Championing international collaboration, promoting cultural diversity on campus, cultivating students’ global perspectives – PolyU is embracing internationalisation for societal benefits

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) embraces internationalisation as a core principle guiding its educational and research efforts, benefiting not only the University itself, but also its students and society. The University has been ranked third in the Times Higher Education Most International University in the World Rankings 2025, scoring high in criteria including international student and staff ratios, international collaboration, and global reputation.

At PolyU today, renowned scholars from around the world are actively engaged in research with their teams in specialised labs, while international students interact with local peers both in and out of class. Additionally, every student graduating in or after 2027/28 will have at least one international learning experience before graduation, as the University aims to broaden their perspectives and prepare them for a globalised workforce.

Strategic moves towards internationalisation

In the University’s latest Strategic Plan for 2025/26 to 2030/31, internationalisation is outlined as a strategic objective, focusing on increasing student and staff diversity, fostering a global and inclusive mindset through non-local learning opportunities, and expanding global partnerships and collaborations, as well as enhancing engagement with Mainland China.

The internationalisation strategy aligns with the Hong Kong SAR Government’s commitment to developing Hong Kong into an international hub for postsecondary education and high-calibre professionals of varying backgrounds.

A diverse body of staff and students

As far as diversity is concerned, in 2024, over 50% of the University’s newly recruited academic staff members came from outside Hong Kong, and over 2,000 nonlocal students from over 40 countries and regions arrived on campus either as an undergraduate freshman or on an exchange basis. PolyU’s academic environment is being shaped by an integration of diverse perspectives and a multicultural campus that promotes understanding and collaboration.

Meanwhile, more and more PolyU students are gaining non-local learning experiences, bringing home new perspectives and a global mindset to not only get themselves ready for a globalised workplace, but also contribute to making PolyU a vibrant centre of cultural exchange and academic excellence.

International and Mainland China collaborations

PolyU’s internationalisation is also characterised by its strength in international collaborations in education, research and other areas. In fact, PolyU has expanded its network of partnerships with universities and research institutions in Mainland China and around the world to boost its national and international presence. These collaborations will drive continuous innovation and development for the benefit of local communities, enhancing the global impact of the University’s efforts.

For a better world

Striving to address pressing global issues, such as climate change, ageing populations, and sustainable development through education, research and knowledge transfer, PolyU seeks to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations and works towards a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future for all.

For PolyU, internationalisation makes sense only when it positively impacts students and society. Internationalisation is thus in line with the University’s mission to nurture socially responsible leaders and professionals with a strong sense of national pride and a global perspective and to pursue world-leading research and innovation for societal benefits. Through internationalisation efforts directed towards these ends, the University reinforces its status as an innovative world-class university.