QS Best Student Cities ranking: Joint 10th
One of the world’s leading financial centers and most densely populated pieces of land, Hong Kong (SAR) has long been regarded as a meeting point for different cultures, offering a truly international outlook and atmosphere.
Ranked 14th in the QS Best Student Cities 2019, Hong Kong performs particularly well in the university rankings indicator, thanks to its impressive collection of internationally ranked universities. It also gets a strong score for employer activity, reflecting its status an in-demand site for graduate recruitment, and is within the top 20 for desirability.
Leading institutions in the city include the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and the Chinese University of Hong Kong – all ranked within the global top 50, while four more Hong Kong institutions also feature in the QS World University Rankings® 2020.
In terms of affordability, the picture is somewhat complex. With space at a premium, rent is known for being exorbitantly expensive, but general living expenses such as eating out and transport remain low.
International tuition fees are somewhere in the mid-range – much lower than studying in the US, for example, but higher than those charged in western European countries such as France or Germany.
If you value peace, quiet and personal space, then life in this packed and fast-paced metropolis might be a little daunting. But, for those who want to experience city life in its most heightened form, Hong Kong is without doubt one of the most dynamic and diverse study destinations around.
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Internationally ranked universities in Hong Kong
More about Hong Kong
Number of universities ranked by QS |
7 |
Highest-ranked institution |
University of Hong Kong (HKU) (joint 25th in the world) |
Population |
7,449,000 |
Average international fees (at ranked unis) |
US$12,200 |
Desirability rank |
18th |
Employer Activity rank |
10th |
Affordability rank |
39th |
Student View rank |
33rd |
To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.