Hong Kong is the only city worldwide with five universities ranked in the top 100 globally. Leveraging this distinctive edge in higher education, the city is strengthening its status as a global education hub by expanding its international student intake.

In his 2025 Policy Address, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced that self-financing places for international students at public universities will rise from 40% to 50% of the local undergraduate cohort, effective from the 2026-27 academic year. Importantly, 15,000 publicly funded spots for local students remain fully protected.

Complementing this expansion are plans to increase student hostel supply and an additional HK$40 million in funding to boost recruitment of students and faculty from overseas and mainland China.

These initiatives aim to cultivate a larger, more diverse, and highly capable talent pool in the city.