“A Global Hub of Top‑Tier Universities," Hong Kong Universities Celebrate QS 2027 Results

The 2027 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings were released today (June 18), with 10 Hong Kong institutions making the list, marking a historic milestone for the city's higher education sector. Many universities achieved their best-ever rankings, reinforcing Hong Kong's reputation as a premier study destination.

HKU & CUHK

Both the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) secured positions in the global top 20, while the Education University of Hong Kong and Lingnan University recorded impressive leaps of over 100 places. Hong Kong Shue Yan University also made its debut on the prestigious list.

The 2027 rankings show that the University of Hong Kong (HKU) remains firmly at 11th globally, continuing to lead Hong Kong universities; the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) jumped from 32nd last year to 18th, making a historic entry into the global top 20; the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) rose from 44th to 33rd; the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and City University of Hong Kong (CityU) advanced to 50th and 52nd respectively; Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) rose to 216th; the Education University of Hong Kong (EUHK) made a significant leap from 530th to 406th; Lingnan University jumped 120 places to 581st globally; and Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) remained in the 781-790 range. Additionally, Hong Kong Shue Yan University (HKSYU) made its debut on the list this year, ranking between 1001st and 1200th.

HKU, Photo source: reference image

Professor Xiang Zhang, President of HKU, expressed gratitude to the nation, the HKSAR Government, faculty, students, and supporters, stating: "Bearing 115 years of profound heritage, HKU aspires to become a world‑class university leading the future of humanity. Our achievements today are built upon a solid academic foundation — we are committed to attracting top global talent, creating an environment where scholars can fully utilize their abilities, and cultivating original research with far‑reaching practical impact."

CUHK, Photo source: reference image

Professor Dennis Lo, Vice‑Chancellor and President of CUHK, described the university's first‑ever entry into the global top 20 as "a significant milestone for the university as it enters a new phase", and a recognition of the collective efforts of faculty, students, alumni, and partners over the years.

He noted that Hong Kong, as China's most international city, is dedicated to providing outstanding students and scholars from around the world with a learning and research environment that combines academic depth, cultural diversity, and innovative drive.

The improved employer reputation testifies to the effectiveness of CUHK's collegiate liberal arts education, integrated with the strengths of a research‑intensive university. He also noted that CUHK's perfect score in international faculty ratio underscores its continued advantage in attracting world‑class talent.

Professor Lo revealed that with the upcoming CUHK Strategic Development Plan 2026–2030, the university will deepen its collaboration with top global institutions, industry, and government to promote impactful research and knowledge transfer.

HKUST, Photo source: reference image

Professor Nancy Ip, President of HKUST, said the university's significant leap is encouraging and affirms its strength in teaching, research, and talent development: "HKUST will continue to uphold the spirit of 'Anything Is Possible,' addressing societal challenges with innovative teaching and research, nurturing future leaders with an international perspective, and actively supporting Hong Kong's development as an international innovation and technology hub, serving the national development strategy."

PolyU, Photo source: reference image

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has climbed to 50th place in the QS World University Rankings, achieving its best‑ever result. Dr. Lam Tai Fai, Chairman of PolyU's Council, recalled the challenges the university faced in 2019: "The social unrest at that time caused serious damage to our campus, and there was misunderstanding and negative public sentiment towards PolyU. Our work was extremely challenging and stressful under these difficult circumstances."

However, as Hong Kong transitioned from chaos to stability, PolyU rallied. Dr. Lam noted: "Our faculty and staff united as one, upholding our motto — 'To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind' — to drive the university forward. This progress is reflected in our steady rise in the QS World University Rankings."

Moreover, he also emphasised PolyU's commitment as a patriotic and Hong Kong‑loving research‑intensive university: "We are fully dedicated to integrating into and serving the nation's development. Our mission is to nurture talent with a sense of national pride, global vision, and a commitment to serving both society and the country," revealing that PolyU will strengthen partnerships with mainland provincial governments and universities, and actively seek to participate in the development of the Northern Metropolis University Town to address constraints in land resources and space.

Professor Teng Jinguang, President of PolyU, outlined the university's strategic priorities for the future: "PolyU will focus on the integrated development of education, technology, and talent. Leveraging our network of technology innovation research institutes in 12 mainland cities, we will precisely address the industrial development needs of different regions, accelerate the commercialisation of research outcomes, and make greater contributions to national development, high‑quality growth, and the building of a technology‑powered nation."

