The international higher education research organization Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) released the QS Asia University Rankings 2026 on November 4. Hong Kong’s higher education sector celebrated a historic milestone as the University of Hong Kong (HKU) reclaimed the top spot in Asia for the first time in 15 years. Moreover, five Hong Kong universities made it into Asia’s top 10, the highest number among all regions worldwide. Four institutions—including the Hong Kong Polytechnic University—achieved their best-ever rankings, making Hong Kong the “most improved higher education system in Asia” and further boosting the “Study in Hong Kong” brand.
9 Hong Kong Universities Rise in Rank, 64% Improvement Rate
Ben Sowter, Senior Vice President of QS, stated that “Hong Kong has rejoined the ranks of the world’s leading higher education hubs.” He added, “HKU’s return to the top of Asia, along with record-breaking performances from other Hong Kong universities, demonstrates the city’s long-term commitment and success in research, innovation, and internationalization.”
The 2026 rankings evaluated 1,529 universities across 25 higher education systems worldwide, including 558 first-time entrants, making it the largest edition ever. Rankings were based on nine indicators: academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty-student ratio, citations per faculty, international faculty ratio, international student ratio, international research network, employment outcomes, and sustainability.
According to data, Hong Kong’s overall improvement rate reached 64%, with 9 out of 11 universities moving up in the rankings.
“An Honor and a Responsibility,” says HKU President Zhang Xiang
Commenting on the achievement, HKU President Zhang Xiang said the recognition was “both an honor and a responsibility,” adding that it affirms HKU’s excellence in scholarship, global collaboration, and contribution to Asia’s development. He emphasized that HKU will “continue to foster academic exchange, nurture talent, and tackle global challenges alongside partners worldwide—pursuing innovation and creating real impact.”
In addition to HKU, five Hong Kong universities placed in Asia’s top 10, including HKUST and PolyU, demonstrating strong overall performance. Hong Kong’s advantage in internationalization stood out in the international faculty ratio indicator. Moreover, the Education University of Hong Kong, the Metropolitan University of Hong Kong, and Hang Seng University of Hong Kong all achieved their highest-ever rankings.
Education Bureau: “Reflects the Strength of Hong Kong’s Higher Education”
Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin commented on social media that the rankings highlight the strength of Hong Kong’s higher education and the effectiveness of government initiatives, underscoring the city’s appeal as an international talent hub. She noted that the government, through the University Grants Committee, has supported institutional reform and capacity expansion, alongside global talent recruitment—yielding clear results.
This year’s Policy Address announced the establishment of a “Study in Hong Kong” special program and the relaxation of restrictions on self-financed admissions to further boost Hong Kong’s development momentum and contribute to national growth. The SAR Government will continue to align with the national strategy of building a strong education nation, deepening Hong Kong’s role as an international higher education hub and talent center to support both local and national development.
