Cost of Studying in Hong Kong: Tuition Fees & Living Expenses Explained

September 29, 2025

Hong Kong, officially known as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (Hong Kong SAR): Hong Kong has become one of the most exciting higher education centres in Asia, boasting established and top universities internationally, as well as a dual language learning environment and a lively cultural atmosphere, making it an easy choice for many overseas students to study in Hong Kong. However, before deciding to study in Hong Kong, it’s important to consider the costs associated with obtaining a degree in Hong Kong, including tuition, accommodation, scholarships, and daily expenses. The cost of studying in Hong Kong can sway your decision whether you’re a local or an international applicant.

In this blog, we look at everything you’ll need to know related to studying costs in Hong Kong. Whether you want to know what the cost of studying in Hong Kong is or look for scholarships for Indian students in Hong Kong, you’ll find the answer in the following sections!

Why Study in Hong Kong?

Before analyzing costs, it is worthwhile to look at reasons to study in Hong Kong. It offers a number of world-renowned universities, including:

The University of Hong Kong (HKU)
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)
The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)
City University of Hong Kong (CityU)
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)

These universities continually score highly across Asia in subjects including business, engineering, social science, medicine and technology. For those students who are eager to complete an international education while remaining relatively close to India, these are attractive places to study in Hong Kong.

Lastly, another factor of significance is the use of English as one of the official languages, which makes both academics and daily life easier for foreign students. As a result, there usually is no problem when students ask, “Should I study in Hong Kong?”—the answer lies in its global recognition, quality of education and international recognition.

Tuition Fees in Hong Kong

Tuition fees are the primary contribution to studying in Hong Kong. Average costs are:

Undergraduate programs: HKD 90,000 – 265,000 a year (approximately USD 9K – 25K)
Postgraduate programs: HKD 100,000 – 300,000 a year (approximately USD 10K – 28K)

Tuition fees depend on the discipline and university, with those in medicine, engineering, or business more expensive than the arts or humanities.

International students should note that tuition fees in Hong Kong are higher than those in mainland China, but given the international reputation for the quality of education, the price difference is justified. If you’re working out the cost of studying in Hong Kong as a whole, then tuition fees amount for nearly 60–70% of the total cost.

Living Expenses in Hong Kong

A second important consideration is the cost of living. Hong Kong has a reputation for having a high standard of living, but this can be worked around with careful planning. International students typically spend between HKD 10,000 – 17,000 (INR 95,000 – 1.6 lakh) per month.

Here’s a breakdown:

Housing: HKD 5,000 – 9,000 per month. (Campus living will be cheaper than private living options).
Meals and Grocery: HKD 3,000 – 5,000.
Transport: HKD 400 – 600. (Public transport is efficient and cheap).
Books and Materials: HKD 600 – 1,000.
Leisure and Other Expenses: HKD 1,000 – 2,000.

For example, dining at a regular restaurant might cost about HKD 70 (INR 750); a cup of coffee averages HKD 35 (INR 375). A monthly bus or MTR pass costs around HKD 400 (INR 4,000). Compared to the US or UK, living in Hong Kong is cheaper and is therefore very competitive as an option.

Scholarships to Study in Hong Kong

For many students, particularly those who come from India, scholarships are a critical factor in making education affordable. There are a number of funding sources which include:

Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) – Provides full tuition waiver and a stipend per month
Hong Kong Government Scholarship Scheme – For international students who are studying full-time
College specific scholarships like merit scholarships at HKU, HKUST, and CUHK.
Scholarships for Indian students studying in Hong Kong through a partnership of Indian and Hong Kong institutions.

If you are considering how to study in Hong Kong with financial support, you should look at university sites and apply in advance because of the competitive aspect of these awards. Scholarships to study Hong Kong also lower tuition fees and help with living, which reduces financial stress.

Study in Hong Kong for Indian Students

Hong Kong is being chosen by Indian students because of its proximity, cultural link, and reputation for quality education in universities. Universities in Hong Kong are eager to promote diversity and there has been a rise in the number of Indian students coming to study in Hong Kong in recent years.

