Overview
For Students
HKU

University of Hong Kong

Ranked & featured
Pokfulam, Hong Kong
33rd in World University Rankings 2026
HKU
  • About
  • Rankings
  • Impact Rankings
  • Key stats
  • Jobs
  • Subjects
  • Downloads
  • FAQs

About the University of Hong Kong

Basic information and contact details for the University of Hong Kong

institution

With our distinguished heritage, pioneering innovations and global vision, the University of Hong Kong (HKU) is widely renowned as Asia’s Global University.

Founded in 1911, HKU is the first and oldest institution of higher education in Hong Kong and for well over a century has been dedicated to creating knowledge, providing education, and serving society. 

Today, our commitment to excellence remains as strong as ever, but is now aligned with our times and future-ready. HKU has an established international reputation, ranking 35th in the world and 6th in Asia according to the THE World University Rankings 2025.

BOLD INNOVATIONS FOR THE FUTURE

HKU fosters pioneering breakthroughs by collaborating across disciplines, attracting top scholars, and partnering with prestigious institutions worldwide. With 232 professors in the top 1% of scientists and 54 named in the "Highly Cited Researchers 2025”, HKU ranks 13th globally for research influence. In the 2023/2024 academic year, our scholars published 6,698 research works and received 199 awards. Since 1998, we have been granted 1,430 patents, showcasing our strong commitment to innovation.

NURTURING AN INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

Our diverse student body comprises students from 94 countries, with over 45% being non-local students. Over 72% of our professoriate staff are non-local, enhancing our international perspective. We offer a broad range of disciplines across ten faculties, attracting top talent from around the world and enriching the academic experience.

GLOBAL IMPACT IS OUR GOAL

HKU aims to be a leading intellectual hub in Hong Kong, Mainland China, and Asia, serving as a gateway for global scholarship. Our vision is to create solutions that positively impact humanity today and for generations to come.

Rankings

Select the type of rankings below to see stats

Impact Rankings

Select the type of ranking below to see stats

Key Student Statistics

A breakdown of student statistics at the University of Hong Kong

gender ratio
Student gender ratio
56 F : 44 M (1)
globe fill
International student percentage
48% (1)
student per staff
Students per staff
17.8 (1)
student
Student total
17668 (1)

Based on data collected for the (1) World University Rankings 2026

Jobs at the University of Hong Kong

Open positions for academics and staff at the University of Hong Kong

See all

Professor and Head of Department of Social Work and Social Administration

THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG

The University of Hong Kong

Hong Kong

institution

The University of Hong Kong

Hong Kong


Ref.: 534142 Work type: Full-time Department: Department of Social Work and Social Administration (30300) Categories: Professoriate Staff Professor and Head of Department of Social Work and Social Administration (Ref.: 534142) Applications are invited for the appointment as Professor and Head of the Department of Social Work and Social Administration (SWSA), Faculty of Social Sciences. This is an exceptional leadership opportunity for a distinguished scholar to shape the future of one of Asia’s most respected social work departments. We seek an academic leader with a proven record of excellence in research, teaching, knowledge exchange, and managerial competence and a strong commitment to the Department’s and University’s missions and services and community engagement. The successful candidate will drive the Department’s strategic vision, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and elevate its global impact. Candidates should hold a PhD in Social Work or a relevant field and possess the stature of a Full Professor at a research-intensive institution. The most highly qualified applicants may be considered for the appointment as Chair Professor. The University of Hong Kong Founded in 1911, the University of Hong Kong has attained its pre-eminence as a research-led comprehensive university by upholding the highest international standards of excellence in its research, scholarship, teaching and learning, and service to the community. The University is consistently ranked amongst the world’s top universities: 11th in QS World University Rankings 2026, 1st in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026, 33rd in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026 and is recognized as the 4th most international university in 2025. Department of Social Work and Social Administration The Department of Social Work and Social Administration (SWSA), Hong Kong’s first social work training institute, has over 75 years of history and is ranked 11th globally and 1st locally in the 2025 QS Rankings for Social Policy & Administration. SWSA has five research clusters carrying out cutting-edge research in Evidence-based Clinical Social Work Practice, Mental Health, Population Studies, Ageing, and Arts Therapy. All these are geared towards the promotion of wellbeing for all. We have a competent team of professoriate staff, teachers, and researchers working on a wide range of social work issues for different target groups. More information about the Department can be obtained at https://www.socialwork.hku.hk/. Position Description The Department of Social Work and Social Administration seeks distinguished scholar to provide visionary leadership and strategic direction, ensuring SWSA’s continued alignment with the academic missions of HKU and its tradition of excellence. The successful candidate will help the Department to uphold the highest international standards of research and teaching, foster interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement, optimize the deployment of departmental resources, cultivate an inclusive and vibrant intellectual community and expand the Department’s international collaborations and networks. Qualifications and Qualities PhD in Social Work or a relevant field and stature equivalent to full or chair professor rank. Distinguished record of academic achievements and international recognition in research, scholarship, and teaching. Proven experience in leadership and university-level administration. Strong international network and demonstrated ability to secure research funding. Effective interpersonal communication skills and a high standard of personal integrity. Commitment to representing the interests of the discipline and the Department in the broader community. Possession of a recognized social worker qualification, along with established connections within local and international professional communities, is considered advantageous. Compensation and Benefits A highly competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered, together with contract-end gratuity and University contribution to a retirement benefits scheme at 15% of basic salary. Other benefits include annual leave and professional leave, medical benefits, and free access to on-campus gyms and libraries. Housing benefits will be provided as applicable. Application The University only accepts online applications for the above post. To ensure full consideration applicants should apply online and uploads: (1) a CV with publication list, (2) a cover letter, (3) an outline of strategic vision as the Head of the Department of Social Work and Social Administration. Review of applications will begin as soon as possible and continue until March 31, 2026 or until the post is filled, whichever is earlier.

