Overview
Founded in 1937 as the Government Commercial School, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in Hong Kong, renamed the Hong Kong Technical College in 1947 to reflect its expanding curriculum, and transformed into a degree-granting institution in 1972 as the Hong Kong Polytechnic. In 1994, it became a university and has grown considerably over the years, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in various fields such as engineering, business, design, applied sciences and humanities.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) aspires to be an innovative world-class university that pursues excellence in education, research and knowledge transfer for the benefit of Hong Kong, the Nation, and the world. Driven by its motto "To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind", the University nurtures socially responsible professionals and leaders with a strong sense of national pride and a global perspective, and pursues world-leading research and innovation for societal benefits.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University was established in 1937 and is the largest publicly funded university in Hong Kong. Known as PolyU, currently over 32,000 students are enrolled at the University. Programmes offered here include internships, work placements and applied research projects that help students achieve their academic goals.
Seven subjects were placed within the top 30 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025. Among these, Hospitality and Leisure Management, Art and Design, and Environmental Sciences achieved the top rank in Hong Kong. The University's unwavering commitment to excellence has garnered international acclaim, with PolyU ranking 54th in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
PolyU made international headlines in January 2019 when its team successfully landed the Chang'e-4 Yutu-2 lunar rover on the far side of the Moon — PolyU researchers developed the landing camera and surface penetrating radar for China's pioneering Moon mission, placing the university at the vanguard of global space exploration. PolyU has also been involved in China's Mars missions and remains a key partner in China's national space programme.
Notable alumni include Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, former Financial Secretary John Tsang Chun-wah, business leaders including Victor Li Tzar-kuoi (Cheung Kong Holdings), and renowned designers active in fashion, interiors, and product design across Asia.
| ~35% Acceptance Rate | 32,000+ Students | 90+ Countries Represented | #54 QS 2026 / Chang'e-4 Moon Mission Partner |
|---|
Ranking
PolyU ranks 54th in the QS World University Rankings 2026 — its highest ever position and a remarkable achievement for a polytechnic-origin institution. In subject rankings, PolyU's breadth and depth of top-30 positions is extraordinary for a university of its vocational-professional heritage.
Seven subjects were placed within the top 30 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Hospitality and Leisure Management, Art and Design, and Environmental Sciences achieved the top rank in Hong Kong. Other subjects in the top 30 globally include Nursing, Architecture, Civil Engineering, and Construction.
| Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings 2026 | #54 Globally / #5 in Hong Kong (tied) |
| Times Higher Education 2026 | Top 100 Globally |
| ARWU (Shanghai) 2025 | Top 200 Globally |
| US News Best Global Universities 2025 | Top 200 Globally |
| QS — Hospitality & Leisure Management | Top 5 Globally / #1 in Hong Kong |
| QS — Art & Design (Subject) | Top 30 Globally / #1 in Hong Kong |
| QS — Environmental Sciences | Top 30 Globally / #1 in Hong Kong |
| QS — Nursing | Top 30 Globally / #1 in Hong Kong |
| QS — Architecture & Built Environment | Top 30 Globally |
| QS — Civil & Structural Engineering | Top 30 Globally |
Intakes
PolyU 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; popular programs (Fashion, Design, Nursing, Hospitality) close early
- UG applications (non-JUPAS international): rolling; early application by December–January recommended
January Intake — Available for select postgraduate programs only; verify at polyu.edu.hk.
Important for Indian Students:
- Non-local UG tuition approximately HKD $160,000–$185,000/year (subject to annual review)
- Entry scholarships for international students are offered based on academic or non-academic achievements; around 47 academic entry scholarships were awarded to new international students in 2018/19
- Application fee: HKD $400–500 (approximately ₹4,400–₹5,500)
- 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
- PolyU's Hung Hom campus — directly connected to Hung Hom MTR station — provides excellent access to both Kowloon and Hong Kong Island
Note: Polygon Campus primarily assists with graduate-level admissions. Confirm specific intake dates and program availability on polyu.edu.hk.
