Quick Summary
Public in Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR — The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, est. 1937. Ranked #57 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 27221 students including 28% from outside Hong Kong SAR. Known for strengths in Hospitality & Leisure Management, Architecture & Built Environment, Art & Design, it maintains an acceptance rate of 15%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
PolyU is a global leader in professional education, ranked #2 in the world for Hospitality and Tourism. It emphasizes practical application and industry integration.
Subject Strengths
Hospitality & Leisure ManagementArchitecture & Built EnvironmentArt & DesignCivil & Structural EngineeringNursing
Founded1937
TypePublic
Total Students27221
Intl Students28%
Faculty Ratio13.5
CampusUrban
Campus Size9.4 hectares
Affiliated HospitalsNot Available
AccreditationAACSB, EQUIS, HKIE, RIBA, CIOB
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#57
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#87
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#151-200
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor's, Taught Master's, Research Postgraduate (MPhil/PhD), Professional Doctorate
Programs
Available in all faculties including Applied Science, Business, Construction, Engineering, Health and Social Sciences, Humanities, and Design
PhD Programs
Limited executive education and MOOCs via edX
Online Programs
State Key Laboratories, Joint Research Heritage, Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
AACSB, EQUIS, HKIE, RIBA, CIOB
Accreditation
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Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate15%
IELTS6
TOEFL80
Min GPA3.0/4.0
GRENot mandatory for most programs but recommended for Research degrees
GMATRequired for MBA and some Business masters
SAT1190 (for US system applicants)
ACT24 (for US system applicants)
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · Early round: November; Main round: February
SPRINGApplication Deadline · Limited availability, usually October
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Highlight practical experience and portfolio for Design/Arts. For non-local students, competitive public exam scores (IB, A-Levels, SAT) are crucial.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Hong Kong Dollar
UG Tuition
HK$160,000/yr
per year · HKD
Living Cost
HK$70,000/yr
per year · HKD
PG Tuition
HK$180,000/yr
per year · HKD
Application Fee
$58
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
HK$235,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · HKD
Scholarships AvailableEntry Scholarships for Outstanding Admissants, Belt and Road Scholarship, Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme
Avg Scholarship$10,000
Financial AidGovernment grants and loans available for local students; work-study for non-locals under certain conditions
Work-StudyAvailable (On-campus part-time jobs for international students allowed up to 20 hours/week)
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor's, Taught Master's, Research Postgraduate (MPhil/PhD), Professional Doctorate programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel and Tourism Management | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Fashion and Textiles | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Design | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Building and Real Estate | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$32,000
Average Salary After Graduation
95%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementWork-Integrated Education (WIE) is a mandatory component for all undergraduate students
Industry Connections
Strong links with BoeingAlibabaHuaweiand major hospitality chains
Notable Alumni
Wong Kar-wai, Vivienne Tam, Tony Leung Ka-fai, Paul Wong
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Yes, Student Halls of Residence (Hung Hom and Ho Man Tin)
Sports Facilities
Shaw Sports Complex, Michael Clinton Swimming Pool, fitness centers, outdoor courts
Student Clubs
Over 30 student societies under the Students' Union
Library Resources
Pao Yue-kong Library, extensive digital archives and specialized design collections
Exchange Programs
Partnerships with over 230 universities worldwide
Summer Programs
PolyU Summer Institute for high school and university students