News & Stories

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. 

With its origin rooted in fostering literacy, the buzz of the Spelling Bee has echoed through centuries of American history. What began as a simple tradition has evolved into national spectacles over time, where participants dedicate themselves to memorizing thousands of words and sparking friendly rivalries in competitions. This year, the Spelling Bee took center stage of Shaw Auditorium at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) as part of the University’s signature Community Musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, filling the hall with vibrant energy and the laughter of over 1,800 enthusiatic spectators. 

SmartCare Technology Co. Limited (SmartCare), a Healthtech innovator nurtured by The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) joins hands with CUHK Medical Centre (CUHKMC) to announce a significant partnership aimed at advancing healthcare delivery through innovative artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony marks a strategic commitment to co-develop AI technology solutions for healthcare settings. This collaboration will harness SmartCare’s expertise in healthcare AI technology and CUHKMC’s commitment to providing exceptional healthcare services. The partnership aims to implement advanced AI technology to enhance clinical workflows, improve patient care, and streamline operational efficiency within CUHKMC’s facilities.

Loyalty is a virtue quietly forged through dedication. This year, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)’s Long Service Awards celebrates this very spirit by honoring 158 colleagues who have served for 20 years or more. Notably, HKUST is presenting its inaugural 35-Year Awards, recognizing colleagues whose 35 years of service—a milestone predating the University’s founding—underscores the deep-rooted commitment within our community. Join us to meet three of the remarkable honorees who have helped shape HKUST into the institution it is today.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and AstraZeneca Hong Kong (AstraZeneca) today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to build on their long-standing partnership, aiming to accelerate research and development (R&D) and drive innovation in the city’s life sciences ecosystem. The signing ceremony was held at the HKUST Unicorn Day 2025, an occasion where entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders come together for technological knowledge exchange and collaboration. Witnessed by President of HKUST and the Morningside Professor of Life Science, Prof. Nancy Ip and General Manager of AstraZeneca Hong Kong and Macau Ms. Shan Wu, the MoU was officially signed by Vice-President for Research and Development at HKUST, Prof. Tim Cheng and Head of Medical Affairs, BioPharmaceuticals & Rare Disease of AstraZeneca Hong Kong Mr. Tin Hung Wong.  

As a pioneering electrochemist and Head of the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Prof. SHAO Minhua is accelerating the clean energy transition and seeking to fast forward top faculty and young talents in making their own contribution to a resource-friendly world.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has risen three places to 44th in the QS World University Rankings 2026, reinforcing its dedication to excellence in teaching, research, and global education while championing diversity and innovation. This year’s rankings evaluated 1,500+ institutions across 106 locations —the most extensive evaluation to date. HKUST demonstrated outstanding performance in academic reputation, research output, and internationalization, with significant progress in education and employability metrics.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) ranked 19th globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025, retaining its position as Hong Kong and Mainland China’s top institution for the second consecutive year.  The rankings, which assessed 2,500 universities, recognize institutions advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). HKUST excelled in SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 15 (Life on Land), reflecting its leadership in innovating resilient infrastructure and industries, promoting urban sustainability and promoting terrestrial ecosystem conservation.