HKUST Magnetizes Global Talent with 40% Surge in Global Applications

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has received a record of nearly 20,000 non-local undergraduate (UG) applications for the 2025/26 academic year, competing for approximately 800 places. This represents a remarkable 40% year-on-year increase in applications from international students, with candidates from more than 85 countries and regions, including Germany, France, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, the UAE, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, and Uzbekistan. 

This unprecedented volume of new applications – equivalent to twice the size of HKUST’s total UG student body (both local and non-local) – is expected to bring HKUST’s non-local student intake for the 2025/26 academic year to the maximum level allowed by the government. The government announced in October 2023 to double the enrolment cap for non-local undergraduate students at publicly funded universities from 20 per cent to 40% of approved student numbers.  

Building a Global Hub for Talent

“Diversity is fundamental to HKUST,” said Prof. Emily NASON, Director of Undergraduate Recruitment and Admissions. “HKUST is at the forefront of international education in Hong Kong, with nearly half of our non-local undergraduates coming from outside Mainland China—the highest ratio among local universities. This influx of applicants from over 85 countries and regions allows us to cultivate a multicultural campus that shapes leaders who thrive in a connected world. Through targeted recruitment in priority markets, HKUST is firmly dedicated to establishing Hong Kong as the premier destination for the world’s brightest minds.” 

Expanding Global Reach: Upcoming Initiatives 

Aligned with the Hong Kong Government’s “Study in Hong Kong” campaign, HKUST has intensified its recruitment efforts, particularly in Belt and Road countries such as India, Indonesia and Kazakhstan. The University recently introduced two key initiatives:

1. I.ELITE, the Pre-University Scholars Program: Targeting the top 20 per cent of students from participating schools locally and globally, since its launch late last year, over 770 high-performing students from 11 countries and regions (including Hong Kong, Mainland China, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Turkey, India, and South Korea) have joined. This year-long program offers:

• Academic Advancement: Interactive workshops and simulated lectures on AI, ESG, leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, and critical thinking.
• Global Networking: Connect with like-minded peers worldwide.
• Personalized Mentorship: Guidance from academic mentors and industry leaders.
• Industry Immersion: Tackle real-world challenges through industry programs, gaining firsthand insights into tech and innovation convergence.
• Admissions Support & Scholarships: Guidance for tertiary education planning and HKUST applications, plus scholarship opportunities for the flagship Summer Bootcamp.

Learn More at https://join.hkust.edu.hk/ielite

2. Annual thematic Summer Bootcamp (“Polymath” for this year): Running July 18-26, 2025, this 9-day intensive program partners with leading companies and startups (including Hong Kong Cyberport, Acer Inc., Elevatefoods Technology Limited, Nnenu and MakeOmnia Limited). Students will 

• engage in a capstone project developing innovative solutions to real-world challenges posed by partner businesses;
• draw on insights from classes, research showcases, and lab tours; and 
• experience a cross-disciplinary curriculum integrating science, engineering, and business.

Learn More at https://join.hkust.edu.hk/polymath