Hong Kong universities see rise in QS rankings, 3 score record highs

HONG KONG, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The international higher education research organization Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) has released its 2026 World University Rankings, revealing significant improvements for several universities in Hong Kong.

A total of five institutions -- including the University of Hong Kong, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and City University of Hong Kong -- continue to rank among the top 100 globally, according to the 2026 QS World University Rankings on Thursday.

The University of Hong Kong has risen six places to 11th; the Chinese University of Hong Kong has moved up four spots to 32nd; the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology climbed three positions to 44th; the Hong Kong Polytechnic University also improved by three ranks to 54th; while the City University of Hong Kong fell one place to 63rd.

Notably, the University of Hong Kong (HKU), Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), and Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) achieved record highs in this year's rankings. The University of Hong Kong maintains its position as the second-best university in Asia.

HKU President Zhang Xiang emphasized HKU's commitment to making Hong Kong a premier destination for global talent in education, innovation, and research, and pledged ongoing innovation to support national development.

CUHK President Dennis Lo said that such performance reflects CUHK's strong academic achievements and fruitful research output. He highlighted plans to enhance research collaboration with institutions in the Chinese mainland and overseas, aiming to contribute more significantly to society.

PolyU President Teng Jinguang said that PolyU will continue to strengthen connections and collaborations with partners globally, playing an increasingly important role in international higher education and contributing to Hong Kong's development as a hub for higher education.

The QS World University Rankings 2026 evaluates over 1,500 universities worldwide based on nine indicators. Other Hong Kong universities featured in the rankings include Hong Kong Baptist University, the Education University of Hong Kong, Lingnan University, and Hong Kong Metropolitan University. ■