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The Hong Kong government is actively promoting the city as a prime destination for international education through its "Study in Hong Kong" initiative.
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Surge in international student enrollment
The Faculty of Science at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), led by Dean Zhou Qiang, has become a key player in this effort, enrolling over 600 undergraduate students this year.
Among them, 281 are international students, with 206 from mainland China and 75 from other countries.
Many of these students see Hong Kong as an ideal hub for international research, drawn by its unique academic environment and global opportunities.
Diverse admission pathways
This year, HKU’s Faculty of Science admitted approximately 606 undergraduates through various pathways, including Hong Kong’s Joint University Programmes Admissions System, mainland China’s national college entrance examination, and international qualifications such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) and British A-Levels.
Science Master Class attracts top talent
The faculty’s Science Master Class has attracted high-achieving students, including at least 18 top-performing non-local students, 10 of whom earned IB scores between 42 and 45. The faculty aims to cultivate the next generation of scientists and entrepreneurs to address global challenges, bringing together talent from Hong Kong and around the world.
Student stories
Among the new students is Zou, a physics major in the Science Master Class. Originally from Shenzhen, Zou lived in Australia from age three before returning to China for secondary school.
He chose HKU for its internationalized environment and the Young Scientist Scheme, which offers extensive global academic exchange opportunities.
Planning to minor in chemistry to prepare for graduate studies abroad, Zou believes Hong Kong is the best place for international research.
Another student, Wee, who was born in Malaysia but educated in mainland China, joined the Bachelor of Science program with a perfect IB score.
His passion for biology and environmental conservation developed through years of volunteering in Malaysia to protect sea turtles, where he worked with researchers collecting data.
Wee values HKU’s focus on in-depth research, volunteer opportunities, and summer projects that support his interest in environmental protection.
Ragaa Abdalbary, a first-year student from Egypt pursuing a dual degree in science and law, was drawn to HKU for its interdisciplinary programs that allow her to explore the intersection of science and innovation.
Interested in how biotechnology can improve human life and promote environmental sustainability, she appreciates Hong Kong’s unique blend of urban vibrancy and natural beauty, as well as the flexibility of her dual-degree program, which she sees as a strong foundation for her future career.
Strengthening Hong Kong’s global appeal
To strengthen Hong Kong’s position as an international education hub, students suggest the government could engage international students like themselves as ambassadors to promote the city’s culture and academic offerings globally.
Zou highlighted the value of HKU’s diverse community, recalling a recent orientation event where he connected with peers from India, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates.
These interactions, he noted, fostered meaningful cultural exchanges and built lasting connections, reinforcing Hong Kong’s appeal as a global education destination.
