From the 2nd to 6th of March 2025, I participated in a 4-day Counsellor Fly-in Programme, hosted by the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) with a luck of having a chance of visiting The University of Hong Kong(HKU) with other university guidance counsellors at a bilingual school and a gifted school in Viernam. This programme, gathering over 50 university guidance counsellors from 14 countries, provided an invaluable platform for exchanging insights and best practices in educational guidance counselling. This experience has fundamentally shifted my perception of Hong Kong. Beyond its tourist allure, it emerged as a dynamic centre of academic innovation and global connection. I wish to share the key observations from this programme, offering prospective students a compelling glimpse into the exceptional opportunities for higher education within this vibrant city.
Before I share my experiences visiting universities, let me provide a brief overview of Hong Kong's higher education landscape. Though geographically slightly smaller than Seoul, Hong Kong is a dynamic and bustling international hub. Higher education here is primarily overseen by the Education Bureau, with the University Grants Committee playing a key role in funding. Hong Kong boasts a strong network of publicly funded eight universities.
Interestingly, while five to six out of ten local high school graduates pursue higher education, Hong Kong universities actively seek to create a diverse student body by welcoming international students. While the exact percentage varies by institution and programme, you'll often find a substantial international presence on campus.
Hong Kong has recently implemented policy changes to ease restrictions on part-time employment for international university students. These adjustments apply to both undergraduate and postgraduate students, permitting them to engage in part-time work without limitations on working hours or location. This is contingent upon securing a 'No Objection Letter (NOL)' from the Immigration Department (ImmD). The primary objective of these revisions is to enhance Hong Kong's appeal as a destination for international students and to encourage their post-graduation retention within the region. It is important to note that these policies are subject to future review by the Hong Kong government.
One of Hong Kong's appealing aspects is its strategic location within the Greater Bay Area. Its close proximity and excellent transportation links make weekend excursions to neighboring Shenzhen very convenient – some students even pop over for grocery shopping. The broader region offers exciting opportunities for exploration. While a degree from a Hong Kong university is highly respected and can certainly open doors within the Greater Bay Area (including Shenzhen and other major cities in the region), career prospects in places like Singapore, Johor Bahru (Malaysia), and Taiwan would depend on a wider range of factors beyond just the degree itself. Nevertheless, graduating from a Hong Kong institution provides a strong foundation for a global career.
I'm a big fan of liberal arts colleges, and Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) is one of the best ones in Hong Kong. It has modern buildings and is really close to the city centre, which is super convenient.
What truly stood out to me was the incredible support system they have for international students. We were warmly welcomed by students from over 20 different nationalities, and it was clear they are well-supported throughout their programmes. They even have a dedicated student social-emotional counselling center, and what's really impressive is that students can receive training to become mental health coaches. This peer-to-peer support network helps everyone navigate academic, cultural, and personal hurdles together. I actually had the pleasure of meeting five international students at HKBU, and they all emphasised how much easier it was to adjust because the university genuinely prioritises student well-being. I even have their contact information if you'd be interested in speaking with them directly! And get this – one student told me that a professor replied to his email during the exam period at 3 AM in just two minutes! He said that's just one example of how supportive the professors are.
During the campus tour, we had the opportunity to experience the impressive facilities of the Media and Journalism department. HKBU boasts a professional news casting studio and a chroma key studio, allowing students to immerse themselves in the practical aspects of becoming correspondents or broadcasting engineers. What's exciting is that students are encouraged to pursue opportunities with major news outlets like the BBC, ABC, CNN, and the South China Morning Post even before graduation. Having worked as a local news reporter and an international conference host and translator for a while, I couldn't resist showcasing my news casting skills for the other counsellors – they even jokingly suggested a career change for me before it's too late!
Thinking about a university that offers more than just a degree? Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) is an excellent choice for ambitious students looking for a truly global education. With about 11,500 students, including over 1,500 international students from 40+ countries, HKBU has a diverse and supportive environment. The admission rate is around 30%, so it's a rigorous place to study.
Worried about finances? HKBU has lots of scholarships, and around 40% of international students get some kind of aid. Scholarships can cover up to 50% of tuition, which makes a world-class education much more affordable.
Let's move onto Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). It's a top-tier university that blends tradition with new ideas. CUHK has around 20,000 students, including over 3,000 international students from over 100 countries. It's a pretty competitive place to get into, with an admission rate of about 25%. CUHK is ranked 36th globally (QS World University Rankings 2025).
