The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology : Rankings, Fees & Courses Details | Top Universities
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The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Location

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR

Ranking

# 60QS World University Rankings

PGicon

30Undergraduate programs

PGicon

63Postgraduate programs

Tuitionfee

18,000 USDTuition Fee/year

About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Established in 1991, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is an international research university dedicated to top-notch education and research. Founded on its mission to advance learning and knowledge through teaching and research particularly in science, technology, engineering, management and business studies complemented by humanities and social sciences, as well as assisting in Hong Kong’s socioeconomic development, this young and ambitious University has gone beyond the wildest dreams of many, climbing high in international esteem and reaping numerous honors and accolades. In 2021, HKUST is ranked 27th among 1000 universities and no.2 in the world’s top 50 Universities Under 50 by QS. It is ranked #60 in QS World University Rankings 2024.

With respect to individual Schools, HKUST also puts in a strong performance. The School of Engineering is named No. 20 amongst world’s top 500 engineering and technology universities by QS Rankings published in 2019. It is ranked No. 2 in Greater China. Its much sought-after Kellogg-HKUST Executive MBA (EMBA) program, amid high expectations, also topped the Financial Times EMBA global rankings for ten times from 2007 - 2020.

Hailed widely as a ‘miracle’, the stunning achievements of HKUST do not come about miraculously. They boil down to the University’s positioning as a focused elite research university; its strong ties to global institutions and wide-ranging connections with Mainland China; the championing of interdisciplinary studies; its dedication to educating well-rounded students who flourish in today’s world, strong in entrepreneurial spirits and innovative in thinking; its mission to be a global premier knowledge hub, crystallized in the HKUST Jockey Club Institute of Advanced Study; and, last but not least, a spectacular setting by the sea that makes the University an attractive location for the pursuit of intellectual and academic excellence. Furthering its mission of providing holistic education to its students, the University welcomed the new Shaw Auditorium in the Fall of 2021. It became the home to its cultural activities and a new landmark for large-scale events, providing new flexibilities and possibilities to create a vibrant art and cultural scene on campus.

In September 2022, HKUST entered a brand-new era of “HKUST2.0” with the opening of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) (HKUST(GZ)), its state-of-the-art new campus in Nansha, Guangzhou. Under the "Unified HKUST, Complementary Campuses" framework, HKUST and HKUST(GZ) will forge together "HKUST 2.0", a blueprint for next-generation pedagogies that take advantage of the complementary academic structures and shared resources to nurture forward-looking and creative talents, as well as pioneer a new way forward in higher education.

Keen on curating a diversified and international learning environment, HKUST is now home to over 16,000 students spanning more than 80 countries over five continents. Whereas the world’s amazing talents are flocking to the campus for an eclectic educational experience, students enrolled are earnest in expanding their horizons by joining the University’s varied exchange programs, which now include over 300 partners worldwide. An international mix of students aside, HKUST also lives up to its promise as a stronghold of cutting-edge research and a magnet for distinguished academics and influential thinkers. HKUST has consistently achieved the highest success rate in the Research Grants Council’s annual competitive General Research Fund exercise, which reaches 45% in 2019-2020. The University sees a total of 42 faculty named Fellows of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), which is among the highest in Hong Kong. In 2011, its faculty reaped five State Science and Technology Awards, which are among the most prestigious awards in science and technology conferred by the State Council of the People's Republic of China, the largest share among local tertiary institutions. In addition to the six Chinese Academy of Sciences academicians at HKUST, nine faculty members also entered the National Science and Technology Programs Expert Database.


