work in Hong Kong for 1 year after graduation; renewable
Note: Polygon Campus primarily assists with graduate-level admissions. Confirm specific intake dates and program availability on cityu.edu.hk.
Top Courses
CityUHK offers over 150 programmes in diverse and extensive subject areas through its eight colleges and schools. Key colleges and flagship programs include:
College of Business (AACSB Accredited)
- BBA in Accountancy / Finance / Marketing / Management / Information Systems / FinTech
- MSc in Business Analytics — flagship; most popular for Indian students
- MSc in Finance and Data Analytics
- MSc in International Business Law and Management
- MBA — QS #98 globally (Full-time MBA Rankings 2026); STEM-focused
- MSc in FinTech and Cryptocurrency — unique in Hong Kong
College of Engineering
- BEng in Computer Science / Electronic Engineering / Civil Engineering / Mechanical Engineering / Biomedical Engineering
- MSc in Computer Science — English-taught; highly popular for Indian students
- MSc in AI and Green Technology
- MSc in Smart Energy Engineering
- MSc in Electronic Engineering
- MSc in Data Science and Business Intelligence
School of Law
- LLB (Bachelor of Laws) — strong in common law, comparative law, Chinese law
- JD (Juris Doctor)
- LLM in Corporate and Financial Law / International Law / Chinese Law
- LLM in Technology Law — unique program for the digital age
College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
- BA in Applied Social Sciences / Creative Media / English Studies
- MA in Applied Linguistics / Cultural and Creative Studies
- MSc in Applied Social Research
School of Creative Media (Run Run Shaw Creative Media Centre — Daniel Libeskind-designed building)
- BA(Hons) in Creative Media
- MSc in Creative Media
- MFA in Creative Media
- MPhil / PhD in Creative Media
Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering
- BEng / MEng in Civil and Architectural Engineering
Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences
- BVSc (Bachelor of Veterinary Science) — established 2015; significant annual fee HKD $392,000/year for non-local students
- MSc in Veterinary Public Health
- MSc in One Health
CityU Academy of Innovation
- Interdisciplinary deep-tech entrepreneurship programs integrated with degree curricula
Cost of Studying at City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK)
The annual cost of attendance for international students at City University of Hong Kong typically includes tuition fees of around HKD $140,000–$160,000 and living costs of about HKD $50,000, totalling approximately HKD $190,000–$210,000 per year for most programs. The BVM (Veterinary Medicine) programme charges HKD $392,000 per academic year for non-local students admitted in 2026.
CityUHK's Kowloon campus — directly connected to Kowloon Tong MTR station and minutes from Hong Kong city centre — provides excellent urban campus living. On-campus student halls across multiple locations in Kowloon offer affordable residential options. Note: 1 HKD ≈ ₹11.
| Type of Expense | Annual Cost (HKD) | Annual Cost (INR Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| UG Tuition — Arts / Business / Law / Social Sciences | HKD $1,60,000 – $1,85,000/year | ₹17.6L – ₹20.35L/year |
| UG Tuition — Engineering / Science / Computing | HKD $1,70,000 – $1,90,000/year | ₹18.7L – ₹20.9L/year |
| UG Tuition — Veterinary Medicine (BVSc) | HKD $3,92,000/year | ₹43.12L/year |
| PG Tuition — Taught Master's (Business / Law / Arts) | HKD $1,40,000 – $1,80,000/year | ₹15.4L – ₹19.8L/year |
| PG Tuition — MSc Computing / Engineering / Science | HKD $1,60,000 – $2,20,000/year | ₹17.6L – ₹24.2L/year |
| MBA (full-time, 1 year) | HKD $3,50,000 – $4,50,000 total | ₹38.5L – ₹49.5L (total) |
| PhD / MPhil (government-funded rate) | HKD $44,500/year | ₹4.90L/year |
| Research Postgraduate Studentship (monthly stipend) | HKD $18,000 – $18,500/month → HKD $2,16,000 – $2,22,000/year | ₹1,98,000 – ₹2,03,500/month → ₹23.76L – ₹24.42L/year |
| Application Fee | HKD $400 – $500 | ₹4,400 – ₹5,500 |
| Health Insurance (non-local students) | HKD $2,000 – $5,000/year | ₹22,000 – ₹55,000/year |
| On-Campus Accommodation (CityUHK student halls) | HKD $2,000 – $4,500/month → HKD $24,000 – $54,000/year | ₹22,000 – ₹49,500/month → ₹2.64L – ₹5.94L/year |
| Off-Campus Accommodation (shared flat, Kowloon) | HKD $5,000 – $10,000/month → HKD $60,000 – $1,20,000/year | ₹55,000 – ₹1,10,000/month → ₹6.6L – ₹13.2L/year |
