Overview
The historical roots of The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) can be traced back to 1853, when the first formalised programme of in-service teacher training was introduced; the programme was formally established at St Paul's College in 1881. EdUHK enjoys more than 160 years of experience in providing teacher training and education. Formally established as a full university in 1994 (as the Hong Kong Institute of Education) and renamed The Education University of Hong Kong in 2016, EdUHK has grown into Asia's leading teacher education institution — a publicly funded research university dedicated to the advancement of learning and teaching.
The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) is ranked 4th in Asia and 12th in the world in Education according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025. Recognised for its excellence in teacher education, research, and innovation, EdUHK continues to shape the future of education both regionally and globally. EdUHK is a young and thriving research-active university, and has three university-level and nine faculty-level research centres. Its academics and researchers are currently undertaking 200+ projects with around HK$196 million (in 2025/26) in funding provided by the Research Grants Council and other funding bodies.
Committed to the Education-plus approach, the primary mission of EdUHK is to lead educational innovation, and to promote and support the strategic development of teaching, teacher education and disciplines complementary to education by preparing outstanding and morally responsible educators and professionals while supporting their lifelong learning. EdUHK aims to be a leading university in the Asia Pacific region and beyond, with a focus on educational research, development and innovation.
EdUHK's campus is nestled in a scenic mountain range in Tai Po, New Territories — just one hour from Hong Kong's business districts — offering tranquillity and world-class scholarship in a vibrant, inclusive community. Students can enjoy a wide range of facilities, including gym rooms, tennis courts, and swimming pools at the Amenities and Sports Complex and the EdUHK Sports Centre in Pak Shek Kok, Tai Po. The campus's green setting, combined with EdUHK's emphasis on whole-person development, creates an environment uniquely suited to the formation of educators and caring professionals.
EdUHK graduates are highly regarded by employers and enjoy an average monthly salary well above that of other graduates in the territory. The university's programmes are designed to equip students with practical subject knowledge and professional skills to succeed in future careers. EdUHK also focuses on career success, with 96.5% of Bachelor of Education graduates finding jobs or continuing their studies soon after graduation.
| ~50% Acceptance Rate | 10,000–15,000 Students | 20+ Countries Represented | #4 Asia / #12 World — Education (QS Subject 2025) |
|---|
Ranking
The Education University of Hong Kong is ranked #=530 in QS World University Rankings 2026. EdUHK is ranked 4th in Asia and 12th in the world for Education in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025.
In its specialist subject area of Education, EdUHK consistently ranks among the world's elite institutions — placing it alongside Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, and UCL in global education rankings. For students specifically targeting a career in education, teaching, or educational leadership, EdUHK's subject-specific ranking represents extraordinary value and prestige.
| Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings 2026 | #=530 Globally / #6 in Hong Kong |
| QS — Education (Subject) 2025 | #12 Globally / #4 in Asia / #1 in Hong Kong |
| THE World University Rankings | Ranked Globally |
| ARWU — Education (Subject) | Top 100 Globally |
| US News — Education (Subject) | Top 100 Globally |
| Graduate Employment Rate (BEd) | 96.5% within months of graduation |
Intakes
EdUHK operates on a Hong Kong academic calendar with a primary September intake.
Primary Intake — September — Main intake for all undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs.
- Non-local applications: Applications for the 2026/27 entry for non-local applicants are now open; rolling admissions; international students advised to apply well before April for September entry
- Research degrees (MPhil/PhD): rolling admissions year-round; supervisor identification strongly recommended prior to formal application
January and June Intakes — Some postgraduate programmes offer January and June intakes as well; verify specific program availability at eduhk.hk.
Important for Indian Students:
- Application fee: standard HKD $300–450 (approximately ₹3,300–₹4,950); check specific program requirements
- Indian CBSE/ISC Class 12 accepted as equivalent qualification for UG entry
- English Proficiency: IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL iBT 79 for UG; IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 79 for PG (minimum GPA 3.0 for most PG programs)
- Hong Kong Student Visa / Entry Permit required; demonstrate sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses
- 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 up to 1 year after graduation; renewable
- All full-time UGC-funded MPhil and PhD students are eligible for a Research Postgraduate Studentship covering a monthly stipend
Note: Polygon Campus primarily assists with graduate-level admissions. Students are encouraged to confirm specific intake dates and program availability on eduhk.hk.