HKUST Leads the Pack

28% of faculty members ranked as the World's Top 2% Scientists (by Stanford University in 2022)

No. 1 in Hong Kong with over 81% of overall assessment submissions including research outputs and impact rated "World-leading" and "Internationally excellent" (by UGC Research Assessment Exercise 2020)

9 Unicorn companies valued at over US$1 billion, 1,645 actives start-ups, and over US$51 billion economic impact (as of Oct 2022)

Top 50 Most Cited Research Organizations by Top 100 Global Innovators 2023 (by Clarivate)


Faculty Awards

2019 IEEE Robotics and Automation Technical Field Award

2019 Higher Education Outstanding Scientific Research Output Awards (Science and Technology), The Ministry of Education

2020 Nick Holonyak Jr Award, Optical Society of America

2020 Marketing Science Institute (MSI) Scholars

2020 Fellow of The Optical Society

2020 Frank M. Masters Transportation Engineering Award, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)

2020-2021 AUA Scholars Award, Asian Universities Alliance

Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

Fellows of the Royal Academy of Engineering 


About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Established in 1991, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is an international research university dedicated to top-notch education and research. Founded on its mission to advance learning and knowledge through teaching and research particularly in science, technology, engineering, management and business studies complemented by humanities and social sciences, as well as assisting in Hong Kong’s socioeconomic development, this young and ambitious University has gone beyond the wildest dreams of many, climbing high in international esteem and reaping numerous honors and accolades. In 2021, HKUST is ranked 27th among 1000 universities and no.2 in the world’s top 50 Universities Under 50 by QS. It is ranked #60 in QS World University Rankings 2024.

With respect to individual Schools, HKUST also puts in a strong performance. The School of Engineering is named No. 20 amongst world’s top 500 engineering and technology universities by QS Rankings published in 2019. It is ranked No. 2 in Greater China. Its much sought-after Kellogg-HKUST Executive MBA (EMBA) program, amid high expectations, also topped the Financial Times EMBA global rankings for ten times from 2007 - 2020.

Hailed widely as a ‘miracle’, the stunning achievements of HKUST do not come about miraculously. They boil down to the University’s positioning as a focused elite research university; its strong ties to global institutions and wide-ranging connections with Mainland China; the championing of interdisciplinary studies; its dedication to educating well-rounded students who flourish in today’s world, strong in entrepreneurial spirits and innovative in thinking; its mission to be a global premier knowledge hub, crystallized in the HKUST Jockey Club Institute of Advanced Study; and, last but not least, a spectacular setting by the sea that makes the University an attractive location for the pursuit of intellectual and academic excellence. Furthering its mission of providing holistic education to its students, the University welcomed the new Shaw Auditorium in the Fall of 2021. It became the home to its cultural activities and a new landmark for large-scale events, providing new flexibilities and possibilities to create a vibrant art and cultural scene on campus.

In September 2022, HKUST entered a brand-new era of “HKUST2.0” with the opening of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) (HKUST(GZ)), its state-of-the-art new campus in Nansha, Guangzhou. Under the "Unified HKUST, Complementary Campuses" framework, HKUST and HKUST(GZ) will forge together "HKUST 2.0", a blueprint for next-generation pedagogies that take advantage of the complementary academic structures and shared resources to nurture forward-looking and creative talents, as well as pioneer a new way forward in higher education.

Keen on curating a diversified and international learning environment, HKUST is now home to over 16,000 students spanning more than 80 countries over five continents. Whereas the world’s amazing talents are flocking to the campus for an eclectic educational experience, students enrolled are earnest in expanding their horizons by joining the University’s varied exchange programs, which now include over 300 partners worldwide. An international mix of students aside, HKUST also lives up to its promise as a stronghold of cutting-edge research and a magnet for distinguished academics and influential thinkers. HKUST has consistently achieved the highest success rate in the Research Grants Council’s annual competitive General Research Fund exercise, which reaches 45% in 2019-2020. The University sees a total of 42 faculty named Fellows of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), which is among the highest in Hong Kong. In 2011, its faculty reaped five State Science and Technology Awards, which are among the most prestigious awards in science and technology conferred by the State Council of the People's Republic of China, the largest share among local tertiary institutions. In addition to the six Chinese Academy of Sciences academicians at HKUST, nine faculty members also entered the National Science and Technology Programs Expert Database.


