Overview
Hong Kong Metropolitan University was founded in 1989 by government legislation as the Open Learning Institute of Hong Kong. In 1997, it became the Open University of Hong Kong, and in 2021, Hong Kong Metropolitan University. In 2024, the University was designated as Hong Kong's first University of Applied Sciences. This remarkable institutional journey — from a distance-learning open university to a full-fledged, government-recognised University of Applied Sciences in just 35 years — makes HKMU one of the most distinctive and rapidly evolving institutions in Hong Kong's higher education landscape.
Today, HKMU is the largest self-financing university in Hong Kong, with a student population of near 20,000 and more than 150,000 graduates. The university currently offers around 140 programs, with a strong emphasis on professional and practical courses that meet the market's manpower needs, providing an alternative path to success for young people. Additionally, the university maintains close links with industry and the professions to provide students with ample training and internship opportunities, equipping them with both applied skills and knowledge before entering society.
Hong Kong Metropolitan University is a comprehensive university focusing on professional, applied and practical academic programmes, adapting to market trends and meeting the needs of industry. These programmes cover a broad range of disciplines from the Schools of Arts and Social Sciences, Business and Management, Education and Languages, Nursing and Health Sciences, and Science and Technology. According to data from the university's official website in March 2025, the university has 7 faculties and 12 departments, including Hong Kong Metropolitan University Graduate School, Hong Kong Metropolitan University Shenzhen Research Institute, Hong Kong Metropolitan University Press, and Hong Kong Metropolitan University Physiotherapy Centre.
Today, the University has over 10,000 undergraduate students studying for a Bachelor's degree with Honours, and 3,000 students studying for master's degrees by coursework, as well as a growing number of research degree students studying for master's or doctoral degrees. The University also has students studying part-time at the various degree levels, in the face-to-face and distance learning modes. The student population includes a diversity of students from 30 countries. The University has been allocated around 40% of the total number of places under the Government's Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions / Sectors for 2025–26.
Hong Kong Metropolitan University has been ranked in the 781–790 range in the QS World University Rankings 2026 — marking HKMU's debut in the world university rankings, establishing it as Hong Kong's first self-financing university and first University of Applied Sciences to achieve this recognition. HKMU has advanced by over 100 places for the second consecutive year in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026, rising to 393rd position — a significant leap of over 140 places compared to the previous year.
HKMU's signature programmes include Creative Arts, Testing and Certification, Physiotherapy, Environmental Studies, Psychology, Corporate Governance and Hospitality Management. The university's campus in Ho Man Tin, Kowloon — with its Clinical Nursing Education Centre, Physiotherapy Laboratories, Creative Arts Studios, Child Development Centre, and Sports and Wellness Centre — provides a professionally focused learning environment uniquely aligned with Hong Kong's service industry economy.
| Rolling Admissions (~50–60% Acceptance) | 20,000+ Students | 30 Countries Represented | Hong Kong's First University of Applied Sciences (2024) |
|---|
Ranking
Hong Kong Metropolitan University has been ranked in the 781–790 range in the QS World University Rankings 2026 — marking HKMU's debut in the world university rankings and establishing it as Hong Kong's first self-financing university and first University of Applied Sciences to achieve this recognition. The QS World University Rankings evaluate institutions using various indicators, including academic reputation, research impact and employment outcomes.
HKMU advanced by over 100 places for the second consecutive year in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026, rising to 393rd position — a significant leap of over 140 places compared to the previous year. Since its first appearance in the Asia University Rankings in 2023, HKMU has made steady progress each year. This rapid improvement trajectory — entering the QS World Rankings for the first time in 2026 — signals a university on a fast upward climb.
| Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings 2026 | #781–790 Globally (Debut) / #8 in Hong Kong |
| QS Asia University Rankings 2026 | #393 in Asia (↑140+ places) |
| UniRank World University Rankings 2025 | Top 1,000 Globally |
| Hong Kong JUPAS Participation | 5th Largest Institution (among 9 JUPAS institutions) |
| JUPAS Band A Applications Growth (2026) | +30.8% Year-on-Year |
Intakes
HKMU operates on a Hong Kong academic calendar with two primary intakes per year.
