PolyU is transforming its higher-education ecosystem, and elevating Hong Kong’s appeal to international students

Education used to be considered a destination; something with a formal structure, and conducted in a particular location. Today, it’s a journey, and rapid technological innovation is re-drawing the learning map, presenting students with a nearly infinite range of choices to chart their own paths.

As home to five universities in the world’s top 100, Hong Kong is at the forefront of this transformation. The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) is actively pursuing a vision of turning the city into an international hub for post-secondary education by promoting the “Study in Hong Kong” brand and expanding admission quotas for non-local students.

Internationalisation is also a core focus for PolyU, and its 2025/26-2030/31 Strategic Plan emphasises the importance of attracting more top students from the Chinese Mainland and around the world. The University is already rolling out a host of impactful initiatives. They include ensuring that all undergraduates graduating in or after the 2027/28 academic year participate in at least one non-local learning experience, and enhancing partnerships with overseas institutions for exchange and study opportunities.

Making world-class education as accessible as possible

PolyU is determined to make top-notch programmes and rewarding university experiences as accessible as possible through a range of undergraduate support programmes, such as the PolyU Entry Scholarship. While many are available to local and non-local students who demonstrate academic and non-academic excellence, others have been created to foster a diverse learning environment that attracts students from around the world.

Through scholarships like the Belt and Road Scholarship offered by the HKSAR Government, together with donor contributions that established the Tan Siu Lin Foundation Belt-and-Road Entry Scholarship and the China Merchants Belt and Road Scholarship, the University is empowering students to pursue their studies and build lasting cultural connections.

These scholarships have drawn students from neighbouring South Korea, Indonesia, and Malaysia, and as far afield as Rwanda and Kyrgyzstan. They include PolyU Entry Scholarship and Belt and Road Scholarship awardee Dora Saylikoglu from Türkiye, who majored in Physics. He was captivated by PolyU’s unique integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the physics programme. He vividly recalls the moment he discovered the programme, and realised “almost no other institution could match it, and I thought, why wouldn’t I take advantage of that?”

Dora Saylikoglu from Türkiye was awarded a PolyU Entry Scholarship and a Belt and Road Scholarship.

He has found inspiration at PolyU’s Aerospace Innovation Research Summit, and been impressed by the University’s contribution to China’s space programme, including multiple lunar sample return missions. “Space is going to be the next huge thing; anyone could play a role in it,” says the aspiring rocket scientist, whose full scholarship means he can focus on his studies without any major financial worries.

Dora on the catwalk at the “Threads of Unity: Belt and Road Fashion Show” during the PolyU Chinese Culture Festival 2025

PolyU students are even allowed to hold more than one scholarship concurrently within an academic year, provided the total value does not exceed their annual tuition fee, plus an allowance of HK$60,000. There are also special subsidies for exchange programmes, to enhance professional knowledge, support personal growth and unleash everyone’s true passions and full potential.

An innovative curriculum for the AI era

PolyU’s constantly evolving curriculum is designed to address changing societal needs, such as the emergence of AI and the global shift towards adopting smart technologies. It has helped propel the University to 50th place in the latest QS World University Rankings, sending a loud and clear signal to international students that a PolyU education is world-class and future-driven.

In September 2022, PolyU was probably the world’s first university to make AI education compulsory for all undergraduates. More recently, the University is transforming learning and teaching by embedding AI and new technologies into a student-centred approach that fosters innovation and prepares students for the AI-driven age.

According to Professor Cao Jiannong, Vice President (Education), the AI-empowered curriculum embraces a future where technology supports interactive, flexible, and personalised learning.

“We are not replacing the human element of teaching; we are enhancing it. We are giving teachers and students new power to learn, to create, and to thrive,” the internationally renowned computing and data science scholar says.

Cultivating a “global perspective”

Recognising the importance of cultivating a “global perspective” in an interconnected world, the institution is extending its educational partnership network at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Recent examples include agreements with many top-tier universities in the Chinese Mainland for dual PhD degree programmes.

PolyU is also expanding non-local study opportunities with leading universities around the world. Recently, a delegation led by President Teng travelled to the United Kingdom to strengthen academic and research collaborations with several world-renowned institutions, including the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford.

The productive visit culminated in the signing of five memoranda of understanding for new student mobility partnerships, marking a significant milestone in PolyU’s internationalisation journey. PolyU students now have the chance to immerse themselves in the Oxbridge collegiate tutorial system, benefit from personalised academic mentoring, attend world-class lectures, and participate in college events, enriching both their academic and cultural experiences.

Unlocking new life experiences

International students are looking for more than wisdom; they are also seeking a new life experience. With over 14,000 non-local students in the 2025/26 academic year, the University is committed to helping them find it.

Flagship programmes like the PolyU Summer Institute and PolyU International Summer School foster early engagement and sustained interest, so global high school and undergraduate students immediately feel comfortable in a new cultural environment.

On arrival, the PolyU Envoy Programme pairs student ambassadors with first-year non-local undergraduates or inbound exchange students, to facilitate their transition into PolyU. Over 150 ambassadors from 27 regions are currently serving as peer mentors, offering advice, guidance and facilitating two-way cultural dialogue.

The Envoy Programme is designed to enrich the university experiences of new non-local students.

Dedicated facilities like The Global Student Hub are ideal venues for hosting student events and student-initiated activities such as cultural galas, music and drama performances, exhibitions, and team-building activities. They provide opportunities for local and non-local students to get together, to share and to learn, and, in turn, embrace diversity and better integrate into university life.

Christelle Natalie Chua, a first-year School of Design student hailing from Indonesia, was drawn by PolyU’s strong reputation in design and emphasis on professional, industry-relevant skills. Coming from Surabaya, she also longed for an opportunity to broaden her worldview and engage with a diverse community. “I wanted to experience a different lifestyle, meet people from various cultures, and develop my soft skills,” she says.

A native of Indonesia, Christelle wants to meet people from different cultures at PolyU.

Christelle has submerged herself in campus life as a committee member of the Indonesian Student Association, and recently participated in an Indonesian Cultural Night, showcasing her heritage with fellow participants through performances. “It was a fruitful experience that boosted my confidence and enhanced my interpersonal skills,” she says.

 

Living in Hong Kong has also been a highlight. The beautiful harbour is a favourite retreat, offering a place to enjoy breathtaking views, unwind, and socialise with friends. “Studying in Hong Kong, especially at PolyU, has broadened my horizons and equipped me with the skillsets to make a real difference,” she says.

Christelle (back row, second right) performed in the Indonesian Cultural Night.

New paths to wisdom

These initiatives are part of PolyU’s ongoing efforts to enhance its educational offerings, support student growth, and cater to the demands of industry and society. Like thousands of other students, Christelle and Dora are using them to create their own paths to learn, grow, and give back through the rich fabric of opportunities that PolyU offers.

As a student ambassador, Dora has some personal advice for prospective students from Central and East Asia: "Hang out with locals and stay open to new experiences," he says, urging them to make the most of every moment in the vibrant, global journey that defines PolyU.