HKUST Leads the Pack

28% of faculty members ranked as the World's Top 2% Scientists (by Stanford University in 2022)

No. 1 in Hong Kong with over 81% of overall assessment submissions including research outputs and impact rated "World-leading" and "Internationally excellent" (by UGC Research Assessment Exercise 2020)

9 Unicorn companies valued at over US$1 billion, 1,645 actives start-ups, and over US$51 billion economic impact (as of Oct 2022)

Top 50 Most Cited Research Organizations by Top 100 Global Innovators 2023 (by Clarivate)


Faculty Awards

2019 IEEE Robotics and Automation Technical Field Award

2019 Higher Education Outstanding Scientific Research Output Awards (Science and Technology), The Ministry of Education

2020 Nick Holonyak Jr Award, Optical Society of America

2020 Marketing Science Institute (MSI) Scholars

2020 Fellow of The Optical Society

2020 Frank M. Masters Transportation Engineering Award, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)

2020-2021 AUA Scholars Award, Asian Universities Alliance

Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

Fellows of the Royal Academy of Engineering 


Available programs

HKUST takes pride in offering what considered to be a “student-centered” education. The curriculum has been developed to give students the best education possible, both in terms of broadly educating the whole person and providing students with the specific skills and knowledge they need to succeed in pursuing their inspiration. The four pillars of our educational platform that accomplish these goals are: flexible based admission, a four-year curriculum, Common Core Education, and personal academic advisor scheme.

For more information, please visit HKUST Undergraduate Admissions.

Research Postgraduate Education

To achieve its mission ‘to advance learning and knowledge through teaching and research, particularly at the postgraduate level’, HKUST offers postgraduate programs leading to graduate diplomas, and masters and doctoral degrees.

The University seeks to train its research postgraduates to develop sound research skills, to acquire the latest theoretical knowledge and become critical thinkers in their chosen fields of study, and to conduct enquiries in their areas of specialization in a professional, expert and ethical manner.

The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees involve the completion of coursework in addition to the preparation of research theses. The MPhil thesis reports work on a significant topic; the PhD dissertation entails original research that contributes to a specific field and expands the frontiers of knowledge.

The coursework and thesis components provide research postgraduate students with both generalist knowledge of their subject discipline and mastery of their specialized research areas. Students are guided to organize, communicate and disseminate research results to both expert and lay audiences, in a coherent and professional manner.

On completion of their degrees, MPhil graduates will have attained advanced knowledge in their chosen fields of study, as well as training in research techniques for dealing with complex issues. They will also be prepared to pursue research degrees at the doctoral level.

PhD degree holders will leave the University with up-to-date expertise in their specialist areas, and superior understanding of research techniques for resolving scholarly and practical problems. They will also be prepared to embark on academic or professional careers, and to teach university-level courses in their areas of specialization.

For more information, please visit: https://pg.ust.hk/prospective-students/about-fytgs/aims-and-objectives-of-rpg-education


Taught Postgraduate Education

HKUST was founded with a mission to advance learning and knowledge, especially at the postgraduate level, and to assist in the economic and social development of Hong Kong. HKUST’s vision is to be a world-leading university with significant international impact and strong local commitment.

Taught postgraduate (TPg) education is, therefore, an integral part of the structure of the University’s academic provision. To achieve the institution’s vision and mission in the area of postgraduate education, the planning and development of TPg programs take into consideration the research strengths and resource priorities of the University, as well as the prevailing community and market needs. These represent the overall strategic context within which senior management annually reviews the full range of academic programs to ensure alignment with the mission and strategic direction of the University.

A. Vision and Mission

The University’s vision for TPg education is to offer the highest-quality, advanced-level study opportunities to the Hong Kong community, as well as candidates from around the world. The mission for TPg education is to benefit students and practitioners in both their personal and professional development by offering carefully designed curricula that reflect the latest developments in the respective fields of study.