Top Courses
PolyU programmes include internships, work placements and applied research projects embedded directly into the curriculum — reflecting the university's founding philosophy of practice-based learning for real-world impact. Programs are organised across PolyU's multiple faculties and schools:
Faculty of Engineering
- BEng in Civil and Environmental Engineering — Top 30 globally (QS)
- BEng in Mechanical Engineering / Electrical Engineering / Electronic and Information Engineering
- BEng in Industrial and Systems Engineering
- MSc in Civil Engineering — English-taught; popular for Indian students
- MSc in Smart Energy Engineering
- MSc in Electronic and Information Engineering
- MSc in Industrial Engineering and Logistics Management
- PhD in Engineering
Faculty of Construction and Environment (Top 30 QS — Architecture & Built Environment)
- BSc in Surveying / Building Engineering / Construction Project Management
- MSc in Construction Law and Dispute Resolution
- MSc in Real Estate and Infrastructure
- Master of Urban Design
School of Design (Top 30 globally — Art & Design — QS 2025)
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Design — Fashion Design / Communication Design / Industrial Design / Interior Design
- MA in Design (various specialisations)
- MSc in Design
- PhD in Design
School of Hotel and Tourism Management (Top 5 globally — Hospitality & Leisure Management — QS 2025)
- BBA(Hons) in Hotel Management — flagship; most prestigious hospitality degree in Asia
- BBA(Hons) in Tourism Management
- MSc in International Hospitality Management — English-taught
- MSc in Tourism and Event Management
- PhD in Hospitality and Tourism
Faculty of Business (AACSB Accredited)
- BBA in Accounting / Finance / Marketing / Management / Business Analysis
- MSc in Finance
- MSc in Business Analytics — English-taught; popular for Indian students
- MSc in International Shipping and Transport Logistics
- MBA (part-time and full-time)
- MSc in Financial Technology
Faculty of Health and Social Sciences (Top 30 globally — Nursing — QS 2025)
- BNurs(Hons) in Nursing — Top 30 globally (QS)
- BSc in Optometry / Physiotherapy / Radiography
- MSc in Public Health
- MSc in Mental Health Nursing
- MSc in Occupational Therapy
Faculty of Science
- BSc in Applied Biology / Applied Physics / Food Science / Environmental Science — Top 30 globally (QS)
- MSc in Data Science
- MSc in Environmental Science and Technology
- PhD in Science disciplines
Faculty of Humanities
- BA in Chinese and Bilingual Studies / English Studies
- MA in English for the Professions
- MSc in Applied Translation Studies
Cost of Studying at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
PolyU's tuition for non-local international students follows Hong Kong's standard UGC-funded rate for government-funded programmes, with postgraduate taught programme fees varying significantly by school and programme. As the largest publicly funded university in Hong Kong, PolyU offers a wide range of programme fees reflecting the diversity of its offerings.
The average annual earnings of Hong Kong Polytechnic University graduates is HKD $268,000 per year, and the university has a 92% placement rate within six months of graduating. In the compliance and monitoring division, graduates earn an average of HKD $745,780 annually. PolyU's Hung Hom campus — connected by MTR to both Kowloon and Hong Kong Island — is one of the most conveniently located of any Hong Kong university. Note: 1 HKD ≈ ₹11.