He also confirmed PolyU's commitment to supporting Hong Kong's development as an international hub for tertiary education and noted that the university will steadily advance the upgrade of its School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPEED) to a private university.

CityU, Photo source: reference image

CityU is the only Hong Kong institution with an indicator ranking among the top three globally. Its "average citations per faculty paper" has ranked 2nd globally for two consecutive years, behind only Harvard University.

Professor Lee Chun Sing, Acting President of CityU, expressed encouragement at the results: "This confirms CityU's core strengths in teaching, research, and innovation — demonstrating our world‑class academic influence. It also reflects our effectiveness in building the 'Study in Hong Kong' brand with the SAR Government and our determination to actively develop research and innovation in line with the Northern Metropolis development. CityU will continue to expand its global cooperation network, attract outstanding talent, and strengthen academic and research collaboration with top universities in mainland China and overseas, particularly along the Belt and Road Initiative."

Regarding its ranking of 26th globally and second in Hong Kong in indicators measuring international student attractiveness, HKBU responded that its international ranking has been rising steadily in recent years, demonstrating that its commitment to improving teaching and research has been recognized.

HKBU, Photo source: reference image

HKBU stated that it will continue to refer to university rankings published by various global institutions as one of the reference indicators for improving its teaching and research work. The school will also strive to cultivate future-oriented talent for the international community by promoting interdisciplinary education, and will further enhance the learning experience of HKBU students receiving quality education.

EdUHK, Photo source: reference image

EdUHK, which made its debut in the QS World University Rankings last year at 530th place, has now climbed into the top 30% of universities globally, reflecting its rapid progress in academic reputation, research performance, and international standing.

On the occasion of its 10th anniversary since renaming, Professor Lee Chi Kin, President of EdUHK, expressed deep encouragement at the results: "Looking ahead, the university will continue to focus on impactful research and integrate sustainable development into campus culture to enhance our overall competitiveness, while contributing to the future of education in a rapidly changing world."

Lingnan University, Photo source: reference image

Lingnan University achieved a perfect score in the "International Faculty Ratio" indicator, ranking 34th globally.

Professor Qin Sizhao, President of Lingnan University, said: "Lingnan's significant rise reflects our recent achievements in promoting the 'Liberal Arts + Technology' and 'AI +' strategic transformation, attracting top global talent, promoting campus internationalisation, and strengthening industry‑academia‑research collaboration."

He revealed that Lingnan University is actively seizing opportunities from the Northern Metropolis development. As the university closest to the Northern Metropolis and Shenzhen Bay Port among the eight government‑funded institutions, Lingnan is expanding its teaching and research facilities, drawing outstanding students from around the world, and strengthening cooperation with mainland enterprises to promote research translation and application.

HKMU, Photo source: reference image

Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU), as Hong Kong's first university of applied sciences, stated that it will continue to align with market and industry needs, offering high‑quality professional courses, deepening industry‑academia‑research collaboration, expanding international exchanges, and contributing to Hong Kong's development as an international hub for tertiary education.

University students in Hong Kong, Photo source: reference image

Home Affairs Department alerts public to attempted impersonations of Care Teams

A spokesman for the Home Affairs Department (HAD) today (June 18) alerted members of the public to beware of attempted impersonations of District Services and Community Care Teams (Care Teams) for fraudulent purposes.

The HAD has recently been informed by an individual sub-district Care Team that some residents were visited by persons who claimed to be Care Team members, distributing blessing bags to an elderly person and requesting the elderly to sign unknown papers.

The spokesman reminded members of the public that they should remain vigilant when any request for visit by unknown persons, as well as unidentified calls or messages are received. If in doubt about the identity of the callers or visitors, please call 182 111 to verify the identity of Care Team members and volunteers, and obtain the Care Teams' contact information. In case of suspicious circumstances, please call the 24-hour Anti-Scam Helpline 18222.

Members and volunteers of Care Teams will wear Care Team uniforms and display Care Team member or volunteer Certificates of Identity for identification when providing caring services. Members of the public may visit the dedicated webpage on members of Sub-district Care Teams (www.had.gov.hk/en/public_services/district_services_community_care_teams/subdistrictcareteams.htm) for the information of Care Team members and the contact information of their operating organisations.

Source: AI-found images