Overview

Lingnan University traces its roots back to its founding in Guangzhou in 1888. With a rich heritage that spans over 130 years, Lingnan has evolved into a leading liberal arts university, blending tradition with modernity. After its re-establishment in Hong Kong in 1967, the university has steadily built a reputation for a world-class university comprehensive in arts and sciences, driven by impactful research and technological innovation. Guided by the motto "Education for Service", Lingnan University emphasises cultivating well-rounded individuals equipped to serve society effectively. 

Lingnan University is one of the eight UGC-funded public universities in Hong Kong, located in Tuen Mun, New Territories. It is recognised for its emphasis on high-quality education, small class sizes, and global engagement, and is a leading institution in the humanities, business, and social sciences, with its digital transformation and interdisciplinary strengths. Lingnan University adopts a research-intensive liberal arts education model that integrates Chinese and Western academic traditions, with a strong focus on whole-person education. Beyond academic training, the University aims to nurture graduates with critical thinking skills, ethical values, and a strong sense of social responsibility, equipping them to navigate in the digital era and contribute meaningfully to society.

Lingnan University stands as a global leader in Quality Education and Impactful Research, dedicated to nurturing well-rounded, informed, and socially responsible individuals. Academic offerings include undergraduate, taught postgraduate, and research postgraduate programmes delivered by the Faculties of Arts, Business, Social Sciences, the School of Graduate Studies, and the School of Interdisciplinary Studies. The university has established several joint research centres in the Greater Bay Area, leveraging its integration with the Northern Metropolis, focusing on e-business and logistics, financial inclusion and digital economy, social governance, and ageing in place. 

Lingnan University achieved notable international recognition in 2025 by being ranked world No. 1 for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025 — marking the first time a higher education institution in Hong Kong attained the top global position in any United Nations SDG category. In the same rankings, Lingnan was also ranked No. 1 in Hong Kong for SDG 1: No Poverty, reflecting its emphasis on educational access, social mobility, and community engagement. 

More than 85% of undergraduate students spend a semester or winter/summer programme abroad. Lingnan is the first university in Hong Kong to have a Service-Learning team set up to help students share their knowledge and expertise with charities and communities — and in 2016–17, Service-Learning became a graduation requirement, signifying the university's commitment to community engagement and deep learning through experience. The university's 11-hectare campus in Tuen Mun — with 10 hostel blocks housing 2,600 students, a swimming pool, sports complex, and scenic hillside setting — offers one of the most intimate and community-centred campus environments of any public university in Hong Kong. 

Intakes

HKBU operates on a Hong Kong academic calendar with one primary annual intake and rolling PG admissions.

Primary Intake — September — Main intake for all undergraduate and most postgraduate programs.

• PG applications: rolling admissions; international students advised to apply by February–April for September entry; popular programs may close earlier
• UG applications (non-JUPAS international): rolling; early application by January–February strongly recommended

January Intake — Available for select postgraduate programs; verify availability at hkbu.edu.hk.

Important for Indian Students:

• UG tuition fee for 2025/26: HK$44,500 for local students and HK$175,000 for non-local (international) students; fees paid in two equal instalments 
• Admission Confirmation Fee (ACF): HKD $5,000 (non-refundable) upon accepting a UG admission offer
• Application fee: HKD $300–450 (approximately ₹3,300–₹4,950) for PG applications
• Indian CBSE/ISC Class 12 accepted as equivalent for UG entry
• IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL iBT 80 for UG; IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 79 for PG (minimum)
• 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 hkbu.edu.hk.