Autumn Intake (September) — Primary and main intake; open to all undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs.
- Application deadlines for the Autumn intake usually fall between December and April of the previous academic year; international students strongly advised to apply by 31 May for September entry
- For the 2026 intake, applications listing HKMU among their top three choices in JUPAS increased by 30.8% — reflecting strong and growing demand
Spring Intake (January/February) — Secondary intake; available for select postgraduate and part-time programs.
- Application deadlines for the Spring intake typically range from August to October of the previous year
Important for Indian Students:
- Application fee: HKD $300–450 (approximately ₹3,300–₹4,950) depending on program level
- International UG applicants must have completed senior secondary education equivalent to the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) — Indian CBSE/ISC Class 12 is accepted as an equivalent qualification
- English proficiency proof required for most programs (IELTS 6.0+ / TOEFL iBT 80+)
- Hong Kong Student Visa / Entry Permit required; demonstrate sufficient funds for tuition and living costs
- International students may work part-time; full-time work during holidays permitted
- Post-Study Work: IANG — graduates can stay and work in Hong Kong for up to 1 year after graduation; renewable
- All applications are considered on a competitive and rolling basis; programmes will close once all available places have been filled; eligible applicants will be invited to attend an (face-to-face or online) admission interview after submitting applications
Note: Polygon Campus primarily assists with graduate-level admissions. Students are encouraged to confirm specific intake dates and program availability on hkmu.edu.hk.
Top Courses
HKMU's seven Schools — Arts and Social Sciences; Lee Shau Kee School of Business and Administration; Education and Languages; Nursing and Health Studies; Science and Technology; the Li Ka Shing School of Professional and Continuing Education (LiPACE); and School of Open Learning — offer programmes leading to Sub-degrees, Bachelor's Degrees, Master's Degrees and Doctoral degrees. The four Schools for full-time international students offer more than 40 full-time undergraduate programmes in 11 fields of study. Key programs include:
School of Arts and Social Sciences
- BA(Hons) in Creative Arts — flagship nationally unique program in HK; studio-based
- BA(Hons) in Social Science
- BA(Hons) in Psychology
- BA(Hons) in Cultural and Heritage Tourism
- MA in Creative Industries and Cultural Assets
- MA in Social Sciences
- MPhil / PhD in Arts and Social Sciences
Lee Shau Kee School of Business and Administration
- BBA(Hons) in Accounting and Finance
- BBA(Hons) in Corporate Governance and Risk Management — uniquely focused; highly relevant to HK finance sector
- BBA(Hons) in Hospitality Management
- BBA(Hons) in International Business and Entrepreneurship
- BBA(Hons) in Marketing
- MBA — English-taught; industry-focused; full-time and part-time
- MSc in Finance
- MSc in International Business
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
School of Education and Languages
- BA(Hons) in Language Studies (English / Chinese)
- BEd (Honours) in Primary Education
- Master of Education (MEd) — various specialisations
- MA in English Language Teaching
- MA in Translation and Interpreting
- Doctor of Education (EdD)
School of Nursing and Health Studies
- BSc(Hons) in Nursing — flagship professionally accredited program; highly demanded
- BSc(Hons) in Physiotherapy — unique among self-financing HK universities
- BSc(Hons) in Health Studies
- MSc in Nursing
- MSc in Health and Social Care Management
- Doctor of Clinical Science (DCSc)
School of Science and Technology
- BSc(Hons) in Computer Science (AI and Smart Technologies stream)
- BSc(Hons) in Testing Science and Certification — uniquely positioned; globally rare program
- BSc(Hons) in Environmental Studies
- BSc(Hons) in Information Technology
- MSc in Data Science
- MSc in IT Management
- Doctor of Engineering (DEng)
Cost of Studying at Hong Kong Metropolitan University
Undergraduate programs cost approximately USD $10,000–$14,000 per year; postgraduate programs approximately USD $13,000–$16,000 per year; doctoral programs approximately USD $10,000–$13,000 per year. As Hong Kong's largest self-financing university, HKMU's tuition rates are significantly more affordable than the government-funded universities (HKU, CUHK, HKUST, PolyU), while offering internationally recognised qualifications in the heart of Asia's premier financial and business hub.
