City University of Hong Kong has been ranked the "Most International University in the World" by Times Higher Education for 2026, marking the third consecutive year it has achieved the top spot, the university announced.
THE evaluated 2,191 universities based on World University Rankings 2026 data, with 217 institutions from 42 countries and regions meeting the criteria. CityUHK excelled across multiple metrics including proportion of international students and staff, international co-authorship, and international reputation.
The university boasts a diverse community with students from about 100 countries and faculty from over 40 nations and regions. Its Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine programme attracts students from Germany, Italy, South Africa, Jordan, Malaysia, South Korea, Indonesia, and the Chinese Mainland.
Assel Sarzhanova (front row, centre) from Kazahstan and Daniel Bruwer (front row, right) from South Africa.
International students shared their experiences: Assel Sarzhanova from Kazakhstan studying BBA Global Business said she has made friends from different countries and gained deeper insights into diverse cultures. South African student Daniel Bruwer noted the university's emphasis on cultivating a forward-thinking global perspective. Bulgarian creative media student Ivelina Karaatanasova described Hong Kong as a place where "anything is possible" if you know how to seize opportunities.
Through initiatives like the Distinguished Visiting Professors Scheme and Global Research Assistant Professors Scheme, CityUHK actively invites international scholars. Professor Siju Animashaun from Nigeria, who joined through the scheme, praised the vibrant and inclusive teaching atmosphere.
The university has joint bachelor's degree programmes with Columbia University and France's CentraleSupélec, and has signed agreements with several Cambridge colleges. It has expanded outreach to "Belt and Road" countries including Kazakhstan, Türkiye, Kuwait, and Azerbaijan.
CityUHK climbed to a record 73rd in the THE World University Rankings 2026 and topped Hong Kong in the THE Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026, ranking 11th globally and 3rd in Asia.
