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

# =47QS World University Rankings

PGicon

93Undergrad. & Postgrad. Programmes

International

40 % International students

Scholarship

AvailableScholarship

About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Established in 1991, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology is a world-class international research university dedicated to cutting-edge education, pioneering research, and global impact. In just over 30 years, HKUST has rapidly risen among the world’s top institutions, earning numerous accolades and establishing itself as a leader in science, technology, engineering, business, and interdisciplinary studies. Recognized globally for academic and research excellence, HKUST fosters a dynamic learning environment that equips students with the knowledge, agility, and vision to thrive in an ever-changing world.


As a hub of innovation, HKUST is making significant contributions to aerospace, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies. The University is a key partner in the Chang’e 8 International Cooperation Project , has launched Hong Kong’s first university satellite , and is home to the city’s first Division of Arts and Machine Creativity , integrating technology with the humanities. Furthering its impact, HKUST is also leading the way in Low Altitude Economy (LAE) development. The newly established HKUST Low Altitude Economy Research Center (LAERC) is pioneering research in aerial mobility, drone logistics, and urban airspace management, driving innovation in this fast-growing field through interdisciplinary collaboration.


With strong global partnerships and deep connections with Mainland China, HKUST fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together leading minds to tackle global challenges. Our commitment to holistic education nurtures innovative, entrepreneurial, and adaptable graduates. The HKUST Jockey Club Institute for Advanced Study serves as a hub for world-class scholars, reinforcing our reputation as a leading academic and research institution. Set against the backdrop of our breathtaking coastal campus, HKUST offers a dynamic, multicultural, and high-powered environment where students and faculty can pursue excellence and push boundaries.


Learning for Life


At HKUST, education is about more than academics—it is about preparing lifelong learners and future leaders. We offer interdisciplinary programs across science, technology, engineering, business, and humanities, complemented by a strong foundation in AI, data science, and innovation. Our Kellogg-HKUST Executive MBA program has topped the Financial Times EMBA global rankings 12 times, while the School of Engineering ranks No.26 globally (THE 2022) and No.3 in Greater China. HKUST is committed to pioneering next-generation pedagogies, ensuring students gain the skills and mindset to solve the challenges of tomorrow.


Lab to Market


HKUST is a leader in entrepreneurship and knowledge transfer, turning research into real-world impact. With 1,800+ start-ups and 10 unicorns, we have built a thriving deep-tech ecosystem. We collaborate with leading industries and policymakers, driving solutions in sustainability, energy, healthcare, and AI. Facilities like the Cheng Kar-Shun Robotics Institute and the Redbird Innovation Fund empower innovation, bridging the gap between lab discoveries and market applications.


Connecting People and Communities


Beyond academics, HKUST fosters a vibrant and inclusive campus culture. The Shaw Auditorium, a landmark for cultural and artistic expression, enriches student life with performances, exhibitions, and large-scale events. With world-class sports facilities, student-led initiatives, and a diverse community spanning over 80 nationalities, HKUST is a hub where talent, creativity, and leadership thrive. Whether through social innovation projects or community engagement programs, we nurture students to become changemakers in society.


Local to Global


HKUST is at the heart of the Greater Bay Area’s innovation landscape, driving collaboration between Hong Kong and Mainland China. In September 2022, we launched HKUST (Guangzhou), a state-of-the-art campus under the “Unified HKUST, Complementary Campuses” framework. This pioneering model leverages shared resources and interdisciplinary academic structures,  redefining higher education for the 21st century. With 315+ global partner institutions, HKUST is shaping international education and research.


Sustainable Horizons


HKUST is a leader in sustainability and climate action, ranked among the top 20 globally in THE Impact Rankings 2024  From carbon-neutral campus initiatives to pioneering research in green technology, smart cities, and clean energy, we are committed to building a sustainable future. Our researchers work across disciplines to tackle global challenges, ensuring HKUST remains a driving force for positive environmental and societal change.


Join HKUST—Where Possibilities Begin


HKUST is more than a university—it is a launchpad for discovery, innovation, and global impact. Whether you are a student, faculty member, or researcher, HKUST offers an inspiring environment to learn, explore, and create meaningful change.