Top Courses
EdUHK offers 4-year Non-education Programmes and 5-year Education Programmes — graduates of the 5-year programmes may register as qualified teachers in Hong Kong SAR upon completion. Programs are delivered across four faculties: Education Studies; Humanities; Liberal Arts and Social Sciences; and Science and Technology. Key programs include:
Faculty of Education Studies
Department of Early Childhood Education
- BEd(Hons) in Early Childhood Education — 5-year qualified teacher track
- BSSc(Hons) in Psychology and BEd(Hons) (Early Childhood Education) — unique dual degree
Department of Special Education and Counselling
- BEd(Hons) in Special Education — 5-year track
- MSc in Special Education and Counselling
Department of Education Policy and Leadership
- MEd in Educational Leadership
- MEd in Higher Education Management
- Doctor of Education (EdD) — professional doctorate
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
- Master of Education (MEd) — general educational practice; English-taught
- MSc in Educational Technology and Applications
Faculty of Humanities
- BA(Hons) in Chinese Language Education — 5-year teacher track
- BA(Hons) in English Language Education — 5-year teacher track; most popular for international students
- BA(Hons) in English Studies — 4-year non-teaching degree
- BSSc(Hons) in Chinese History and Culture
- MA in Applied Linguistics
- MA in Bilingual Education — English-taught; highly relevant for international students
Faculty of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
- BSSc(Hons) in Cultural and Creative Arts — interdisciplinary
- BSSc(Hons) in Social Sciences — Psychology / Government and International Studies
- BSoc(Hons) in Social Work
- MA in Social Work
- MSc in Psychology
- MSc in Public Affairs
Faculty of Science and Technology
- BEd(Hons) in Mathematics Education — 5-year teacher track
- BEd(Hons) in Science Education — 5-year teacher track
- BSSc(Hons) in Digital Media — 4-year program
- MSc in STEM Education
- MSc in Data Science for Education
- MSc in Health Education
Research Postgraduate Programs (all faculties)
- MPhil in Education / Humanities / Social Sciences / Science
- PhD in Education / Humanities / Social Sciences / Science
- Doctor of Education (EdD) — professional doctorate for experienced educators
Cost of Studying at The Education University of Hong Kong
EdUHK offers entrance scholarships with the following values: Full Scholarship at HKD $225,000 per annum (renewable); Tuition Scholarship at HKD $167,000 per annum; and Half-tuition Scholarship at HKD $83,500 per annum. These scholarship amounts reflect the approximate tuition level for non-local UG students at EdUHK.
The starting salary for graduates in teaching roles in Hong Kong is competitive, with education graduates earning an average starting salary ranging from USD $30,000 to USD $40,000 annually, depending on their specialisation and qualifications. EdUHK's Tai Po campus — in the New Territories, surrounded by mountains and greenery — offers one of the most affordable living environments of any Hong Kong public university. Note: 1 HKD ≈ ₹11.
| Type of Expense | Annual Cost (HKD) | Annual Cost (INR Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| UG Tuition — Education Programs (5-year, non-local) | HKD $1,50,000 – $1,70,000/year | ₹16.5L – ₹18.7L/year |
| UG Tuition — Non-Education Programs (4-year, non-local) | HKD $1,40,000 – $1,60,000/year | ₹15.4L – ₹17.6L/year |
| PG Tuition — Taught Master's (MEd / MSc / MA programs) | HKD $1,00,000 – $1,60,000/year | ₹11.0L – ₹17.6L/year |
| Doctor of Education (EdD — professional doctorate) | HKD $1,20,000 – $1,60,000/year | ₹13.2L – ₹17.6L/year |
| PhD / MPhil (government-funded research 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 $300 – $450 | ₹3,300 – ₹4,950 |
| Health Insurance (non-local students) | HKD $2,000 – $5,000/year | ₹22,000 – ₹55,000/year |
| On-Campus Student Hall (EdUHK residential halls) | HKD $1,200 – $2,500/month → HKD $14,400 – $30,000/year | ₹13,200 – ₹27,500/month → ₹1.58L – ₹3.30L/year |
| Off-Campus Accommodation (shared flat, Tai Po) | HKD $3,000 – $6,500/month → HKD $36,000 – $78,000/year | ₹33,000 – ₹71,500/month → ₹3.96L – ₹8.58L/year |
| Food & Personal Expenses | HKD $2,500 – $5,000/month → HKD $30,000 – $60,000/year | ₹27,500 – ₹55,000/month → ₹3.30L – ₹6.60L/year |
| Transport (MTR East Rail / bus — Tai Po) | 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 — on campus) | HKD $1,85,000 – $2,60,000/year | ₹20.35L – ₹28.6L/year |
| Total Estimated Annual COA (PG International — on campus) | HKD $1,40,000 – $2,40,000/year | ₹15.4L – ₹26.4L/year |
Note: All INR conversions calculated at 1 HKD = ₹11. EdUHK's Tai Po campus location provides one of the most affordable on-campus and off-campus living environments in Hong Kong. Research postgraduate students receive a monthly stipend of approximately HKD $18,000–$18,500 covering living expenses. Please refer to EdUHK's official fees page (apply.eduhk.hk/ug/fees) for the most current 2026–27 fee schedule.
