The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has seen a significant increase in the number of first-year students from outside the city, with over 1,200 students being admitted this autumn. This marks a 50 per cent rise compared to the previous academic cycle, with about half of the non-local students coming from mainland China.
Despite concerns about the impact on the university’s international status, HKU assures that the proportion of mainland students has remained stable. The latest batch of non-local students also represents around 60 different countries and regions.
With the government doubling the quota of non-local students in publicly funded universities, HKU aims to strike a balance between academic merit and diversity. Professor Bennett Yim Chi-kin, the director of undergraduate admissions and international student exchange, highlights the importance of attracting students from diverse backgrounds while promoting Hong Kong globally.
While mainland Chinese students are more familiar with HKU, efforts are being made to increase diversity by reaching out to students worldwide. The university remains committed to its goal of becoming a truly international institution.