CUHK is serious about supporting its students, especially international ones. About 45% of international students receive financial aid, which can range from covering full tuition to significant partial scholarships. They also have great support services like international student offices, mental health resources, and career counselling.
During the counsellors' visit, we had the chance to explore different departments, and our group was fortunate enough to tour the labs at the School of Medicine. We got a fascinating glimpse into various research areas, from neuroscience and astrophysics (alongside biochemistry!) to actually see the ongoing experiments in each lab. It was really interesting to see what the graduate students and professors were currently working on. It's also worth noting that CUHK has a Nobel Prize winner associated with the university. The groundbreaking work of Stefan W. Hell, who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2014 for the development of super-resolved fluorescence microscopy. His work truly embodies the idea that 'seeing is believing' in scientific discovery, as he shattered previous limitations in light microscopy, allowing scientists to visualise cellular structures with unprecedented clarity.
Meet Kanta Fujimoto, 2024 BISH Graduate at CUHK
Speaking of the CUHK experience, I had the pleasure of catching up with Kanta Fujimoto, a 2024 BISH graduate who's truly making the most of his time there. Our accommodation in Hong Kong was conveniently located right next to CUHK, giving us a literal bird's-eye view of their new medical school. Kanta, now a fresher in Computer Science, is on a fantastic scholarship where CUHK covers everything – full tuition, accommodation, meals, books, and even provides a generous allowance that he's actually been able to save!
I remember Kanta from his time at BIS Hanoi as a quiet but really enthusiastic and hardworking student. Having also spent 4 years in Hong Kong during primary school before returning to Hanoi for his IGCSE and IB, he had some prior familiarity with the city. He shared that initially, he felt a bit lonely at CUHK, but the university's international student support is incredible. He quickly found his footing through various clubs and activities. In fact, when we met, he was in the midst of applying for the vice president position at AIESEC – a real testament to his leadership potential!
When I asked Kanta if university-level math was harder than Maths AA HL at BIS Hanoi, he said the first semester was manageable as it covered familiar material. However, he noted that now, delving into calculus and more advanced topics, it's definitely more challenging.
Kanta believes Hong Kong is a great place for students from BIS Hanoi. He pointed out that the similar appearance of East Asians helps him feel less like he's in a completely foreign country. Additionally, the public transport is excellent, and with a student card, you can easily travel to nearby places like Shenzhen (China), Macau, Taiwan, Johor Bahru (Malaysia), and Singapore.
Kanta also offered to help any future BIS Hanoi students in Hong Kong and is even willing to start a BIS Hanoi alumni group there! With HKU and HKUST having released their 2025 offers, many including scholarships, remember Kanta if you're considering studying in Hong Kong. He’s the guy to ask for the inside scoop!
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is ranked 18th in the QS World University Rankings 2025, which is super impressive. It's known for its academic rigor, and many of our students dream of going there. The campus is beautiful and feels like a community. It's located on a hill in central Hong Kong, and the buildings have this amazing British Colonial architecture. Some of them are over a century old, but they still look elegant and timeless.
Our session with HKU Business School highlighted their commitment to preparing students for the international stage. Their rigorous curriculum provides a strong academic foundation, but the real strength lies in the emphasis on practical experience. Mandatory international exchange programmes with over 100 partners and integrated internship and work placement opportunities with top global firms like Goldman Sachs and McKinsey are cornerstones of their approach. This focus is evident in their impressive 92% graduate employment rate and the competitive starting salaries their alumni command, demonstrating a direct link between their education and career success.
For more information about studying in Hong Kong and the admission webpages of the 8 government-funded universities, please see the links below:
One of the best things about applying to universities in Hong Kong is how straightforward and simple the process is. Even better, both Mr. McKinney and I have direct WhatsApp contact with Admissions Officers at these universities. This means we can get your questions answered quickly and provide you with the best possible support.
Let’s wrap this up. Got questions about universities? The University Guidance Team at BIS Hanoi is here to help! We're dedicated to finding the right fit for you, now and for your future learning. We're always excited to support your journey, celebrate your wins, offer a listening ear when you're down, and provide broader, wiser alternatives.
Rachel Hahn
ahreum.hahn@bishanoi.com
S120 Sixth Form Office
University Guidance Team & University Administration Manager
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