University of Hong Kong Faculty of Law
The University of Hong Kong Faculty of Law stands as Asia's most prestigious legal education institution, consistently ranked among the world's top 20 law schools. Established in 1969, the Faculty has shaped the legal landscape across Hong Kong, Greater China, and the Asia-Pacific region for over five decades. Located on HKU's historic Pokfulam campus, the Faculty occupies the elegant Cheng Yu Tung Tower, featuring moot court rooms, specialized law libraries, and collaborative learning spaces designed for legal education. The Faculty's unique position in a common law jurisdiction under Chinese sovereignty provides unparalleled opportunities to study the intersection of Eastern and Western legal traditions. With approximately 1,000 students and 60 full-time faculty members recruited from leading institutions worldwide, the Faculty maintains an intimate learning environment while offering global perspectives. Research output spans constitutional law, commercial law, human rights, Chinese law, and maritime law, with faculty regularly advising governments and international organizations. The Faculty's bilingual legal education prepares graduates for practice in Hong Kong's unique system where both English and Chinese serve as official languages. Distinguished alumni dominate Hong Kong's judiciary, leading law firms, and government legal departments.
- Acceptance Rate
- 18.0%
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- Avg GPA
- 3.82
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Key Highlights
- Asia's #1 and globally top-20 ranked law school
- Premier facility in Cheng Yu Tung Tower
- Unique common law/Chinese law intersection
- 60 faculty from leading global institutions
- Alumni dominate Hong Kong legal profession
Student Life & Environment
Law students at HKU form a close-knit community within the larger university, bonded by the intensity of legal studies and the competitive nature of their field. The Law Students Association organizes academic events, social gatherings, and networking opportunities with the legal profession. Study groups form naturally as students work through challenging materials together, and many friendships formed during law school last throughout legal careers. The law school building provides dedicated study spaces and common areas where students gather between classes. Beyond the faculty, law students participate in university-wide activities, clubs, and organizations. Hong Kong itself offers endless opportunities for exploration, from hiking trails on Hong Kong Island to the restaurants and nightlife of Central and Causeway Bay. The international character of both the law school and the city means students interact with peers from many cultural backgrounds. Housing options range from university residences to private apartments in neighborhoods across Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, with costs varying considerably based on location and standards. The academic calendar leaves time for work experience during summers, when many students intern at law firms or legal organizations.
Location & Surroundings
Hong Kong offers an extraordinary setting for legal education, combining one of the world most sophisticated common law systems with a front-row seat to China economic and legal development. The main HKU campus sits on the northern slope of Hong Kong Island, with stunning views over Victoria Harbour to Kowloon. The MTR university station provides direct access to the rest of the city, making it easy to reach courts, law firms, and other destinations throughout Hong Kong. The city functions as a major international financial center, headquarters to countless multinational corporations and global law firms that provide employment and internship opportunities. Living costs are notoriously high, with Hong Kong regularly ranking among the most expensive cities globally, particularly for housing. However, public transportation is excellent and affordable, and food ranges from cheap street stalls to world-class restaurants. The climate is subtropical, with hot humid summers and mild winters. Despite its density, Hong Kong offers surprising access to nature, with country parks covering much of the territory and beaches just a short journey from urban areas. The political situation has created uncertainties in recent years, something prospective students should consider carefully.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition at HKU Law falls below many American and British law schools while providing education of comparable quality. Local students benefit from government subsidies that keep costs manageable, while international students pay higher fees that still represent reasonable value given Hong Kong legal market opportunities. Living expenses represent the bigger financial challenge, with housing costs particularly steep. Many students share apartments to reduce costs, and university housing provides options for those who secure places. The career prospects for HKU Law graduates are exceptional, with major international law firms recruiting actively from each graduating class. The Hong Kong legal market offers starting salaries among the highest in the world for newly qualified lawyers, though the hours are demanding. Beyond traditional law firm practice, graduates find positions in corporate legal departments, government, the judiciary, financial services, and international organizations. The alumni network spans the globe, with HKU Law graduates holding senior positions throughout the legal profession and business world. Those interested in practicing in Hong Kong must complete the Postgraduate Certificate in Laws and serve a traineeship, while opportunities exist to qualify in other jurisdictions including England and Australia.
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