For international students, tuition starts from a minimum of USD $11,605 (approximately HKD $90,000) per year. Living expenses in Hong Kong are manageable with careful planning, and HKMU's Kowloon location provides excellent public transport access across the entire city. Note: 1 HKD ≈ ₹11.
| Type of Expense | Annual Cost (HKD) | Annual Cost (INR Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| UG Tuition — Arts / Education / Social Sciences | HKD $85,000 – $1,00,000/year | ₹9.35L – ₹11.0L/year |
| UG Tuition — Business / IT / Science / Technology | HKD $95,000 – $1,10,000/year | ₹10.45L – ₹12.1L/year |
| UG Tuition — Nursing / Physiotherapy / Health Sciences | HKD $1,05,000 – $1,25,000/year | ₹11.55L – ₹13.75L/year |
| PG Tuition — Taught Master's (Business / Arts / Education) | HKD $1,00,000 – $1,30,000/year | ₹11.0L – ₹14.3L/year |
| PG Tuition — MBA / MSc (Computing / Health) | HKD $1,20,000 – $1,50,000/year | ₹13.2L – ₹16.5L/year |
| Doctoral Programs (DBA / DEng / EdD / PhD) | HKD $90,000 – $1,20,000/year | ₹9.9L – ₹13.2L/year |
| Application Fee | HKD $300 – $450 | ₹3,300 – ₹4,950 |
| Health Insurance (non-local students) | HKD $2,000 – $5,000/year | ₹22,000 – ₹55,000/year |
| On-Campus Accommodation (HKMU student halls) | HKD $1,500 – $3,500/month → HKD $18,000 – $42,000/year | ₹16,500 – ₹38,500/month → ₹1.98L – ₹4.62L/year |
| Off-Campus Accommodation (shared flat, Kowloon) | HKD $4,500 – $9,000/month → HKD $54,000 – $1,08,000/year | ₹49,500 – ₹99,000/month → ₹5.94L – ₹11.88L/year |
| Food & Personal Expenses (incl. campus canteen) | HKD $3,000 – $5,500/month → HKD $36,000 – $66,000/year | ₹33,000 – ₹60,500/month → ₹3.96L – ₹7.26L/year |
| Transport (MTR Octopus student card) | HKD $400 – $700/month → HKD $4,800 – $8,400/year | ₹4,400 – ₹7,700/month → ₹52,800 – ₹92,400/year |
| Books & Study Materials | HKD $500 – $1,200/month → HKD $6,000 – $14,400/year | ₹5,500 – ₹13,200/month → ₹66,000 – ₹1,58,400/year |
| Total Estimated Annual COA (UG International) | HKD $1,60,000 – $2,80,000/year | ₹17.6L – ₹30.8L/year |
| Total Estimated Annual COA (PG International) | HKD $1,70,000 – $3,00,000/year | ₹18.7L – ₹33.0L/year |
Note: All INR conversions calculated at 1 HKD = ₹11. As Hong Kong's first and only University of Applied Sciences, HKMU offers significantly more affordable tuition than the eight government-funded institutions — while providing internationally recognised qualifications and IANG post-study work rights in Asia's premier financial hub. Hong Kong requires students to demonstrate sufficient funds for tuition and living costs on the student visa. Please refer to HKMU's official admissions fees page (admissions.hkmu.edu.hk/tuition-fees) for the most current 2026–27 fee schedule.
