Overview

Since its official opening in October 1991, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has established itself as an intellectual powerhouse, energizing the community's transformation into a knowledge-based society, and securing a place on the academic world map in record-breaking time.  

An innovator in research and teaching, HKUST was assigned to be a research university from the outset by the government and focuses on science and technology. With an all-PhD faculty, all of whom are first-rate researchers, its groundbreaking work in science, engineering, business, humanities and social science is successfully pushing back the boundaries of the information age. Such advances are assisted by the University's top-class facilities.  HKUST has a total enrollment of approximately 9,000 students. The School of Engineering recruits approximately 40% of its student population at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

HKUST has been ranked 1st place in the World’s Top 200 Asian Universities (2011) by QS Asian University Rankings, number 40 in the World’s Top 200 Universities (2010) by QS World University Rankings, and number 41 in the World’s Top 200 Universities (2010) by Times Higher Education World University Rankings. In the field of Engineering and Technology alone, HKUST has been ranked among the top 30 in the world ever since such world rankings were first introduced in 2004. In 2010, HKUST was ranked 26th in this field by QS World University Rankings and 20th by Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
 

Academics

Students can enroll in courses through the School of Science in areas such as Life Science, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics.  Exchange students are free to enroll in courses across disciplines and will obtain priority in taking courses in the School of Science. 

On average, students take five courses in a semester, adding up to approximately 15 credits. Students can choose a combination of courses across different disciplines to fulfill their academic needs, provided that they fulfill the prerequisites of the respective courses.

For additional information, see the course catalogue here.
 

Student Life

HKUST is just 30 minutes from central Hong Kong and all that bustling metropolis has to offer.
Fronting one of Hong Kong's most pristine stretches of coastline, the HKUST campus is spread over 60 hectares of lush natural scenery on the Clear Water Bay peninsula. The magnificent views provide the perfect setting for a dynamic university community that prides itself on teaching and research excellence.

HKUST has a thriving student culture, with over 100 student-organized societies on campus offering activities and camaraderie in areas like film, debate, photographic, magic, fishing, Chinese folk art, archery, judo, Shaolin martial arts, and much more. HKUST has a full range of open-air and air-conditioned athletic, sporting, and student life facilities.
 

Housing

Housing is provided in dormitories on HKUST's 150-acre campus. Accomodations are in twin or triple rooms. Some residence halls are located directly on the seafront.  

Finding affordable, comfortable and convenient off-campus accommodation can be a challenge in Hong Kong. However, there is generally something available for everyone’s standards and budgets including rental flats, dormitories and hostels, guesthouses, and serviced apartment.

For more information on housing visit https://sao.ust.hk/housing/
 

Location

The HKUST campus occupies a stunning 150-acre (60-hectare) site overlooking Clear Water Bay, and is less than 30 minutes' driving time from central Hong Kong.  Lying at the heart of Asia and the southern tip of China, Hong Kong is not only one of the world's major business and financial centers, but a unique place where ancient Chinese traditions are interwoven with a fast-paced, cosmopolitan, 21st century lifestyle that incorporates the latest technological and trend-setting advances.

Within the Chinese empire for more than 2,000 years and with 150 years of British colonial influence, the city offers a rich heritage and a diversity that few other places in the world can rival.  Hong Kong is also the gateway to the Chinese mainland. The many sights and fascinating cities of China are easily accessible from Hong Kong via its well-developed transportation network.