September 25, 2025 
If you’re asking “should I study in Hong Kong?” or probing “why study in Hong Kong?”, the short answer of that 2025 is an especially compelling time for consideration of Hong Kong as your academic destination. Global education landscapes are shifting also Hong Kong blends East and West plus tradition and innovation. Because of such a combination, Hong Kong is a magnetic hub for some ambitious learners. I’ll address student concerns below, such as is it safe and how much does it cost to study in Hong Kong, touch on how to study there, and take you through reasons to study in Hong Kong. I have also included within specific perceptions and also available scholarships for those Indian students that wish to study within Hong Kong.
A Unique Cultural & Academic Crossroads
One of the strongest reasons for studying in Hong Kong is that East meets West there. Pursuing studies in English is smooth at times because English is an official language within many universities. Also, you are able to learn Cantonese, Chinese, and local cultures. Worldwide, this double nature favors attitudes.
Hong Kong’s dynamic trade links plus its proximity to Mainland China as well as its role for a global finance, tech, and innovation hub help international students get internships, conduct research, and find employment in Asia and beyond. These attributes in Hong Kong do especially open doors for the international student aspirants.
Top-tier Institutions & Places to Study in Hong Kong
If you think about “where to study in Hong Kong,” a number of well-recognized names come to your mind:
- The University of Hong Kong (HKU) – regularly ranked as one of the best in Asia.
- The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) – well-known for offering good STEM, business and innovation programs.
- City University of Hong Kong (CityU) – well-known for urban studies, business and applied tech.
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) – a large, research university.
- There are Hong Kong Baptist University, Lingnan University, and others.
These institutions offer a variety of study in Hong Kong through diverse fields of study which include, among others, social sciences and humanities; engineering; business; medicine; and interdisciplinary innovation. As you sift through your options, be sure to check which programs and institutions fit your area of study.
Cost, Scholarships & Financial Feasibility
Cost is always a big consideration when you are thinking about studying in Hong Kong. For non-local (i.e. international) students, tuition at many universities is between HKD 160,000 to HKD 220,000+ per year for undergraduate programmes. For example:
- CityU has a non-local tuition fee of HKD 170,000 (2025/26) for many programmes.
- CUHK has a non-local undergraduate fee of about HKD 214,000 per year.
- HKU (subject to review) could have non-local student fees go to HKD 198,000IN tuition.
In addition to tuition, expect to have student living expenses (housing, food, transport, etc.) will run you another HKD 50,000 -HKD 100,000+ depending on the degree of lifestyle and location.
So again, should I study in Hong Kong, yes, financially feasible in that it is not “cheap.” However, it often has a better cost compared to the US/UK/Australia.
Scholarships to Study in Hong Kong / Study in Hong Kong Scholarship
The good news is that there are numerous scholarships for Indian students and, more generally, scholarships for students from Hong Kong.
For example:
- The Hong Kong SAR Government Scholarship Fund awards a number of scholarships for non-local students.
- Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme is among the most competitive and provides a great deal of upper (stipend + travel allowance).
- Many universities (HKU, CityU, CUHK) administer internal and admission scholarships for non-local students (often automatically considered).
- Some of these are specific to Indian students or international students; see “Full Tuition Scholarship to Students from India for Graduate Studies at Hong Kong Baptist University.”
- Another emerging program is the Asian Future Leaders Scholarship which involves HKUST as one of the universities involved.
When you plan your application, map out all of the relevant scholarships (national, bilateral, and universities) and track deadlines.
How to Study in Hong Kong (Your Application Roadmap)
The procedure to study in Hong Kong is generally straightforward, with nuances based on country:
- Select your target universities and programmes (where to study in Hong Kong).
- Check eligibility & requirements (transcripts, standardized tests, English proficiency, etc.).
- Apply through university portals — there isn’t one central admission portal for all HK universities (you need to apply to each one independently).
- Scholarship application — usually embedded into / parallel to admission applications.
- Visa/student permit process (non-local students must apply for a student visa through HK Immigration).
- Plan finances and accommodation (apply for university halls and/or private accommodations).
- Travel and arrival logistics, orientation, etc.
If you are an Indian student, you will take a comparable path — but be especially aware of what scholarships and quota(s) you are eligible for (some are only eligible to certain nationalities or “non-local” status).
Safety, Quality of Life & Support
No one wants to choose Hong Kong if they feel unsafe or insecure. So, is it actually safe to study in Hong Kong? The short answer is, well, kind of. Hong Kong is a developed, urban city with good public infrastructure, low rates of violent crime, effective public transportation systems, and reliable healthcare. Campus life often offers security, support services, counseling, and policies to protect students.