B. Strategic Goals

TPg programs at HKUST

  • exemplify academic excellence through the provision of top-quality, advanced-level education in specific disciplines, with the aim of preparing successful practitioners, professionals and leaders for Hong Kong and beyond;
  • attract a diverse body of the best students and practitioners to promote an interactive and dynamic learning environment;
  • enhance the student learning experience through innovative pedagogy and active engagement;
  • generate resources for and promote the reputation of the University in support of institutional advancement in their respective areas; and
  • provide opportunities to connect the University with academic, governmental, business and industrial partners, through whom collaborations conducive to the relevance and impact of the work of the University can be established.


C. Guiding Principles

Guiding Principles for the Development and Implementation of Taught Postgraduate Programs have been provided to facilitate faculty, Schools and Departments in the design, resourcing, approval, delivery, monitoring and review of TPg programs.

For more information, please visit: https://pg.ust.hk/prospective-students/about-fytgs/strategic-framework-for-tpg-education

University information

With students of more than 80 nationalities and English as the medium of instruction, HKUST is a truly international campus! Learn more about the admissions requirements and procedures by choosing your qualifications:

International Qualifications / JUPAS / Mainland Gaokao / Post-Secondary / Visiting / Special Admission Schemes (for local only)

HKUST offers both research and taught postgraduate programs in a wide range of disciplines, leading to doctoral and master's degrees, and graduate diplomas. For more information, please check out the homepage of The HKUST Fok Ying Tung Graduate School (FYTGS)

General

6.5+
80+

Bachelor

6.5+
80+

Master

3.2+
570+
27+
1290+
90+
80+
37+
180+
6+
10,050
81%
19%
3,435
52%
48%
1,175
20%
80%

Student life

A vibrant and colorful student life goes far beyond classrooms and textbooks.

Fitness and Lifestyle

Sports and wellness are essential to maintaining a balance between body and mind. Learn how to maintain a well-balanced and healthy lifestyle to effectively manage life, learning, and work.

Sports@HKUST / Psychological Wellness@HKUST / Special Educational Needs

Living on Campus

From housing to dining and all the socializing that goes on in between, get to know your life and surroundings, facilities and resources for the time outside of the classroom.

Housing & Residential LifeCateringTransportationStudent AmenitiesSports Facilities

Community Outreach

We aim to build civic awareness and develop sustainable partnerships with the wider community, deepening student learning while promoting a benevolent world. Students will learn to apply knowledge and skills to serve the public good.

HKUST ConnectSIGHT

Arts and Culture

Art nourishes our imagination, stimulates creativity and enriches our lives. We embrace arts as an integral part of well-rounded development. An array of programs are available for you to unlock your inner creativity.

Shaw AuditoriumHKUST Center for the ArtsIntimacy of CreativityMusic Alive

Student Activities

Live your university life to the fullest by forming your own student organizations and taking part in different types of student activities to accommodate your diverse interests and meet your personal development needs.

Student Organizations

Learn more about what’s happening around the campus and important to your student life.

Tuition fee and scholarships

Domestic Students

6,000 USD
-

International Students

18,000 USD
-

One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.

In this guide you will find:
opportunities

Where to look for scholarship opportunities

how_to

How to apply to scholarships relevant to you

list

A list of available scholarships around the world

checklist

A scholarship application checklist

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Rankings & ratings

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology is one of the top public universities in Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR. It is ranked #60 in QS World University Rankings 2024.

QS World University Rankings

  • 2012
    #33
  • 2014
    #34
  • 2015
    #40
  • 2016
    #28
  • 2017
    #36
  • 2018
    #30
  • 2019
    #37
  • 2020
    #32
  • 2021
    #27
  • 2022
    #34
  • 2023
    #40
  • 2024
    #60

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