Reasons to Study in Hong Kong: Best Universities, Fees, Scholarships

International students from all over the world choose to study in Hong Kong for various reasons. Hong Kong has been trying to ramp up its education system for decades by improving the infrastructure, offering scholarships, and developing practical-oriented teaching.

With its 8 universities receiving funding from the University Grant Committee (UGC), Hong Kong has 5 of them ranked under the top 100 as per the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024. The nation is emerging as a global hub for high-quality education abroad. Universities in Hong Kong offer a wide variety of courses in English to attract international students from all over the world.

In this blog, you will learn everything about studying in Hong Kong, including the various intakes, the best universities, scholarships, and admission fees.

Key Highlights

Hong Kong stands out as a global city where East meets West, renowned for its top-notch education, economic prominence, and a rich blend of cultures. Here are key highlights for those considering studying in Hong Kong:

Overview of Education System

Hong Kong’s education system is highly regarded, and it has world-class universities and top-tier research talent. It ranks among the best globally for quality education and is unique in having five universities in the world’s top 100. 

The government is committed to establishing Hong Kong as a global education hub, increasing recurrent education spending by 48% over the past decade. The education system includes:

• Kindergartens - Kindergarten education in Hong Kong is not compulsory, but nearly all children aged three to five attend kindergartens.
• Primary education - Hong Kong holds a six-year education journey for primary school.
• Secondary education - A six-year education program is provided provided for children studying in secondary school.
• Post-secondary education - Hong Kong offers a range of high-quality, diverse, and flexible pathways for students, with various entry and exit points to pursue further education.

Why Study in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is rising as the top choice for international students seeking quality education for many reasons. Check out some of them:

• As per QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2025, the location ranks 22nd on the list of best student cities in the world.
• According to Times Higher Education Asia Rankings 2023, Hong Kong has its 3 universities ranked among the top 10 universities in Asia.
• UGC-funded Hong Kong universities can accept up to 6,000 international students from the 2024-25 academic year.
• Considering the cost of living, as per Numbeo, Hong Kong is ranked 19th out of 332 cities on a list of the Cost of Living Index 2024.
• Government expenditure on education has increased by over 48% compared to the last decade, reflecting a focus on development in the sector.
• International students who have completed graduation from an accredited institution get a stay back up to 1 year to find a job.

Intakes in Hong Kong

The admission months to study in Hong Kong vary depending on your chosen university. Generally, there are three main intakes:

1. September Intake: The academic year in Hong Kong consists of two semesters. The first one starts in early September and ends in January. The application deadline for this intake usually lies at the end of April.

2. January Intake: The academic cycle that starts in mid-January and ends in May. Applications for January intake must be submitted by the end of August.

Best Universities to Study in Hong Kong

Best Courses to Study in Hong Kong

Cost of Living in Hong Kong

Even though the infrastructural development of Hong Kong is at par with cities like New York and London, the cost of living is significantly less than that of the West. Have a look at the breakdown of costs that may be incurred while you study in Hong Kong:

On-Campus Accommodation

There are two main options for the accommodation of international students in a country: on-campus and off-campus. On-campus accommodation may work well for those who want a pocket-friendly solution, as the cost ranges from HK$ 5,000 to HK$ 15,000 per semester.

Off-Campus Accommodation

If you cannot get the college hostel facility, the only option is private rental accommodation, which could cost between HK$ 8,000 and HK$ 15,000, plus travel charges.

Food

Luckily, food is super affordable for international students in Hong Kong. Full meals at the college mess will be available at just HK$ 25 ($3). That brings down the monthly food budget to just HKD 3000 ($384).

Refreshment

You may not have to study in Hong Kong, and you will always worry about the budget. It is also a cool place to chill out with bills fitting in your pocket. For instance, a McDonald's value meal is as cheap as HK$ 24. A movie ticket cost ranges from just HK$ 50 - HK$ 130.

In a nutshell, the living expenses in Hong Kong for a year will be around HK$ 50,000

Cost of Studying in Hong Kong

The cost required to study in Hong Kong is way less than that of other premium study-abroad destinations. Check out the fees and expenses that you may have to cover:

1. Visa Fee: The application fee for Hong Kong Student Visa is $230, which is to be incurred by each international student.

2. Service Charge: An additional service fee of $260 will be charged for the application of a copy of an additional document or any other requests.

3. Tuition Fee: The annual tuition fee for international students enrolled in undergraduate programs in reputed universities in Hong Kong will be around $15,400 to 20,800.

Top Scholarships for Students to Study in Hong Kong 

Exams Required to Study in Hong Kong

Since the academic quality of the country is top-class, international students may have to prepare for some qualification exams to study in Hong Kong. Here are some of them:

1. Language Tests: If you are from a non-English speaking country, you are required to demonstrate the frequency of English language use as most of the courses are taught in English. Typically, an IELTS band score of 6 to 6.5 or an equivalent score in other tests like TOEFL is required.

2. SAT or ACT: Apart from language tests, some reputed universities in Hong Kong need you to write one of these two tests to get enrolled for undergraduate programs: Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or American College Testing (CAT). The required score depends upon the college and course you choose.

3. GRE or GMAT: Students who are applying for postgraduate programs often require a Graduate Require Exam (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). This is mainly needed in fields like business, engineering, and science fields.

4. Other Qualifying Tests: Due to the large volume of applications from international students, reputed Hong Kong Universities may even conduct aptitude tests or interviews as part of the admission process. In such cases, you can proceed only after clearing such tests.

Study in Hong Kong Without IELTS

Applicants need not take IELTS tests to prove English language proficiency in some cases:

• Native Speaker: If English is your mother language, you need not prove your proficiency with a language test.
• Medium of Instruction: In case 80% of the courses of your previous educational institution were taught in English, you will be exempted from language test criteria.
• Other tests: To prove your language knowledge, you can consider other alternative tests to IELTS, like the TOEFL.

Student Visa in Hong Kong

All international students need a student visa to study in Hong Kong, irrespective of the nature and duration of the course. To apply for the student visa, you must enroll in a licensed educational institution and submit all the required documents. The average visa processing time is around six weeks.

Documents Required for Visa Application

During the visa application process, several documents must be submitted to prove that you meet the eligibility criteria. Here are some of them:

• Filled in the application form to study in Hong Kong along with two latest photographs.
• Valid passport.
• Offer letter from the enrolled university.
• Provide proof of funds such as bank statements, passbooks, salary slips, etc.
• If you are under 18 years of age, any of your parents or relatives must submit a consent letter to be your guardian.
• Submit proof of accommodation arrangement for applicants under the age of 18.

Student Life in Hong Kong

Hong Kong universities have a strong focus on building a balanced educational system that focuses on both academics and extracurricular activities. Often, extracurricular activities are organized by dormitories in various sports, debates, etc. Some of the prominent events that boost student life in Hong Kong are the City UHK Arts Festival, the Hong Kong International Education Fair, etc.

Hong Kong has an interesting mix of Eastern and Western cultural elements, which creates a blended experience. The country offers a vibrant city life for students, with plenty of dining, nightlife, and travel opportunities. Lan Kwai Fong is the perfect place to chill out on weekends and enjoy the nightlife. Other spots like Tsim Sha Tsui (TST), Knutsford Terrace, Mong Kok, etc., also offer attractive foods and refreshments for international students.

Career Prospects in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a land of opportunities both for freshers and those who want to upgrade their careers. By staying back after your studies, you can avail yourself of the benefits of China's fast-growing economy. Here are some of the blooming career opportunities in Hong Kong:

Source: Glassdoor, August 2024