Key benefits include:

Short proximity from India (5-6 hours flight)
Scholarship options to study in Hong Kong
English is the language of instruction.
Gateway to an Asian and Western business hub

Universities will provide Indian students with, for example, orientation programs, student associations or support with peer support to help the student transition easily.

Study in Hong Kong for International Students

Apart from Indians, thousands of students from Europe, America, Africa, and Southeast Asia choose Hong Kong for higher education. Study in Hong Kong for international students is facilitated by world-class facilities, research opportunities, and international faculty.

The question often arises: Is it safe to study in Hong Kong? The answer is yes. Despite its fast-paced lifestyle, Hong Kong is known for its safety, low crime rates, and efficient public services. Universities also provide secure accommodation and medical support for foreign students.

Where to Study in Hong Kong?

Whenever you ask where to study in Hong Kong, students should consider the academic rankings, programs, and study costs. Some recommendations to study in Hong Kong include:

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) – offers academic programs that are the best for law, business, and medicine.
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) – is popular for it’s science, engineering, and management disciplines.
The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) – is popular for the arts, humanities, and social sciences.
The City University of Hong Kong (CityU) – is best for media, communications, and technology.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) – specializes in applied sciences and industrial design.

Should I Study in Hong Kong?

In the end, the choice involves balancing the desire to study with your financial means. If you prioritize:

Niche institutions that are globally-ranked,
Bilingual learning environment,
Safe and multicultural environment,
Proximity to India & Asia-Pacific markets

… then the answer to should I study in Hong Kong is yes. However, you should evaluate the cost of study in Hong Kong and examine all available scholarships to study in Hong Kong, to make your education affordable.

Conclusion

Education in Hong Kong combines a world-class education, cultural diversity, and opportunity for building your career. While tuition fees and living costs may seem exorbitant, with scholarships, reasonable public services, and the long-term benefits of a Hong Kong degree, it is manageable and a good investment. Whether you are searching for study in Hong Kong for Indian students, or weighing study in Hong Kong on a list of study abroad programs, this guide offers the clarity you need to help you plan ahead.

The next time you ask yourself, how much does it cost to study in Hong Kong? or where do I study in Hong Kong?, remember that you are not just paying for education but, also, for future opportunities across Asia and beyond.

FAQs

Ques. 1. How much does it cost to study in Hong Kong for international students?

Ans. The total expense for the studies undertaken in Hong Kong will cost international students between HKD 150,000 – 350,000 or INR 14 – 32 lakh approximately, depending on the program and lifestyle. This will cover tuition fees, accommodation, food, transport, and study materials.

Ques. 2. Are there scholarships for Indian students to study in Hong Kong?

Ans. Yes. There are multiple scholarships available for Indian students to study in Hong Kong. They include the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS), the Hong Kong Government Scholarship Scheme, and various merit-based scholarships and grants available for specific universities such as HKU and CUHK. These scholarships for study in Hong Kong can greatly reduce tuition costs and living expenses.

Ques. 3. Is it safe to study in Hong Kong as a foreign student?

Ans. Definitely. A lot of students will ask me: “Is is safe to study abroad in Hong Kong?” And the answer is yes! Hong Kong is one of the safest international study destinations you can pick – low crime rate, great public transport, and excellent campus security.

Ques. 4. Where to study in Hong Kong for business and engineering programs?

Ans. If you are wondering about the study options you can have in Hong Kong, ‘The University of Hong Kong’ (HKU) is great for students in business and law, while ‘Hong Kong University of Science and Technology’ (HUST) is good for engineering, business, and management. Other high-quality institutions you could study at include CUHK, CityU, and PolyU.

Ques. 5. Why study in Hong Kong instead of other Asian destinations?

Ans. Students frequently ask, “Why should I study in Hong Kong?” There are world-class universities, education in English and Chinese, strong rankings, especially globally and proximally to the job markets in India and Asia-Pacific. While there are many study abroad destinations, Hong Kong’s cost of study is fairly mitigated by scholarship opportunities and quality of education.