Salary

Competitive salary

Posted

26 Jan 2026

Research Officer in the Department of Physics

THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG

The University of Hong Kong

Hong Kong

institution

The University of Hong Kong

Hong Kong


Ref.: 534277 Work type: Full-time Department: Department of Physics (25600) Categories: Senior Research Staff & Post-doctoral Fellow Research Officer in the Department of Physics (Ref.: 534277) We now invite applications for the captioned post available in the newly established State Key Lab for Quantum Optical Materials (https://www.physics.hku.hk/research/SKL/in/). Duties and Responsibilities Oversee and manage research projects within the State Key Laboratory. Administer research accounts and ensure financial compliance. Prepare annual reports and project updates. Liaising with project collaborators and partners Requirements A Ph.D. degree in physics or related subjects, and adequate postdoctoral or Research Assistant Professor working experience; Good interpersonal, communication, organizational and problem-solving skills. What We Offer The appointment will commence as soon as possible on a 2-year fixed-term basis, with the possibility of renewal subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability. A highly competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered. Other benefits include annual leave, medical benefits and free access to on-campus gyms and libraries. How to Apply The University only accepts online application for the above post(s). Applicants should apply online at the University’s Careers site (https://jobs.hku.hk) and upload an up-to-date C.V. They should also arrange 3 referees to send reference letters to Professor S. Zhang by e-mail (shuzhang@hku.hk) directly. Review of applications will start as soon as possible and continue until April 1, 2026, or until the post(s) is/are filled, whichever is earlier. Those who have responded to the previous advertisement (Ref.: 533071) need not re-apply. The University is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to equality, ethics, inclusivity, diversity and transparency

Salary

Competitive salary

Posted

23 Jan 2026

Post-doctoral Fellow / Senior Research Assistant (Holding Functional Title of Psychology Assistant)

THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG

The University of Hong Kong

Hong Kong

institution

The University of Hong Kong

Hong Kong


Ref.: 534215 Work type: Full-time Department: Department of Psychology (30200) Categories: Senior Research Staff & Post-doctoral Fellow, Research Staff Post-doctoral Fellow / Senior Research Assistant (Holding functional title of Psychology Assistant) in Department of Psychology (Ref. 534215) We now invite applications for the captioned post. Duties and Responsibilities The appointment will commence in March 2026 on a two-year fixed-term basis with contract-end gratuity, with the possibility of renewal subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability. The appointee will work in a large-scale, mental health and well-being project for primary schools in Hong Kong, under Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences. He/She will be responsible for the smooth operation of the project with major tasks including: organising training courses and public education events implementing research and programme evaluation collecting and analyzing data writing technical reports on research coordinating a team of research interns performing relevant administrative tasks any other duties as assigned Requirements The appointment (Post-doctoral Fellow / Senior Research Assistant will be offered based on the qualifications and experience of the applicant: For the Post-doctoral Fellow post, applicants should have a Ph.D. degree or an equivalent qualification in Psychology, Social Sciences or a related discipline. For the Senior Research Assistant post, applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree plus 3 years’ research experience since the award of the first degree; or a Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Sciences or a related discipline plus 1 year’s post-qualification research experience; or a Ph.D. degree in Psychology, Social Sciences or a related discipline. The appointee should possess: good command of spoken and written English and Chinese (including Cantonese & Putonghua) good research skills in Psychology or Social Sciences proficient in SPSS, MS Excel and Chinese typing experience in implementation of community/education projects will be an advantage What We Offer A highly competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered. Other benefits include annual leave, medical benefits and free access to campus facilities. How to Apply The University only accepts online application for the above post. Applicants should apply online and upload an up-to-date C.V. Review of applications will start as soon as possible and continue until February 28, 2026, or until the post is filled, whichever is earlier. The University is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to equality, ethics, inclusivity, diversity and transparency.