Scholarships
EdUHK has established scholarships to encourage and recognise the pursuit of academic excellence of non-local students. The scholarships are granted on the basis of academic merit, personal qualities, extra-curricular activities and community service, among other factors.
Key funding opportunities include:
- EdUHK Full Entrance Scholarship (UG — Non-local) — Covers full tuition fees, on-campus accommodation fees, and academic and living allowance — HKD $225,000 per annum (renewable); merit-based; automatically considered upon admission for all non-local applicants; no separate application required
- EdUHK Tuition Scholarship (UG — Non-local) — HKD $167,000 per annum (renewable); covers full tuition fees; merit-based; automatically considered — no separate application required
- EdUHK Half-Tuition Scholarship (UG — Non-local) — HKD $83,500 per annum (renewable); covers 50% of annual tuition fees; automatically considered — no separate application required
- Belt and Road Scholarship (Designated Countries) — For students from Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, and Thailand; India falls under the "Other Countries" Belt and Road Scholarship category for non-designated Belt and Road countries; covers tuition and living support; apply through EdUHK's International Affairs Office
- Belt and Road Scholarship (Research Postgraduate) — For research postgraduate students from Belt and Road countries including India; covers tuition and/or living support for MPhil/PhD students
- Research Postgraduate Studentship — All full-time University Grants Committee-funded MPhil and PhD students at EdUHK are eligible for a research postgraduate studentship, which covers 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) — New full-time PhD candidates can apply for the HKPFS; it provides an annual stipend of approximately US$43,230 (approximately HKD $340,800 — ₹37.49L/year) as well as conference and research-related travel allowance of approximately US$1,790 per year for each awardee for a period up to three years; apply by December 1 annually
- Global Learning Enhancement Fund — Fund for undergraduates to participate in various types of activities outside Hong Kong SAR; supports international exchange, service-learning trips, and study tours; enhances international exposure for education students
Note: The EdUHK Full Entrance Scholarship at HKD $225,000/year is one of the most comprehensive non-local scholarships available at any Hong Kong public university — covering not just tuition but also accommodation and a living allowance. Indian students should submit their applications early as all scholarships are automatically considered without a separate application form.
Admissions
EdUHK has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
For Graduate (Master's / Doctoral) Programs:
- Bachelor's degree from a recognised university; minimum GPA of 3.0 or above generally required, but can vary based on the programme; Education programmes may require relevant professional experience
- Minimum IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 79 for postgraduate programmes; some programmes accept alternative English qualifications; some specialised Master's programmes require relevant work experience; MEd and similar programmes may require interviews or written tests
- Statement of Purpose / Personal Statement (demonstrating commitment to education and professional development)
- CV / Résumé (teaching experience or education sector work highly valued for MEd and EdD programs)
- 2 Letters of Recommendation (academic and/or professional referees)
- Research Proposal for PhD and EdD applications; supervisor identification recommended prior to formal application
- Application fee: HKD $300–450
For Undergraduate Programs:
- Higher secondary certificate (Class 12 / CBSE / ISC) accepted; strong academic record required
- IELTS 6.0 overall / TOEFL iBT 79+ for English-medium programs
- Some 5-year Education programmes require interviews as part of the selection process
- Immersion Programme participation (heavily subsidised overseas study trip) is compulsory for selected programmes — students contribute at least 18% of the estimated cost
Indian students can check EdUHK's specific admission requirements for their chosen program directly through Polygon Campus.
Placements
EdUHK's graduates enter one of Hong Kong's most stable and well-paid professional sectors — teaching. Hong Kong's education system is internationally acclaimed, and qualified teachers command competitive salaries, strong job security, and significant social respect in the territory. The university's direct links with Hong Kong's schools, education bureaus, and regional educational organisations across Greater China ensure that graduates enter a robust and well-supported employment ecosystem.
