Hong Kong Polytechnic University
A world-leading research university known for academic excellence and innovation. Consistently ranked among the top institutions globally, offering cutting-edge programs across multiple disciplines with strong industry connections.
- Acceptance Rate
- 22.2%
- SAT Range
- 1330–1480
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.85
- Size
- Large (48,625 students)
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- 1:9
- Setting
- urban
- Graduation Rate
- 94.0%
- Retention Rate
- 92.0%
- Tuition (In-State)
- $6,000
- Tuition (Int'l)
- $20,000
Academic Programs
STEM
Business
Social Sciences
Humanities
Health
Arts
English Proficiency Requirements
Student Life & Environment
Student life at PolyU unfolds on a compact urban campus in the Hung Hom district of Kowloon. The campus packs facilities efficiently into limited space, with towers containing classrooms, laboratories, and residences rising from the ground. Green space is limited, though rooftop gardens and indoor atriums provide some relief from the concrete environment. The design reflects Hong Kong itself: vertical, dense, and relentlessly efficient. Student housing exists on campus but cannot accommodate all students, given the massive enrollment. Many students commute from homes throughout Hong Kong territory, using the excellent MTR subway system and buses. Those who live on campus share rooms in residential towers. The on-campus experience creates community despite tight quarters, with floor activities and hall events building connections. Student societies cover academic disciplines, cultural backgrounds, sports, and various interests. Hong Kong position as an international city means entertainment and cultural options are endless just steps from campus. TST East and Tsim Sha Tsui offer shopping, dining, and nightlife. The Star Ferry to Hong Kong Island is nearby. Students rarely lack for things to do, though finding time between academic demands and activities can challenge even excellent time managers.
Location & Surroundings
Hong Kong needs little introduction as one of the world great cities, a financial center where East meets West in a forest of skyscrapers rising from a stunning natural harbor. PolyU campus sits in Hung Hom, on the Kowloon peninsula just across Victoria Harbour from Hong Kong Island. The location offers easy access throughout the territory via MTR connections at the doorstep. The urban density of Hong Kong creates a living environment unlike most university settings. This is not a traditional college town but a global metropolis where students navigate alongside bankers, tourists, and workers from every imaginable industry. The pace is intense, the crowds constant, and the opportunities unlimited for those who thrive in such environments. Climate in Hong Kong is subtropical, with hot, humid summers that bring typhoons and mild winters that rarely require more than a light jacket. Air conditioning is universal and essential for much of the year. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant conditions for outdoor activities. The territory combines urban intensity with surprising natural areas, including country parks and beaches accessible by public transit for students seeking escape from concrete.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition at PolyU varies by program and residency status. Local students pay approximately HK$42,100 per year for undergraduate programs, while non-local students pay substantially more, often exceeding HK$140,000 annually. Living costs in Hong Kong are high by any global standard, with housing particularly expensive. Students should budget carefully and explore all possible funding sources. Financial support comes through government grants and loans for qualifying local students. Scholarships recognize academic excellence and may cover partial or full tuition. International students have fewer aid options but can explore university scholarships and external funding sources. Part-time work is possible but limited by visa restrictions for international students and by the demanding academic schedule. Career outcomes for PolyU graduates are strong, particularly in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. The university practical orientation and industry connections translate into high employment rates and competitive starting salaries. Engineering, design, and business graduates find ready demand from employers. The career center provides job search support, interview preparation, and employer connections. Alumni networks extend throughout Asia and to overseas positions in multinational corporations.
Campus Location
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