Hong Kong universities excel in QS Asia rankings as global education forum opens
Five Hong Kong universities rank in Asia's top 10, with HKU first, CityU fourth and CUHK fifth. The city hosts the World Top University Presidents Forum 2026 on 4 November, themed 'Reshaping Higher Education: Innovation Leading the Future'.
A government spokesman announced that Hong Kong's higher education sector has performed strongly in the latest QS Asia University Rankings. The University of Hong Kong retained its top position in Asia. In total, five Hong Kong universities placed in the top 10, with three among the top five: HKU in first place, City University of Hong Kong in fourth place, and Chinese University of Hong Kong in fifth place. Eight universities improved their rankings, and all 11 rated institutions placed in the top 500 in Asia.
The spokesman said the results reflected 'outstanding academic reputation, employer evaluation, internationalisation level and research influence' across Hong Kong universities. He attributed the performance to 'the efforts of universities in teaching, research and international collaboration' and to 'policy measures and resource input' from the government.
To highlight Hong Kong's role as a bridge between mainland China and the global higher education system, the World Top University Presidents Forum 2026 will open on 4 November. Organised by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology with government support, the forum is themed 'Reshaping Higher Education: Innovation Leading the Future'. It will bring together dozens of top university presidents, scholars and international education leaders to discuss talent development in the smart era, technology-driven economic growth, and universities' responses to global challenges.
The government said it would continue to support higher education through measures including the development of the Northern Territory University City, attracting top international researchers and students, and deepening cross-border and international academic cooperation.