HKUST Rises to 44th in QS World University Rankings 2026
Strengthening Its Position Among the World’s Top 50 Universities
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has risen three places to 44th in the QS World University Rankings 2026, reinforcing its dedication to excellence in teaching, research, and global education while championing diversity and innovation.
This year’s rankings evaluated 1,500+ institutions across 106 locations —the most extensive evaluation to date. HKUST demonstrated outstanding performance in academic reputation, research output, and internationalization, with significant progress in education and employability metrics.
A Hub for Global Talent and Research Excellence
HKUST attracts top minds worldwide, with faculty and students representing 40+ and 80+ countries and regions, respectively. Its 100,000-strong global alumni network includes graduates consistently ranked among the world’s top 30 most employable in the Global Employability University Ranking, underscoring their adaptability to industry needs.
The University’s research prowess is reflected in its record-breaking funding achievements, including leading the government’s HK$10 billion RAISe+ Scheme with the highest number of awarded projects. HKUST faculty spearhead cutting-edge research in AI, deep space exploration, climate change, neuroscience, robotics, microelectronics, low-altitude economy, and ocean sciences, driving innovation on both national and global scales.
Moving forward, HKUST will continue to strengthen its teaching, research, and industry partnerships to deliver transformative contributions to society.
About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (https://hkust.edu.hk/) is a world-class university that excels in driving innovative education, research excellence, and impactful knowledge transfer. With a holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy approach, HKUST was ranked 3rd in the Times Higher Education’s Young University Rankings 2024, 19th Worldwide and No.1 in Hong Kong in Times Higher Education’s impact Rankings. Thirteen HKUST subjects were ranked among the world’s top 50 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, with “Data Science and Artificial Intelligence” holding the 17th place, maintaining its position as first in Hong Kong. Our graduates are highly competitive, consistently ranking among the world’s top 30 most sought-after employees. In terms of research and entrepreneurship, over 80% of our work was rated “Internationally excellent” or “world leading” in the latest Research Assessment Exercise 2020 of Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee. As of May 2025, HKUST members have founded over 1,800 active start-ups, including 10 Unicorns and 17 exits (IPO or M&A)
For media enquiries, please contact:
Anita Lam
Tel: 2358 6313
Email: anitalam@ust.hk
Philip Kwong
Tel: 2358 6299
Email: philipkwong@ust.hk
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