| Food & Personal Expenses | HKD $2,500 – $5,500/month → HKD $30,000 – $66,000/year | ₹27,500 – ₹60,500/month → ₹3.30L – ₹7.26L/year |
| Transport (MTR Octopus card) | HKD $400 – $800/month → HKD $4,800 – $9,600/year | ₹4,400 – ₹8,800/month → ₹52,800 – ₹1,05,600/year |
| Books & Study Materials | HKD $500 – $1,500/month → HKD $6,000 – $18,000/year | ₹5,500 – ₹16,500/month → ₹66,000 – ₹1,98,000/year |
| Total Estimated Annual COA (UG International) | HKD $2,20,000 – $3,60,000/year | ₹24.2L – ₹39.6L/year |
| Total Estimated Annual COA (PG International) | HKD $2,30,000 – $4,00,000/year | ₹25.3L – ₹44.0L/year |
Note: All INR conversions calculated at 1 HKD = ₹11. CityUHK's ranking as the world's most international university — combined with its top-63 QS global rank — means graduates carry extraordinary credential value for careers across Asia and globally. PhD students receive a postgraduate studentship of approximately HKD $18,000–$18,500/month. Please refer to CityUHK's official fees page (cityu.edu.hk/admo/fees-and-scholarships) for the most current 2026–27 fee schedule.
Scholarships
CityUHK MBA offers substantial scholarship to over 50% of successful applicants.
Key funding opportunities include:
- CityUHK Non-local Student Entrance Scholarship (UG) — Merit-based tuition reduction or full scholarship for outstanding international UG applicants; automatically considered upon admission; no separate application required; selection based on academic achievements and personal accomplishments
- CityUHK MBA Scholarship — Substantial scholarship available to over 50% of successful MBA applicants; merit-based; awarded during the MBA admissions process based on academic record, professional experience, and interview performance
- CityUHK Research Postgraduate Studentship — Full tuition plus monthly stipend of approximately HKD $18,000–$18,500 for all admitted full-time government-funded MPhil/PhD students; automatically awarded
- Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) — Annual stipend of HKD $340,800 (approximately ₹37.49L/year) plus travel allowance; apply by December 1 annually; CityUHK is an eligible institution; extremely competitive
- CityU Academy of Innovation Scholarships — For outstanding students entering deep-tech entrepreneurship programs; covers tuition reduction and innovation support funding
- Belt and Road Scholarship — For students from Belt and Road Initiative countries including India; tuition and living support; apply through CityUHK's International Office
- HKSAR Government Scholarship — HKD $80,000/year for outstanding non-local students nominated by CityUHK; automatically nominated — no separate application
- Faculty / Department-Specific Scholarships — Engineering, Law, and Science departments offer dedicated scholarships for outstanding international applicants; check individual department websites post-admission
Note: Indian students should apply early for CityUHK — the non-local scholarship is automatically considered, and early applications have the best probability of top-tier merit awards. For MBA applicants, the 50%+ scholarship rate makes CityUHK MBA one of the best-value top-100 MBA programs in Asia.
Admissions
City University of Hong Kong has an acceptance rate range of 30–39%, making it a very selective institution. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
For Graduate (Master's / Doctoral) Programs:
- Bachelor's degree from a recognised university with minimum Second Class Honours or equivalent GPA 3.0/4.0; competitive programs (Law, Computer Science, Business Analytics) typically require higher
- IELTS 6.5 overall / TOEFL iBT 79+ for most MSc programs; Law and MBA require IELTS 7.0 / TOEFL iBT 100
- MBA: preferably at least 2 years of full-time post-graduate work experience; GMAT/GRE not required for applicants with two years of work experience; applicants with less than two years may receive a conditional offer subject to GMAT/GRE submission
- Statement of Purpose; CV / Résumé; 2 Letters of Recommendation
- Official transcripts; Application fee: HKD $400–500
For Undergraduate Programs:
- Higher secondary certificate (Class 12 / CBSE / ISC) with outstanding academic record; CityUHK is highly competitive for UG places
- IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL iBT 80+; higher requirements for Law and Engineering programs
- Acceptance fee (non-refundable) credited towards tuition upon enrollment
Indian students can check CityUHK's specific admission requirements for their chosen program directly through Polygon Campus.