Salary

Competitive salary

Posted

30 Jan 2026

Post-doctoral Fellow in Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics in the Department of Physics

THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG

The University of Hong Kong

Hong Kong

institution

The University of Hong Kong

Hong Kong


Ref.: 534298 Work type: Full-time Department: Department of Physics (25600) Categories: Senior Research Staff & Post-doctoral Fellow Post-doctoral Fellow in Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics in the Department of Physics (Ref.:534298) We now invite applications for the captioned post in Prof. Wang YAO’s group. Duties and Responsibilities Work on projects on novel quantum matters Requirements A Ph.D. degree in physics The ability to work independently and in a team Self-motivated and responsible What We Offer The appointment will commence as soon as possible on a temporary basis for 2 years, with the possibility of renewal subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability. A highly competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered. Other benefits include annual leave, medical benefits and free access to on-campus gyms and libraries. How to Apply The University only accepts online application for the above posts. Applicants should apply online at the University’s Careers site (https://jobs.hku.hk) and upload an up-to-date C.V. They should also arrange 3 referees to send reference letters to Prof. Wang YAO by email (wangyao@hku.hk) directly. Review of applications will start as soon as possible and continue until 31 July, 2026, or until the posts are filled, whichever is earlier. The University is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to equality, ethics, inclusivity, diversity and transparency

Salary

Competitive salary

Posted

28 Jan 2026

Research Assistant Professor in Biomarker Discovery and Clinical Proteomics

THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG

The University of Hong Kong

Hong Kong

institution

The University of Hong Kong

Hong Kong


Ref.: 534220 Work type: Full-time Department: Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine (20600) Categories: Senior Research Staff & Post-doctoral Fellow Research Assistant Professor in Biomarker Discovery and Clinical Proteomics in the Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine (Ref.: 534220) We now invite applications for the captioned post. Duties and Responsibilities Conduct research on chronic metabolic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, ageing, cardiovascular diseases, Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH), neurodegenerative disorders, and biostatistics Discover and characterize novel humoral factors and biomarkers involved in the regulation of metabolic homeostasis Utilize advanced quantitative proteomics platforms such as Olink and Simoa technology to identify and validate disease-specific biomarkers in clinical samples Lead research projects investigating adipose tissue heterogeneity and the secretory factors involved in the conversion of white adipocytes to brown adipocytes Perform other duties as assigned. A minimum commitment of 5.5 working days per week is required Requirements A Ph.D. degree, preferably in Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Multi-omics, or Bioinformatics A strong track record of high-quality research, demonstrated by publications and successful grant applications At least three years of postdoctoral research experience is preferred Excellent project management and organizational skills Outstanding oral and written communication skills, with the ability to deliver clear, accurate, and well-structured scientific writing Strong presentation skills are highly desirable A high sense of responsibility and research integrity, with the ability to work independently, collaboratively, and under pressure For more information about our research directions, please visit our lab website: https://www.sklpb.hku.hk What We Offer The appointment will commence as soon as possible on a 1-year temporary basis or 2- to 3-year fixed-term basis, with the possibility of renewal subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability. A highly competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered. The appointment on fixed terms will attract a contract-end gratuity and University contribution to a retirement benefits scheme at 15% of basic salary. Other benefits include annual leave, medical benefits and free access to on-campus gyms and libraries. Those who have responded to the previous advertisement (Ref.: 533090) need not re-apply.  How to Apply The University only accepts online application for the above post. Applicants should apply online at the University’s Careers site (https://jobs.hku.hk) and upload an up-to-date C.V. Review of applications will start from February 4, 2026 and continue until April 30, 2026, or until the post is filled, whichever is earlier. The University is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to equality, ethics, inclusivity, diversity and transparency

Salary

Competitive salary

Posted

22 Jan 2026

Subjects Taught at the University of Hong Kong

See below for a range of subjects taught at the University of Hong Kong

Arts and Humanities

  • Architecture
  • Art, Performing Art and Design
  • History, Philosophy and Theology
  • Languages, Literature and Linguistics

Business and Economics

  • Accounting and Finance
  • Business and Management
  • Economics and Econometrics

Computer Science

  • Computer Science

Education Studies

  • Education

Engineering

  • Chemical Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • General Engineering
  • Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Law

  • Law

Life Sciences

  • Agriculture and Forestry
  • Biological Sciences

Medical and Health

  • Medicine and Dentistry
  • Other Health

Physical Sciences

  • Chemistry
  • Geology, Environmental, Earth and Marine Sciences
  • Mathematics and Statistics
  • Physics and Astronomy

Psychology

  • Psychology

Social Sciences

  • Communication and Media Studies
  • Geography
  • Politics and International Studies
  • Sociology

Downloads

Download in-depth information about the University of Hong Kong

pdf

HKU First and Foremost 2025-2026.pdf

pdf

HKU Pamphlet 2026.pdf

pdf

International Admissions 2026.pdf

pdf

JUPAS Admissions 2026.pdf

Contact the University of Hong Kong

Find out more

This field is required
This field is required
Please enter a valid email address