| Type of Expense | Annual Cost (HKD) | Annual Cost (INR Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| UG Tuition — Arts / Business / Social Sciences (non-local) | HKD $1,60,000 – $1,75,000/year | ₹17.6L – ₹19.25L/year |
| UG Tuition — Engineering / Science / Construction | HKD $1,70,000 – $1,90,000/year | ₹18.7L – ₹20.9L/year |
| UG Tuition — Design / Hospitality / Nursing | HKD $1,75,000 – $2,00,000/year | ₹19.25L – ₹22.0L/year |
| PG Tuition — MSc Supply Chain / Global Logistics | HKD $28,275 – $80,000/program | ₹3.11L – ₹8.8L/program |
| PG Tuition — Taught Master's (Business / Engineering) | HKD $1,20,000 – $1,80,000/year | ₹13.2L – ₹19.8L/year |
| PG Tuition — MSc Hospitality / Design / Architecture | HKD $1,50,000 – $2,00,000/year | ₹16.5L – ₹22.0L/year |
| MBA (full-time) | HKD $2,50,000 – $3,50,000 total | ₹27.5L – ₹38.5L (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 (PolyU student halls — Hung Hom) | 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, Hung Hom / 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 | 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 — Hung Hom) | 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 $2,00,000 – $3,40,000/year | ₹22.0L – ₹37.4L/year |
Note: All INR conversions calculated at 1 HKD = ₹11. Some PolyU PG programs (such as Global Supply Chain Management) are offered at significantly lower per-program fees for shorter programs — making them exceptional value for specialised postgraduate qualifications. PhD students receive a monthly studentship of HKD $18,000–$18,500. Please refer to PolyU's official fees page (polyu.edu.hk/admissions/tuition-fees-and-scholarships) for the most current 2026–27 fee schedule.
Scholarships
PolyU offers entry scholarships for international students pursuing full-time undergraduate programmes based on academic or non-academic achievements. From time to time, a number of private organisations, firms, professional bodies and individuals donate scholarships for university students to recognise their outstanding academic and/or non-academic achievements. Around 47 academic entry scholarships were awarded to new international students in 2018/19.
Key funding opportunities include:
- PolyU International Student Entry Scholarship (UG) — Merit-based tuition reduction for outstanding international UG applicants; based on academic or non-academic achievements including extracurricular activities and community services; automatically considered upon admission — no separate application required; approximately 47+ international students receive these awards annually
- PolyU Talent 100 Scholarship — For outstanding doctoral candidates in strategic research areas; covers full tuition plus a generous living stipend; apply through the doctoral admissions process
- 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; PolyU is an eligible institution; apply by December 1 annually; extremely competitive
- School of Hotel and Tourism Management Scholarships — Dedicated scholarships for outstanding students entering the globally top-5 ranked Hospitality and Tourism programmes; merit-based; awarded at time of offer; check SHTM website for current availability
- School of Design Scholarships — Portfolio-based merit scholarships for Design and Fashion students; awarded at admission; check School of Design website for current awards
- Belt and Road Scholarship — For students from Belt and Road Initiative countries including India; covers tuition and living support; apply through PolyU's International Office
- HKSAR Government Scholarship — HKD $80,000/year for outstanding non-local students nominated by PolyU; automatically nominated — no separate application required
- Private Firm and Professional Body Scholarships — Numerous scholarships donated by private organisations, firms, and professional bodies to recognise outstanding academic and non-academic achievements; most are nominated by Heads of Academic Departments; a limited number are open to direct application by students
Note: Indian students targeting PolyU's world-renowned Hospitality and Design programmes should check dedicated school scholarships — these field-specific awards are particularly valuable and may be separate from the general international entry scholarship process.
Admissions
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University's GPA requirement is 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 for postgraduate programmes. The university's acceptance rate is approximately 35%.
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 (Hospitality, Design, Business Analytics) require higher
- IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall for most MSc programs; TOEFL iBT 80–90+; programmes in Nursing, Health, and some Engineering tracks may require IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0
- Statement of Purpose / Personal Statement; CV / Résumé; 2 Letters of Recommendation
- Portfolio required for Design, Architecture, and Fashion programs
- Official academic transcripts; Application fee: HKD $400–500
- Research Proposal for MPhil/PhD applications; supervisor identification recommended
For Undergraduate Programs:
- Higher secondary certificate (Class 12 / CBSE / ISC) with strong academic record; PolyU is selective — top academic performance recommended
- IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL iBT 79+; Design and Architecture programs require portfolio submission
- Hospitality programs may include an interview component
- Application fee: HKD $400–500
Indian students can check PolyU's specific admission requirements for their chosen program directly through Polygon Campus.