Top Courses

HKBU's seven faculties and schools offer a wide array of programmes across a diverse range of disciplines, from the arts, business, communication and social sciences to science and technology, Chinese medicine and sport. Key faculties and flagship programs include:

School of Communication (Flagship — QS #51–100 globally)

• BA(Hons) in Communication — Journalism / Advertising / Public Relations / Film and TV Studies
• MA in Communication — English-taught; one of Asia's best programs
• MA in Global Communication
• MSc in Integrated Media
• MPhil / PhD in Communication

School of Business (AACSB Accredited)

• BBA in Accounting / Finance / Business Management / Marketing / Operations Management
• MSc in Applied Accounting — English-taught
• MSc in Business Management
• MSc in Finance
• MSc in Marketing Management
• MBA (part-time / full-time) — AACSB accredited

Faculty of Arts

• BA in Chinese Language and Literature / Cultural Studies / English Language and Literature / History / Music / Philosophy / Translation / Visual Arts
• MA in English Studies
• MA in Cultural Studies
• MA in Translation and Bilingual Communication
• MPhil / PhD in Arts disciplines

Faculty of Social Sciences

• BA in Government and International Studies / Economics / Physical Education
• MSc in Psychology
• MA in Political Science
• MSc in Sports Management

Faculty of Science

• BSc in Computer Science / Data Science and Analytics / Chemistry / Biology / Mathematics
• MSc in Data Science
• MSc in AI-powered Drug Discovery — unique interdisciplinary program
• PhD in Science disciplines

School of Chinese Medicine

• Bachelor of Chinese Medicine (BChinMed) — only programme combining Chinese medicine with biomedical science at HKBU
• MSc in Chinese Medicine
• MPhil / PhD in Chinese Medicine

Academy of Visual Arts

• BA(Hons) in Fine Arts / Art Direction / Art History
• MFA in Fine Arts — English-taught
• MFA in Artistic Practice

Cost of Studying at Hong Kong Baptist University

The tuition fee of full-time undergraduate programmes for 2025/26 is HK$175,000 for non-local students, paid in two equal instalments. Postgraduate programmes at HKBU cost HKD $130,000–$180,000 per year for international students, depending on the programme and faculty.

HKBU's Kowloon Tong location — at the centre of Hong Kong's urban arts and media district, well-connected by MTR — provides students with direct access to the city's cultural heartbeat while remaining more affordable for accommodation than Hong Kong Island. Note: 1 HKD ≈ ₹11.

Note: All INR conversions calculated at 1 HKD = ₹11. HKBU's Kowloon Tong location provides good MTR connectivity to all of Hong Kong's key areas while keeping accommodation costs lower than Hong Kong Island. The PhD domestic rate of HKD $44,500/year makes research degrees exceptionally affordable for international students. Please refer to HKBU's official fees page (admissions.hkbu.edu.hk/en/fees.html) for the most current 2026–27 fee schedule.

Scholarships

HKBU offers various scholarships for international students, including entrance scholarships, merit-based scholarships, and a dedicated scheme specifically for outstanding South and Southeast Asian Ethnic Minority Students — a uniquely India-relevant scholarship opportunity. 

Key funding opportunities include:

• HKBU Admissions Scholarship for South and Southeast Asian Ethnic Minority Students (EMSS) — Specifically designed for outstanding students from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asian nations; covers partial to full tuition reduction; merit-based; automatically considered upon UG admission — a flagship India-specific scholarship at HKBU
• HKBU Non-local Student Entrance Scholarship (UG) — Merit-based tuition reduction for outstanding international UG applicants; automatically considered upon admission; selection based on academic achievements and non-academic accomplishments; covers partial to full tuition
• HKBU Non-local Student Postgraduate Scholarship — For outstanding international students admitted to taught PG programmes; partial or full tuition coverage; automatically considered upon admission
• Talent 100 PhD Scholarship Scheme — Launched in 2020 to provide comprehensive and practical doctoral training, in particular interdisciplinary research training; students admitted are hosted under the Institute of Transdisciplinary Studies; covers full tuition plus a living stipend; highly competitive; apply through the doctoral admissions process 
• Research Postgraduate Studentship — For government-funded MPhil/PhD students; covers full tuition plus a monthly stipend of approximately HKD $18,000–$18,500; automatically awarded to all admitted full-time government-funded research postgraduate students
• Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) — Annual stipend of HKD $340,800 (approximately ₹37.49L/year) plus travel allowance; apply by December 1 annually; extremely competitive; HKBU is an eligible institution
• Belt and Road Scholarship — For students from Belt and Road Initiative countries including India; covers tuition and living support; apply through HKBU's International Office
• HKSAR Government Scholarship — HKD $80,000/year for outstanding non-local students nominated by HKBU; no separate application required

Note: The EMSS Scholarship is the most India-specific funding opportunity at HKBU — Indian students should confirm eligibility and availability directly with HKBU's admissions office when applying.

