Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
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
- 8.9%
- SAT Range
- 1420–1550
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.92
- Size
- Large (50,378 students)
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- 1:11
- Setting
- urban
- Graduation Rate
- 90.0%
- Retention Rate
- 95.0%
- Tuition (In-State)
- $6,000
- Tuition (Int'l)
- $25,000
Academic Programs
STEM
Business
Social Sciences
Humanities
Health
Arts
English Proficiency Requirements
Student Life & Environment
Student life at HKUST unfolds on one of the world's most spectacular university campuses, a modern architectural complex cascading down hillsides to the shores of Clear Water Bay, offering views of the South China Sea that provide daily inspiration. The approximately 50,000 students form a highly international community, with substantial populations from mainland China, other Asian countries, and around the world creating rich cross-cultural interaction. Campus facilities include modern residential halls housing over 4,000 students, with additional housing in nearby areas, creating residential community while many Hong Kong local students commute from family homes. Sports and recreation facilities rival those of the world's leading universities, with gymnasiums, swimming pools, playing fields, and water sports access taking advantage of the coastal location. Over 150 student organizations span academic societies, cultural groups, sports clubs, and service organizations, providing engagement opportunities matching every interest. The university's location, while spectacular, situates students away from central Hong Kong's urban intensity—a feature some find restful and others find isolating. Public transportation connects campus to Hong Kong's MTR system, enabling easy access to the city's shopping, dining, and entertainment. Academic intensity characterizes student culture, with students working hard and setting high expectations for themselves and peers. The international environment fosters friendships across cultures and develops global perspectives invaluable for careers in our interconnected world. Campus dining options offer diverse cuisines at student-friendly prices, with Hong Kong's legendary food scene accessible via short public transit journeys.
Location & Surroundings
HKUST's Clear Water Bay campus occupies a peninsula on the eastern side of Hong Kong's New Territories, providing a stunning natural setting removed from urban density while maintaining metropolitan access. The hillside campus cascading to the sea creates an environment unlike typical urban universities, with natural beauty and sea breezes providing respite from academic intensity. Hong Kong itself stands as one of the world's great cities—a fusion of Chinese and international influences creating unique culture, cuisine, and commercial energy. The city's role as Asia's premier international financial center means unparalleled career opportunities in finance, consulting, technology, and business, with many of the world's leading firms maintaining major regional operations. Hong Kong's efficient MTR subway system connects the relatively remote campus area to urban centers within roughly an hour, enabling students to access everything the city offers for entertainment, dining, shopping, and cultural exploration. The city's compact scale means diverse neighborhoods—from Kowloon's street markets to Central's skyscraper canyons to Lantau's beaches—are all accessible for weekend exploration. Hong Kong's unique status provides exposure to both international business culture and proximity to mainland China's massive economy, particularly relevant as the Greater Bay Area development connects Hong Kong with Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and surrounding cities into an integrated economic zone. Climate is subtropical, with hot, humid summers, mild winters, and typhoon season bringing dramatic weather. English is widely spoken in business and academic contexts, though Cantonese dominates daily life and Mandarin is increasingly prevalent.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Attending HKUST requires significant financial investment, though costs compare favorably with leading universities in the United States and United Kingdom while providing access to comparable academic quality and opportunities. Tuition for Hong Kong local students benefits from government subsidies keeping rates moderate, while international student tuition runs higher but still below typical American private university rates. Living costs in Hong Kong rank among the world's highest, with housing particularly expensive whether on campus in residence halls or off campus in the notoriously tight Hong Kong rental market. The university provides financial aid including scholarships for outstanding applicants and need-based grants for students from modest economic circumstances. Work opportunities both on campus and throughout Hong Kong help offset expenses while building professional experience. Career outcomes for HKUST graduates are exceptional, reflecting both institutional prestige and Hong Kong's position as Asia's business capital. Finance graduates enter leading investment banks, asset managers, and trading firms with regional or global headquarters in Hong Kong. Consulting firms including McKinsey, Bain, and BCG actively recruit on campus. Technology giants and startups alike seek engineering and computer science graduates. The university's career services provide comprehensive support including employer presentations, interview preparation, and alumni networking. Entrepreneurship flourishes among graduates leveraging Hong Kong's business-friendly environment and access to China's vast market. Graduate school placement sends HKUST students to the world's leading doctoral programs in sciences, engineering, and business. The alumni network spanning thirty years provides professional connections throughout Asia and globally.
Campus Location
Explore More
See your match score for Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Find out how you compare to admitted students with a personalized admission assessment.
See your match score — Sign up free