Scholarships
HKMU demonstrates its dedication to international students through its generous Admission Scholarships for International Students, aimed at attracting high-achieving, committed individuals to its full-time undergraduate programmes. These merit-based scholarships are automatically considered during the admission process and no separate application is required, making it seamless for applicants to access financial support.
Key funding opportunities include:
- HKMU Admission Scholarship for International Students — Top Award — A full tuition scholarship, free university-assigned accommodation, and a living allowance of HK$45,000 (approximately ₹4.95L) per academic year; renewable annually provided students maintain satisfactory academic progress; automatically considered upon admission — no separate application required
- HKMU Admission Scholarship for International Students — Second Award — A full tuition scholarship covering 100% of annual fees; renewable annually subject to satisfactory academic progress; automatically considered; no separate application required
- HKMU Admission Scholarship for International Students — Third Award — A half tuition scholarship covering 50% of annual fees; renewable annually subject to renewal conditions ensuring sustained support throughout the four-year undergraduate journey; automatically considered
- HKSAR Government Scholarship — Administered through the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government Scholarship Fund; offers HK$80,000 (approximately ₹8.8L) per year to outstanding non-local students recognising their academic achievements; HKMU nominates eligible students for this award — no separate application required
- Self-financing Post-secondary Education Fund Outstanding Performance Scholarship — Provides up to HK$80,000 (approximately ₹8.8L) annually to non-local students excelling in full-time undergraduate programmes at HKMU; administered through HKMU; no separate application
- HKMU Admission Sports Scholarship — For international students with exceptional sports achievement; requires submission of scholarship application online by 31 May alongside the admission application; perfect for students wishing to combine athletic passion with academic pursuits
- Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) — Prestigious Hong Kong Research Grants Council fellowship; annual stipend of HKD $331,200+ (approximately ₹36.43L/year) plus travel allowance; available for PhD study at HKMU; apply by December 1 annually; extremely competitive
- Belt and Road Scholarship — For students from Belt and Road Initiative countries including India; covers tuition and/or living support; apply through HKMU's International Office
Note: Indian students should apply for HKMU's Admission Scholarships as early as possible — all three tiers are automatically considered with no separate application, but programs close on a rolling basis and early applicants have the best chance of Top Award consideration. The HKSAR Government Scholarship of HK$80,000/year is automatically nominated by the university for outstanding students.
Admissions
All applications are considered on a competitive and rolling basis. Programmes will close once all available places have been filled. Eligible applicants will be invited to attend a face-to-face or online admission interview after submitting applications. The University considers an applicant's whole profile. As such, satisfying the university admission requirements does not guarantee admission.
For Graduate (Master's / Doctoral) Programs:
- Bachelor's degree from a recognised university; minimum Second Class Honours or equivalent GPA for most programs
- English Proficiency: IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall (no band below 5.5) for most Master's programs; TOEFL iBT 80+; some clinical and nursing programs require higher
- Statement of Purpose / Personal Statement
- CV / Résumé (professional experience valued for MBA, DBA, and professional doctoral programs)
- 2 Letters of Recommendation (academic or professional referees)
- Official academic transcripts; application fee HKD $300–450
- Research Proposal required for MPhil, PhD, and professional doctorate (DBA, DEng, EdD) applications
For Undergraduate Programs:
- Applicants must have completed secondary education equivalent to the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) or possess an equivalent qualification; Indian CBSE/ISC Class 12 accepted
- IELTS 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5); TOEFL iBT 79+
- Some programs (Nursing, Physiotherapy) have specific science subject prerequisites at Class 12 level
- Application fee: HKD $300–450; rolling admissions — apply early
Indian students can check HKMU's specific admission requirements for their chosen program directly through Polygon Campus.
Placements
Hong Kong's status as Asia's premier financial centre, global logistics hub, and gateway to China's vast economy gives HKMU graduates — particularly those in Nursing, Business, Technology, and Physiotherapy — immediate and high-value career access across Hong Kong's most demanded professional sectors.