About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Established in 1991, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology is a world-class international research university dedicated to cutting-edge education, pioneering research, and global impact. In just over 30 years, HKUST has rapidly risen among the world’s top institutions, earning numerous accolades and establishing itself as a leader in science, technology, engineering, business, and interdisciplinary studies. Recognized globally for academic and research excellence, HKUST fosters a dynamic learning environment that equips students with the knowledge, agility, and vision to thrive in an ever-changing world.


As a hub of innovation, HKUST is making significant contributions to aerospace, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies. The University is a key partner in the Chang’e 8 International Cooperation Project , has launched Hong Kong’s first university satellite , and is home to the city’s first Division of Arts and Machine Creativity , integrating technology with the humanities. Furthering its impact, HKUST is also leading the way in Low Altitude Economy (LAE) development. The newly established HKUST Low Altitude Economy Research Center (LAERC) is pioneering research in aerial mobility, drone logistics, and urban airspace management, driving innovation in this fast-growing field through interdisciplinary collaboration.


With strong global partnerships and deep connections with Mainland China, HKUST fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together leading minds to tackle global challenges. Our commitment to holistic education nurtures innovative, entrepreneurial, and adaptable graduates. The HKUST Jockey Club Institute for Advanced Study serves as a hub for world-class scholars, reinforcing our reputation as a leading academic and research institution. Set against the backdrop of our breathtaking coastal campus, HKUST offers a dynamic, multicultural, and high-powered environment where students and faculty can pursue excellence and push boundaries.


Learning for Life


At HKUST, education is about more than academics—it is about preparing lifelong learners and future leaders. We offer interdisciplinary programs across science, technology, engineering, business, and humanities, complemented by a strong foundation in AI, data science, and innovation. Our Kellogg-HKUST Executive MBA program has topped the Financial Times EMBA global rankings 12 times, while the School of Engineering ranks No.26 globally (THE 2022) and No.3 in Greater China. HKUST is committed to pioneering next-generation pedagogies, ensuring students gain the skills and mindset to solve the challenges of tomorrow.


Lab to Market


HKUST is a leader in entrepreneurship and knowledge transfer, turning research into real-world impact. With 1,800+ start-ups and 10 unicorns, we have built a thriving deep-tech ecosystem. We collaborate with leading industries and policymakers, driving solutions in sustainability, energy, healthcare, and AI. Facilities like the Cheng Kar-Shun Robotics Institute and the Redbird Innovation Fund empower innovation, bridging the gap between lab discoveries and market applications.


Connecting People and Communities


Beyond academics, HKUST fosters a vibrant and inclusive campus culture. The Shaw Auditorium, a landmark for cultural and artistic expression, enriches student life with performances, exhibitions, and large-scale events. With world-class sports facilities, student-led initiatives, and a diverse community spanning over 80 nationalities, HKUST is a hub where talent, creativity, and leadership thrive. Whether through social innovation projects or community engagement programs, we nurture students to become changemakers in society.


Local to Global


HKUST is at the heart of the Greater Bay Area’s innovation landscape, driving collaboration between Hong Kong and Mainland China. In September 2022, we launched HKUST (Guangzhou), a state-of-the-art campus under the “Unified HKUST, Complementary Campuses” framework. This pioneering model leverages shared resources and interdisciplinary academic structures,  redefining higher education for the 21st century. With 315+ global partner institutions, HKUST is shaping international education and research.


Sustainable Horizons


HKUST is a leader in sustainability and climate action, ranked among the top 20 globally in THE Impact Rankings 2024  From carbon-neutral campus initiatives to pioneering research in green technology, smart cities, and clean energy, we are committed to building a sustainable future. Our researchers work across disciplines to tackle global challenges, ensuring HKUST remains a driving force for positive environmental and societal change.


Join HKUST—Where Possibilities Begin


HKUST is more than a university—it is a launchpad for discovery, innovation, and global impact. Whether you are a student, faculty member, or researcher, HKUST offers an inspiring environment to learn, explore, and create meaningful change.

Available programmes

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

General

3.2+
570+
27+
1290+
90+
80+
37+
180+
6+

Bachelor

6.5+
80+

Master

6.5+
80+

8,837
74%
26%
3,542
44%
56%
1,078
19%
81%

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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download_icon Download Scholarship Guide

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 #=47 in QS World University Rankings 2025.

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
  • 2025
    #=47

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The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology basic Public Very High 8 yes 18000 3542 M 269