HKUST Actively Promotes "Study in Hong Kong" Brand and Supports Development of an International Education Hub

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), together with the other seven universities funded by the University Grants Committee (UGC), co-hosted the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) 2026 Conference and Exhibition (February 23-27). Through a variety of international education and collaboration activities, the University fully supported the concurrent "Study in Hong Kong" Week, echoing the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's initiative to strengthen the "Study in Hong Kong" brand and to foster Hong Kong's development as a global education hub and an international center for high-caliber talent. The event showcased the unity and collaborative spirit of Hong Kong's higher education sector, further solidifying in advancing Hong Kong's position among the world's top education hub by deepening international engagement through academic excellence and strategic partnerships.

Prof. Nancy IP, President of HKUST joined the APAIE 2026 Presidents' Dialogue, engaging with over 70 global university leaders—on the theme "Partnerships for the Global Good: Navigating Challenges, Excelling Innovation, and Building Trust". President Ip shared insights on the role of higher education in addressing global challenges through collaboration and knowledge diplomacy. The discussion highlighted key imperatives for universities today—co-creating mission-driven partnerships for shared global challenges such as climate resilience and AI governance, balancing openness with responsibility through ethical and inclusive frameworks, and translating academic discoveries into real-world solutions through cross-sectoral collaboration.

During "Study in Hong Kong" week, HKUST welcomed a high-level delegation of more than 100 senior leaders led by Prof. Wilert PURIWAT, President of Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, marking a new milestone in the partnership between the two institutions. Two collaboration agreements were signed to expand student exchange programs and research projects. The two institutions also committed to deepening cooperation in sustainable development, smart cities initiatives, innovation and entrepreneurship. The collaborations include a seed fund supporting research in engineering disciplines, as well as dual-master's programs and scholarship opportunities for ASEAN students to attract more students from Thailand.

HKUST also hosted a series of activities throughout the week, receiving over 400 international university leaders and partners. On February 27, the University held a Campus Day that drew hundreds of delegates from overseas institutions to its Clear Water Bay campus, where they explored HKUST’s innovation and sustainability initiatives, student life, and research achievements.

Prof. Ip remarked, "Since its establishment in 1991, HKUST has cultivated a vibrant international and multicultural environment. Over the past 35 years, a strong global outlook and extensive international networks have become part of the University's DNA, shaping its distinctive and globally competitive education model. We will continue working closely with the HKSAR Government and our global partners to promote the 'Study in Hong Kong' brand, leveraging the city's unique role as a connector between the Chinese Mainland and the world. Together, we aim to attract more outstanding students from around the globe and reinforce Hong Kong's position as a leading international study destination."

In line with the HKSAR Government's policy to increase the admission quota for non-local undergraduates, HKUST has in recent years strengthened its student recruitment and outreach efforts across Europe, ASEAN, the Middle East, and other Belt and Road countries and regions. By establishing strategic partnerships with governments and organizations, the University aims to attract outstanding students who are funded by government scholarships to pursue overseas studies. HKUST also regularly participates in international education fairs and counselling forums, offering admission information and AI-related training for school counsellors and teachers, and tailoring special programs and exchange opportunities for students. Currently, HKUST has over 530 students from ASEAN countries and regions, accounting for one-quarter of the University's 2,140 international student population. The University has also established an extensive network with a number of leading universities in the ASEAN regions—including Chulalongkorn University, VinUniversity in Vietnam, Universiti Malaya and Universitas Indonesia—for faculty and students exchanges and research collaboration.

Recognized as one of the world's top 50 institutions and among the most international universities globally, HKUST consistently maintains the highest percentage of undergraduate international students in Hong Kong, the number of non-local undergraduate students admitted in 2025/26 intake amounts to nearly half of the funded places allocated by the University Grants Committee that year. For the 2026/27 admission intake, HKUST has received applications from 110 countries and regions, a 70% increase from the same period last year, including applications for the first time from Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Malawi, Qatar and Togo.

Learning extends beyond the classroom. Overseas exposure helps students build adaptability, cross-cultural communication, and global perspectives, preparing them for an increasingly interconnected world. HKUST continues to expand international learning opportunities through partnerships with over 260 universities across 40 countries. Each year, more than 1,000 inbound exchange students from North America, Europe, Mainland China, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia study at HKUST, enriching campus diversity and dynamism, while over 1,000 HKUST students participate in overseas exchange programs annually.