HKMU has a strong track record of graduate employability, with many graduates securing employment within six months of completing their studies. Graduates from HKMU are known to find employment in a variety of fields including Business and Finance (banking, finance, marketing, and management roles), Information Technology (software development, cybersecurity, and data analysis), Healthcare (nursing and health sciences graduates in hospitals, clinics, and healthcare settings), and Education (teaching careers in schools across Hong Kong and abroad).
At HKMU, students receive the latest knowledge and skills required by future employers so as to innovate and invest for a better future. The university's close links with industry and the professions provide students with ample training and internship opportunities, equipping them with both applied skills and knowledge before entering society.
Jobs After Graduating from Hong Kong Metropolitan University
| Job Profile | Average Annual Salary (HKD) | Annual Salary (INR Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse / Clinical Professional | HKD $2,40,000 – $5,40,000 | ₹26.4L – ₹59.4L |
| Physiotherapist | HKD $2,88,000 – $5,40,000 | ₹31.7L – ₹59.4L |
| Software / IT Engineer | HKD $2,40,000 – $5,40,000 | ₹26.4L – ₹59.4L |
| Business / Finance Analyst | HKD $2,16,000 – $4,32,000 | ₹23.8L – ₹47.5L |
| Testing and Certification Specialist | HKD $2,16,000 – $4,32,000 | ₹23.8L – ₹47.5L |
| Hospitality / Hotel Manager | HKD $1,80,000 – $3,60,000 | ₹19.8L – ₹39.6L |
| Primary / Secondary School Teacher | HKD $2,40,000 – $4,20,000 | ₹26.4L – ₹46.2L |
| Creative Arts / Design Professional | HKD $1,80,000 – $3,60,000 | ₹19.8L – ₹39.6L |
Note: All INR conversions calculated at 1 HKD = ₹11. HKMU Nursing and Physiotherapy graduates are in particularly high demand in Hong Kong's ageing-population healthcare sector; starting salaries for registered nurses in Hong Kong public hospitals are among the highest in Asia. Actual salaries vary by role, employer, location, and experience.
HKMU's career support ecosystem includes:
- HKMU Career and Internship Centre — Career counselling, CV workshops, mock interviews, employer presentations, internship matching, and an online job portal for all enrolled students and recent graduates; dedicated career advisors for Nursing, Business, Technology, and Creative Arts
- 150,000+ Alumni Network in 30+ Countries — Over 150,000 graduates globally from HKMU's three institutional iterations (OLIHK, OUHK, HKMU); active alumni associations in Hong Kong, Mainland China, and the Asia-Pacific region
- Government Study Subsidy Scheme (SSSDP) — 40% of All Places — HKMU has been allocated around 40% of the total number of places under the Government's Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions and Sectors for 2025–26; this government endorsement directly reflects the strong industry demand for HKMU graduates in nursing, allied health, IT, and professional services
- Clinical Nursing Education Centre and Physiotherapy Laboratories — State-of-the-art professional training facilities giving Nursing and Physiotherapy graduates hands-on clinical experience before entering the workforce; directly linked to Hong Kong hospitals and clinics
- HKMU Shenzhen Research Institute — Direct academic and industry connections to the Greater Bay Area; graduates gain access to opportunities across Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Macau in addition to Hong Kong
- Hong Kong's First University of Applied Sciences (UAS) Status — HKMU is Hong Kong's first self-financing university and first University of Applied Sciences to achieve QS World Ranking recognition; the UAS designation specifically aligns the university's curriculum with professional and industry needs, maximising graduate employment relevance
- IANG Post-Study Work Visa — All HKMU international graduates qualify for the IANG 1-year stay-back visa in Hong Kong; no employer sponsorship required; renewable; provides a pathway to Hong Kong permanent residency
For personalised guidance on Hong Kong Metropolitan University admissions, connect with the experts at Polygon Campus today.