Placements
CityUHK's position in Hong Kong — the world's most international city and Asia's premier financial and innovation hub — combined with its extraordinary distinction as the world's most international university, gives graduates a uniquely global career platform. CityUHK graduates were ranked #89 worldwide in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022.
In 2025, about 256 CityUHK scholars were included in Stanford University's "World's Top 2% Scientists" list, underlining the research reputation that gives doctoral graduates exceptional academic career pathways.
Jobs After Graduating from City University of Hong Kong
| Job Profile | Average Annual Salary (HKD) | Annual Salary (INR Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Software / AI / Data Engineer | HKD $3,60,000 – $7,80,000 | ₹39.6L – ₹85.8L |
| Business Analyst / Data Scientist | HKD $3,00,000 – $6,60,000 | ₹33.0L – ₹72.6L |
| Investment Banker / FinTech Professional | HKD $4,20,000 – $9,60,000 | ₹46.2L – ₹1,05.6L |
| Lawyer / Legal Consultant (Hong Kong Bar) | HKD $4,20,000 – $10,80,000 | ₹46.2L – ₹1,18.8L |
| Management Consultant (MBB / Big 4) | HKD $4,20,000 – $8,40,000 | ₹46.2L – ₹92.4L |
| Mechanical / Biomedical Engineer | HKD $2,88,000 – $5,76,000 | ₹31.68L – ₹63.36L |
| Creative Media Professional | HKD $2,40,000 – $5,40,000 | ₹26.4L – ₹59.4L |
| Veterinarian / Animal Health Specialist | HKD $3,60,000 – $7,20,000 | ₹39.6L – ₹79.2L |
Note: All INR conversions calculated at 1 HKD = ₹11. CityUHK's world #1 international university status means its graduates are immediately recognised by employers across Asia, Europe, and North America. MBA and Law graduates entering Hong Kong's premium professional sector command salaries at the higher end of the ranges shown. Actual salaries vary by role, employer, location, and experience.
CityUHK's career support ecosystem includes:
- CityUHK Student Development Services (Career & Internship Office) — Comprehensive career support with personalised career counselling, CV workshops, mock interviews, employer presentations, on-campus recruitment drives, internship placement, and an online career portal; dedicated advisors for Business, Law, Engineering, and Creative Media
- #89 Global Graduate Employability (QS 2022) — Strong employer reputation across Asia and globally; direct recruiting relationships with major investment banks, consulting firms, technology companies, and law firms
- CityU Academy of Innovation — A leading Hong Kong academic institute in innovation education and entrepreneurship; offers innovative programmes focused on deep-tech venture creation; develops a leading international ecosystem that nurtures young entrepreneurs and incubates deep-tech start-ups
- #1 World Most International University (THE 2024 & 2025) — CityUHK's extraordinary international community means graduates have peer networks spanning 80+ countries — an invaluable asset for careers in multinational corporations, international organisations, and global finance
- Greater Bay Area Access — CityUHK's affiliations and partnerships in Shenzhen and Guangzhou provide direct career pathways into China's technology and innovation sector — Tencent, Huawei, DJI, ByteDance, and hundreds of Greater Bay Area employers
- Research Institutes and Centres — Cutting-edge research in One Health, Smart City, Digital Society, and Brain sciences creates direct industry and academic career pathways for postgraduate students
- IANG Post-Study Work Visa — All CityUHK international graduates qualify for the IANG 1-year stay-back visa; renewable; with Hong Kong's dense employer ecosystem, most graduates secure employment during this period
For personalised guidance on City University of Hong Kong admissions, connect with the experts at Polygon Campus today.