That said, be cautious in any new, major city, as petty crime, crowds, and occasional social or political protests exist. But from the perspective of daily life, most students have reported safety and support.
Hong Kong’s effective systems (the subway, the buses and their connections) and international communities afford a high level of comfort, within a high quality of life for international student life.
Career & Post-Study Advantages
One of the key points to consider when studying in Hong Kong is career leverage. Hong Kong specializes in:
- Access to the global finance, trading, fintech, logistics, and tech sectors;
- Proximity and access to Mainland China for internships, business relations, exploration, and research;
- A multi-cultural ecosystem bridging Asia, Europe, and the Americas; and,
- Post-study work policies: many students can stay for 12 months – or more – to seek employment opportunities, post-graduation.
So, why study in Hong Kong for higher education is more than achieving the highest grades — it is about positioning yourself strategically for your career.
For Indian Students: Specific Considerations & Benefits
When studying in Hong Kong, here are the key aspects to consider for Indian students:
- There are scholarships created specifically for Indian students (e.g. full tuition scholarships at Hong Kong Baptist University, HKSAR Government scholarship)
- Indian students are generally regarded as non-local (thus subject to non-local tuition rates).
- The admission process generally follows the same direction for global international applicants but in certain situations there could be specific quotas (or reserved seats).
- Cultural familiarity: Many Indian students feel comfortable in Hong Kong with an Indian community, food and networks.
- Post-study work opportunities: In general, Western economies, proximity of India-Chinese corridor and business connections with the Indian population of graduates tend to favour Indians.
Weighing the Trade-offs: Should You Study in Hong Kong?
Every destination has pros and cons. Let me summarise some:
Pros:
- Top-tier institutions and global rankings
- Bilingual/English instruction
- Strategic career gateway to Asia
- Multiple scholarship options
- Strong support for international student transition
- Safe and cosmopolitan city life
Cons / Challenges:
- Costs (tuition + living) are relatively high against some East Asian or Southeast Asian options.
- Intense competition for top scholarships.
- The quoted fees in Hong Kong Dollars may vary against your home currency.
- Some programmes or courses may limit the number of seats for non-local students.
If your objectives include global exposure, employment in Asia, valid academic credentials, and affordability, the answer to the question “should I study in Hong Kong?” is often yes.
Conclusion
If you still have the question “Why study in Hong Kong?” – let me leave you with this: in 2025, Hong Kong is a unique combination of academic prestige, global connectedness, cultural richness, and opportunity. With some sound financial planning and application, studying in Hong Kong for international students can be a reality. For many Indian students, this is not just going to the best institutions, quality education, but also to cross-cultural networks and the fastest growing economies in Asia.
FAQs
Ques. 1. Is it safe to study in Hong Kong for international students?
Ans. Yes — Hong Kong is generally regarded as safe, due in part to strong law enforcement, a good healthcare system, and structured campuses with student support available to international students. The day-to-day safety is high; with any city, be vigilant in unknown areas.
Ques. 2. How much does it cost to study in Hong Kong (for an international student)?
Ans. Tuition fees for students who are from outside Hong Kong typically from HKD 160,000 to 220,000+ annually depending on the institution and size of programme. In addition, living, housing, transport and other expenses should be expected to increase this by a further ~HKD 50,000–100,000 or more per year. (c.f. examples from CityU, CUHK, HKU).
Ques. 3. What scholarships are available for Indian students to study in Hong Kong?
Ans. Tuition costs for students coming from outside Hong Kong are usually in the HKD 160,000 to 220,000+ range annually depending on the institution and size of programme. In addition, living, housing, transport and other costs could increase this annually by another ~HKD 50,000-100,00 or more. (c.f. examples from CityU, CUHK, HKU).
Ques. 4. Where to study in Hong Kong — which universities are best?
Ans. Some top institutions would include HKU, HKUST, CityU, CUHK, Hong Kong Baptist University, Lingnan University and others. Your choice should be informed by your discipline and strong faculty, research opportunities, and campus environment.
Ques. 5. How to study in Hong Kong — what is the application process?
Ans. You apply directly to each university via their portal ( there is no unified system ) and submit all necessary academics, test scores, English proficiency and scholarship documents. Once accepted, you will also apply for a student visa. Allow time for finances and housing. (Indian students will use the same process, but check for any country-specific requirements).