According to the Graduate Employment Survey's findings over the past decade, EdUHK graduates have been highly competitive in the field of education, as shown by the consistently high percentage of graduates who are either employed or intend to continue their studies, coupled with the overall rising trend of their average starting salary levels. EdUHK graduates are well-sought after in the local education sector because of their professional knowledge in their specific fields of study, their whole-person development, and their classroom-management experience.
EdUHK focuses on career success, with 96.5% of Bachelor of Education graduates finding jobs or continuing their studies soon after graduation. 95% of BEd programme graduates are employed or pursue postgraduate studies, with an average starting salary of approximately USD $4,500 per month (approximately HKD $35,000/month — ₹3,85,000/month).
Jobs After Graduating from The Education University of Hong Kong
| Job Profile | Average Annual Salary (HKD) | Annual Salary (INR Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Qualified Primary / Secondary Teacher (HK Govt School) | HKD $3,60,000 – $6,00,000 | ₹39.6L – ₹66.0L |
| Early Childhood Educator / Principal | HKD $2,40,000 – $4,80,000 | ₹26.4L – ₹52.8L |
| Special Education Teacher / Counsellor | HKD $2,80,000 – $5,00,000 | ₹30.8L – ₹55.0L |
| Educational Psychologist | HKD $3,60,000 – $7,20,000 | ₹39.6L – ₹79.2L |
| Curriculum Developer / Educational Researcher | HKD $3,00,000 – $5,40,000 | ₹33.0L – ₹59.4L |
| Corporate Trainer / L&D Specialist | HKD $2,40,000 – $4,80,000 | ₹26.4L – ₹52.8L |
| Social Worker / Community Educator | HKD $2,16,000 – $3,60,000 | ₹23.76L – ₹39.6L |
| School Principal / Educational Administrator | HKD $5,40,000 – $12,00,000 | ₹59.4L – ₹1,32.0L |
Note: All INR conversions calculated at 1 HKD = ₹11. Government school teachers in Hong Kong follow a structured salary scale and enjoy excellent benefits including medical coverage and pension — making teaching one of the most financially secure professional careers in the city. School principals and education administrators can earn significantly more. Actual salaries vary by role, institution, experience, and level of qualification.
The Education University of Hong Kong's career support ecosystem includes:
- EdUHK Career Development Team — Personalised career counselling, CV and portfolio workshops, teaching practice placement coordination, employer networking events, internship facilitation, and an online career portal connecting graduates with schools and educational organisations across Hong Kong and the region
- 96.5% Graduate Employment Rate (BEd) — EdUHK focuses on career success, with 96.5% of Bachelor of Education graduates finding jobs or continuing their studies soon after graduation; among the strongest placement rates of any publicly funded Hong Kong university
- Compulsory Teaching Practicum — All Education degree students undertake extensive school-based teaching practice embedded within their 5-year programmes; graduates enter the classroom with 1–2 semesters of formal supervised teaching experience — a critical advantage in the job market
- Direct Links to Hong Kong Education Bureau and Schools — EdUHK's status as Hong Kong's primary teacher education institution creates formal and informal recruitment pipelines into government schools, international schools, kindergartens, and special education centres across the territory
- Research Centres and Innovation Hubs — Three university-level and nine faculty-level research centres; 200+ active research projects with HKD $196 million in funding; creates significant academic career pathways for doctoral graduates in education research, curriculum development, and educational technology
- Global Learning Enhancement Fund — Fund for undergraduates to participate in various activities outside Hong Kong SAR; supports international teaching practicum, exchange visits, and conference participation — broadening graduates' professional horizons beyond Hong Kong
- EdUHK International Office — Strong partnerships with universities and schools in mainland China, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, UK, and the US; facilitates teaching exchanges, research collaborations, and international employment pathways for graduates
- EdUHK Alumni Network — A growing community of qualified teachers, school principals, educational psychologists, and education researchers serving Hong Kong's schools and communities; active mentorship programs connecting current students with experienced educators
- IANG Post-Study Work Visa — All EdUHK international graduates qualify for the IANG 1-year stay-back visa in Hong Kong; no employer sponsorship required; renewable; teaching positions in Hong Kong international schools and government schools are accessible to qualified EdUHK international graduates
For personalised guidance on The Education University of Hong Kong admissions, connect with the experts at Polygon Campus today.