Hong Kong SAR flag

Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR

University of Hong Kong (HKU)

#17 QS World RankingPublicAsia

QS World Ranking

#17

Acceptance Rate

10%

Annual Tuition (USD)

$20,000

On-Campus Housing

Available

QS Best Student City

#12

Hong Kong

Application Deadline

December 1

via Direct

Student Body

Total Enrollment

30,000

students

International Students

42%

US Students

2%

of total enrollment

Figures are approximate based on institutional reports and QS data.

Why This School

Asia's most international university, offering a unique gateway between East and West.

QS Subject Rankings 2025

Rankings by academic subject — source: QS World University Rankings by Subject

#1Dentistry#22Education & Training#22Medicine#25Law#27Linguistics

Notes for US Students

Asia's most international university. All programs in English. Gateway to mainland China opportunities.

Admission Criteria

Key requirements for US students applying to University of Hong Kong (HKU)

Acceptance Rate

10%

Highly selective

Application System

Direct

Deadline

December 1

Instruction Language

English

School Type

Public

Annual Tuition

$20,000

Requirements Checklist for US Applicants

  • Apply via JUPAS or directly (non-local) by December 1
  • SAT 1350+ or ACT 30+ (or IB 36+)
  • IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 80+
  • High school transcripts
  • Personal statement required
  • Interview for Medicine and Law

Class Size

Avg. Lecture150 students
Avg. Seminar20 students
Student : Faculty12:1

Academic Calendar

SystemSemester (2/yr)
Fall TermEarly SeptemberLate December
Spring TermMid-JanuaryLate May
BreaksDec–Jan, Jun–Aug

Requirements may vary by program. Always verify with the university's official admissions page.

Admission Details

Language of Instruction
English
Estimated Annual Tuition
~$20,000 / year
Application Deadline
December 1
Application System
Direct
School Type
Public
Acceptance Rate
10%
QS Best Student City (Hong Kong)
#12 globally

Programs Offered

MedicineLawBusinessSciencesArts & HumanitiesEngineering

Scholarships to Explore

  • HKU Presidential Scholarships
  • HKU Foundation Scholarships

Cost of Living — Hong Kong

High Cost
Rent (1BR near campus)$1,200/mo
Groceries & dining$370/mo
Transportation$70/mo
Misc (phone, entertainment)$250/mo

Estimated monthly total

$1,890

vs. avg US college student

1% cheaper

US avg ~$1,900/mo

Hong Kong is expensive for rent but cheap for food (street markets, cha chaan teng). The MTR is world-class and affordable.

Estimates based on 2025–26 student budgets. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and housing choice.

About Studying at University of Hong Kong (HKU) as a US Student

University of Hong Kong (HKU) is located in Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR and is ranked #17in the QS World University Rankings. The school offers programs in Medicine, Law, Business, Sciences, Arts & Humanities, and more. Instruction is offered in English. The estimated annual tuition for international students is ~$20,000 / year, with an acceptance rate of approximately 10%. Applications are submitted through Direct with a deadline of December 1. Scholarships available include the HKU Presidential Scholarships.