Admissions

Hong Kong Baptist University has an acceptance rate of approximately 35%, making it a selective institution. Different programmes may have significantly varying admissions rates — Communication and Chinese Medicine programs tend to be the most competitive. 

For Graduate (Master's / Doctoral) Programs:

• Bachelor's degree from a recognised university; minimum Second Class Honours or equivalent GPA; relevant academic background in chosen field
• IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 79 minimum for most postgraduate programmes; some programmes have higher English requirements 
• Statement of Purpose / Motivation Letter; CV / Résumé
• 2 Letters of Recommendation (academic referees preferred)
• Official academic transcripts; Application fee: HKD $300–450
• Research Proposal for MPhil/PhD applications; supervisor identification recommended

For Undergraduate Programs:

• Higher secondary certificate (Class 12 / CBSE / ISC) with strong academic record; HKBU evaluates Indian qualifications holistically
• IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL iBT 80; some programmes require higher
• Admission Confirmation Fee: HKD $5,000 (non-refundable) upon accepting offer
• Additional portfolio or audition required for Academy of Visual Arts and Music programs

Indian students can check HKBU's specific admission requirements for their chosen program directly through Polygon Campus.

Placements

HKBU's Kowloon Tong campus — at the centre of Hong Kong's media, communications, and arts district — gives graduates in Communication, Media Studies, and Creative Arts a uniquely proximate relationship with Hong Kong's world-class broadcasting, advertising, and creative industries. Business and Science graduates benefit from the broader Hong Kong employer ecosystem.

HKBU graduates have a strong track record of securing employment soon after graduation. The employment rate for HKBU graduates is generally high, with many finding jobs within six months of graduation. Graduates from HKBU find employment in a variety of sectors, including finance, media, education, technology, and government. Some graduates also pursue further studies or start their own businesses.

Jobs After Graduating from Hong Kong Baptist University

Note: All INR conversions calculated at 1 HKD = ₹11. HKBU Communication and Media Studies graduates are among Hong Kong's most sought-after media professionals; the programme's QS #51–100 global ranking directly translates into strong employer recognition across Hong Kong and Asia's media industry. Actual salaries vary by role, employer, location, and experience.

HKBU's career support ecosystem includes:

• HKBU Career Centre — Comprehensive career services including one-on-one career counselling, CV workshops, mock interviews, employer presentations, on-campus recruitment events, internship placement, global internship opportunities, and the HKBU CareerHub online portal
• Communication Industry Pipeline — HKBU's QS top 51–100 globally ranked Communication and Media Studies programme maintains direct industry partnerships with TVB, RTHK, STAR TV, Wunderman Thompson, Ogilvy, and leading Hong Kong and regional media houses
• HKBU Entrepreneurship Centre — For students interested in starting their own businesses, HKBU's Entrepreneurship Centre provides resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities; the university has a collaboration with the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Centre (EIC) 
• Global Internship Programme — International internship placements across Asia, Europe, and North America; international exposure enhances graduates' profiles for the global media and business job market
• HKBU Alumni Association — Active alumni network supporting graduates with networking opportunities, mentorship programmes, and career advice; strong connections in media, education, arts, and business
• IANG Post-Study Work Visa — All HKBU international graduates qualify for the IANG 1-year stay-back visa; no employer sponsorship required; renewable; direct pathway to Hong Kong permanent residency

For personalised guidance on Hong Kong Baptist University admissions, connect with the experts at Polygon Campus today.