Placements
PolyU's Hung Hom campus — metres from Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour and at the intersection of Kowloon and Hong Kong Island — places graduates at the heart of one of the world's most dynamic commercial, hospitality, fashion, and engineering ecosystems. Its direct access by MTR to Hong Kong's financial centre, hotel district, and creative industries makes PolyU graduates immediately employable across the city's strongest sectors.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University has a 92% placement rate within six months of graduating. The average annual earnings of Hong Kong Polytechnic University graduates is HKD $268,000 per year. The compliance and monitoring division benefits at a hefty average annual salary of HKD $745,780, reflecting the premium value placed on PolyU qualifications in Hong Kong's regulatory and financial services sectors.
Jobs After Graduating from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
| Job Profile | Average Annual Salary (HKD) | Annual Salary (INR Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel / Hospitality General Manager | HKD $4,80,000 – $12,00,000 | ₹52.8L – ₹1,32.0L |
| Fashion / Industrial / Graphic Designer | HKD $2,40,000 – $5,40,000 | ₹26.4L – ₹59.4L |
| Civil / Structural Engineer | HKD $3,00,000 – $6,60,000 | ₹33.0L – ₹72.6L |
| Environmental / Building Engineer | HKD $2,88,000 – $5,76,000 | ₹31.68L – ₹63.36L |
| Registered Nurse / Healthcare Professional | HKD $2,88,000 – $5,76,000 | ₹31.68L – ₹63.36L |
| Business Analyst / Supply Chain Manager | HKD $2,88,000 – $6,00,000 | ₹31.68L – ₹66.0L |
| Finance / Compliance Professional | HKD $4,00,000 – $7,45,780 | ₹44.0L – ₹82.04L |
| Data Scientist / FinTech Specialist | HKD $3,60,000 – $7,20,000 | ₹39.6L – ₹79.2L |
Note: All INR conversions calculated at 1 HKD = ₹11. PolyU Hospitality graduates entering Hong Kong's five-star hotel and international hospitality management sector are among the highest-paid graduates in the university's portfolio; the School of Hotel and Tourism Management's global top-5 ranking commands exceptional employer recognition worldwide. Actual salaries vary by role, employer, location, and experience.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University's career support ecosystem includes:
- PolyU Career Development and Placement Centre (CDPC) — Comprehensive career services including personalised career coaching, CV and portfolio workshops, mock interviews, employer presentations, on-campus recruitment drives, internship placement, and the PolyU JobsDB online portal connecting students with employers across Hong Kong, Greater China, and globally
- 92% Graduate Placement Rate within 6 Months — One of the strongest placement rates among Hong Kong's public universities; driven by PolyU's practice-based learning model and deep industry embedding in every programme
- World-Leading Hospitality Network — PolyU's School of Hotel and Tourism Management (globally top 5, QS 2025) maintains direct industry partnerships with Marriott, Hyatt, Four Seasons, Shangri-La, and the world's leading hospitality and tourism corporations; graduates receive preferential access to international management trainee programs
- China Space Programme Partnership — PolyU's involvement in the Chang'e-4 and Tianwen Mars missions creates direct career pathways for engineering and science students into China's rapidly expanding aerospace and space technology sector
- Fashion and Design Industry Network — PolyU's School of Design (globally top 30, QS 2025) is Asia's most prestigious design school; direct partnerships with LVMH, Kering, Inditex, HSBC Premier, and Hong Kong's leading fashion, product, and communications design houses
- Engineering and Construction Sector Connections — PolyU's Civil Engineering and Construction programmes (globally top 30, QS) are directly partnered with Hong Kong's largest engineering consultancies, MTR Corporation, AECOM, Arup, and leading real estate and infrastructure developers
- Applied Research Innovation — PolyU researchers developed instruments for China's lunar and Mars missions; direct R&D career pathways through PolyU's research institutes in aerospace, smart materials, AI, and environmental technology
- IANG Post-Study Work Visa — All PolyU international graduates qualify for the IANG 1-year stay-back visa; renewable; PolyU's exceptionally strong placement network means most graduates secure employment well within this period, with clear pathways to Hong Kong permanent residency
For personalised guidance on The Hong Kong Polytechnic University admissions, connect with the experts at Polygon Campus today.