Hong Kong celebrates historic achievement with two universities in top 20 globally

Hong Kong’s HKU and CUHK Among World’s Top 20 Universities: A Historic First for the City

For the first time, two universities from Hong Kong have secured spots among the top 20 in the QS World University Rankings, marking a significant milestone for the city’s higher education system. The University of Hong Kong (HKU) retained its 11th place, while the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) made a remarkable leap from 32nd to 18th, achieving its highest-ever position. CUHK’s rise also represents the largest jump among institutions ranked in the top 20 and top 50 globally.

The rankings, released by UK-based education analysis firm Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), highlight Hong Kong’s continued progress in higher education. For the second consecutive year, the city was recognized as having Asia’s most improved higher education system. Seven of Hong Kong’s universities improved their rankings, two maintained their positions, and none experienced a decline.

QS attributed the success of Hong Kong’s universities to substantial advancements in research performance and growing recognition among employers. HKU’s president, Xiang Zhang, emphasized the institution’s commitment to exploring new frontiers where scientific innovation and humanistic values coexist, particularly in the era of artificial intelligence.

This achievement underscores Hong Kong’s rising prominence in global education and its universities’ ability to compete at the highest international levels.