Hong Kong Stays Ranked 17th for Students, but Costs Remain a Barrier

Hong Kong has kept its 17th place in a global ranking of the best cities for students, according to a new report from British education firm QS. However, the city continues to struggle with high living expenses and the steepest tuition fees in East Asia, which discourage international applicants. The QS Best Student Cities list for 2027 evaluates cities based on factors like university quality, student diversity, and affordability. Hong Kong scored well in some areas but faced criticism for limited international diversity and a persistent shortage of student housing. These issues have made the city less attractive compared to other top destinations. Despite these challenges, Hong Kong remains a popular choice for students from mainland China and other parts of Asia. The city is home to several world-class universities, including the University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. However, experts say that without addressing the high cost of living and accommodation shortages, Hong Kong may struggle to improve its ranking. This year, the top spot in the ranking went to London, followed by Tokyo and Seoul. For Hong Kong to climb higher, officials may need to focus on making the city more affordable and welcoming to international students.