Caritas Institute of Higher Education
Caritas Institute of Higher Education (CIHE) stands as a testament to Hong Kong's commitment to providing accessible, values-based higher education rooted in Catholic social teaching. Established in 2011 under the auspices of Caritas Hong Kong, this self-financing institution has rapidly evolved from a community college to a degree-granting institution recognized for its holistic approach to student development. CIHE embodies the mission of serving the community through education, particularly reaching out to students who may benefit from alternative pathways to academic success. The institution operates under five core values: truth, justice, love, life, and family, which permeate every aspect of campus life and academic programming. This foundation creates an educational environment where character formation receives equal emphasis alongside professional competency development. CIHE welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds, providing supportive learning environments that nurture individual potential while maintaining rigorous academic standards. CIHE has established itself as a pioneer in several emerging fields, particularly in business, social sciences, and translation studies. The institute maintains strong connections with Caritas's extensive network of social services organizations, providing students with unparalleled opportunities for practical learning and community engagement. This integration of academic study with real-world application distinguishes CIHE from traditional academic institutions. The institution's relatively small size facilitates personalized attention and close faculty-student relationships that larger universities often cannot provide. International partnerships with universities across Asia, Europe, and North America expand learning opportunities and promote global perspectives. CIHE continues to develop new programs responding to Hong Kong's evolving workforce needs while maintaining its commitment to producing graduates who are not only professionally competent but also socially responsible citizens.
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
- N/A
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
- N/A
- Graduation Rate
- N/A
- Retention Rate
- N/A
- Tuition (In-State)
- N/A
- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Student life at Caritas reflects Hong Kong's commuter culture, with most students living with family and coming to campus for classes. This pattern shapes social connections, with relationships forming primarily through shared classes and organized activities rather than residential life. Student organizations cover various interests, from academic clubs to service groups to cultural activities. The connection to Caritas's broader social service mission creates opportunities for meaningful volunteer work that complements academic studies. Campus facilities include study spaces, a library, and areas for gathering between classes. The urban location means Hong Kong's vast array of attractions are accessible whenever students have free time. The city offers everything from world-class dining to hiking trails to cultural institutions. Public transportation makes getting around efficient and affordable. The cost of living in Hong Kong is high, particularly for housing, though students living with family avoid these expenses. The fast-paced Hong Kong lifestyle takes adjustment for those from elsewhere, and competition for jobs after graduation creates pressure throughout the educational experience.
Location & Surroundings
Hong Kong remains one of the world's great cities, a dense urban environment where East meets West and traditional Chinese culture exists alongside international modernity. The Caritas campus sits within this urban fabric, connected by the city's excellent public transportation. The MTR subway system, buses, and trams provide affordable access across the territory. Hong Kong's skyline is internationally famous, with towering buildings packed onto the limited flat land. Behind the urban core, hiking trails offer escape into surprisingly wild landscapes. The harbor divides Hong Kong Island from Kowloon and the New Territories, with ferries providing both transportation and scenic rides. The food scene is exceptional, from Michelin-starred restaurants to neighborhood noodle shops. Living costs are among the highest in the world, with tiny apartments commanding rents that would cover much larger spaces elsewhere. Students living with family avoid the worst of these expenses. The climate is subtropical, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Typhoons occasionally disrupt life during summer and fall. The unique status of Hong Kong continues to evolve, with implications for business, freedom, and daily life that shape how residents think about the future.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition at Caritas Institute of Higher Education is modest by Hong Kong standards, making higher education accessible to families who might struggle with the costs of other institutions. The government provides some subsidy for eligible programs, further reducing costs for qualifying students. Living costs in Hong Kong remain challenging, though students living with family avoid the astronomical rents that burden others. Transportation is affordable thanks to excellent public transit, and food can be economical with careful choices. Part-time work opportunities help students earn while studying, though balancing work and academics requires careful time management. After graduation, career outcomes depend heavily on field of study and the competitive Hong Kong job market. Social work graduates enter an essential profession with consistent demand. Business graduates compete in Hong Kong's commercial environment, where connections and continued skill development matter for advancement. The Caritas network provides some advantages, with the organization's social service operations employing some graduates directly. Career services helps with job search skills and employer connections. Further education options allow graduates to continue toward additional qualifications that can enhance career prospects.
Campus Location
Explore More
See your match score for Caritas Institute of Higher Education
Find out how you compare to admitted students with a personalized admission assessment.
See your match score — Sign up free