Hong Kong has emerged as the global success story of the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025—now officially recognised as the world's most improved location with a 63% improvement rate across ranked subjects. Nine universities collectively contribute 257 ranked entries, with standout performances in Dentistry, Education, Nursing, and Linguistics—all now positioned within the global top 10.
This year’s results highlight Hong Kong’s remarkable resurgence on the global academic stage, propelled by its growing reputation among international scholars and the exceptional research output of its institutions. With an 82% improvement rate in Academic Reputation and leading strengths in Social Sciences, Biological Sciences, and Data Science & AI, Hong Kong is once again cementing its place as a powerhouse of higher education excellence.
Ben Sowter, QS Senior Vice President, noted that Hong Kong’s exceptional performance in this year’s subject rankings sends a strong signal to the world: its universities are not only maintaining global competitiveness but also strengthening their appeal as a top destination for talent. He said, "With improvements across a majority of disciplines and a standout reputation among international scholars, Hong Kong is well-positioned to attract and retain high-calibre students, researchers, and faculty. These results reinforce its role as a hub for academic and research excellence, helping to counter concerns around brain drain and ensuring it remains a key player in the global knowledge economy."
The data, however, also signals challenges on the horizon. Financial pressures with planned reductions in public higher education funding, raise critical questions about the sector’s long-term competitiveness. While policy measures such as increasing the non-local student quota aim to bolster internationalisation and financial sustainability, Hong Kong’s universities should continue innovating to safeguard this upward trajectory. Sowter added, “Hong Kong continues to be a world leader in higher education and offers some of the world’s very best courses. Yet, as financial pressures build, ensuring continued investment will be vital to sustain this exceptional performance.”
"As financial pressures build, ensuring continued investment will be vital to sustain this exceptional performance.”
Ben Sowter, Senior Vice President, QS
Did you know Hong Kong...
- is the world’s most improved higher education location in 2025
- has 6 subject areas now ranked in the global top 10 (double last year)
- leads Asia for the top 50 placements in Data Science & AI (second only to the US globally)
- still faces growing financial constraints, despite its academic momentum
Paul Arkwright
Publisher
