HKUST Leaps 13 Spots to Rank among Top 50 Universities Worldwide | The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is proud to announce that it has jumped 13 spots in the latest QS World University Rankings 2025, securing the 47th position among the world's top 50 universities. This is a recognition which affirms our dedication to excellence in teaching, research and knowledge transfer.

While university rankings serve as indicators for evaluating institutional performance, it is more important to have a proven track record of quality education and research excellence. Despite being a relatively young university, HKUST excels in this regard by embracing innovative pedagogy and teaching resources which adapt to evolving societal needs. We offer a globally-oriented education that values diversity with an interdisciplinary approach, and leverage new technologies like AI to enhance students’ learning experiences and equip them with the skills to thrive in the evolving digital landscape. According to the Global Employability University Rankings, our graduates are consistently placed among the world’s top 30 most sought-after employees. 

As an internationally-leading research-focused university, HKUST also boasts exceptional performances in 12 disciplines, including Civil & Structural Engineering and Material Sciences, which rank among the world’s top 50 in the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024, many of these subjects also hold the top position in Hong Kong.  Notably, “Data Science and Artificial Intelligence” ranks 10th in the world. These accomplishments are the outcomes of our three decades of strength in deep tech research, spanning various fields including health technology, AI, robotics, big data, fintech and renewable energy.

By translating research breakthroughs into solutions and products, HKUST members have founded 1,747 active start-ups, including 10 Unicorns and 14 exits (IPO or M&A).  We were the first in China under the patent influence metric of the Nature Index in 2022, and second in China for our capability in incubating deep tech unicorns by New Fortune in 2022. 

The University is currently spearheading a series of exciting new developments.  With the establishment of the region’s most advanced AI computing center, and the many forthcoming initiatives including the medical school, InnoBay and an on-campus DeepTech Incubator, HKUST is poised to break new ground in collaboration with top researchers from around the world.  Since late 2022, HKUST has successfully recruited over 70 outstanding faculty members. They will contribute not only to bringing our teaching and research excellence to new heights, but also to promoting Hong Kong’s goal of becoming an international I&T Center.

About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology  
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (https://hkust.edu.hk/) is a world-class university that excels in driving innovative education, research excellence, and impactful knowledge transfer. With a holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy approach, HKUST was ranked 3rd in the Times Higher Education’s Young University Rankings 2024, while 12 of its subjects were ranked among the world’s top 50 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024, with "Data Science and Artificial Intelligence" being ranked first in Hong Kong and 10th in the world. Our graduates are highly competitive, consistently ranking among the world’s top 30 most sought-after employees. In terms of research and entrepreneurship, over 80% of our work was rated “Internationally excellent” or “world leading” in the latest Research Assessment Exercise 2020 of Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee. As of June 2024, HKUST members have founded 1,747 active start-ups, including 10 Unicorns and 14 exits (IPO or M&A).