Discover the cost of studying in Hong Kong for international students in 2026/27 and 2027/28, including university tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, scholarships and PhD funding.
Background & Overview
Hong Kong is an attractive destination for international students seeking undergraduate, master’s and doctoral degrees at internationally recognised universities. However, tuition fees, accommodation and everyday expenses can vary considerably depending on the institution, programme and type of housing.
For the 2026/27 and 2027/28 academic years, international undergraduate tuition at publicly funded Hong Kong universities ranges from approximately HK$175,000 to HK$280,000 per year for many bachelor’s programmes, according to the university rates compiled in the supplied StudyU guide. Medicine and dentistry at the University of Hong Kong can cost substantially more.
Students also need to budget for accommodation, meals, transportation, personal expenses, visa charges and initial payments required when accepting an offer.
Research degrees follow a different funding model. Some MPhil and PhD students pay relatively low annual tuition fees, while competitive funding opportunities, including the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme, can provide substantial financial support.
This guide explains the main costs international students should consider before choosing a university in Hong Kong.
Cost of Studying in Hong Kong: Overview
| Expense | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate tuition | HK$175,000–280,000 per year |
| Medicine and dentistry at HKU | HK$590,000 per year |
| University accommodation | HK$17,000–51,000 per year |
| Private shared accommodation | HK$50,000–60,000 or more per year |
| Food and personal expenses | HK$45,000–71,757 per year |
| First-year undergraduate budget | Approximately US$33,000–47,000 for selected examples |
| Taught master’s programmes | HK$222,000–519,000 for selected programmes |
| Research-degree tuition | HK$47,000–99,000 per year in selected examples |
These figures come from the supplied StudyU guide. Fees depend on the institution, programme and intake year. The first-year budgets exclude flights, application and visa charges, insurance and equipment.
University Tuition Fees for International Students
International students who need a Hong Kong student visa generally pay non-local tuition rates. These can be considerably higher than the rates charged to local students.
The following figures distinguish between the academic years reported in the supplied guide.
Undergraduate Tuition Fees
| University | Academic year | Annual non-local tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Hong Kong (HKU) | 2027/28 | HK$250,000 for non-STEM programmes; HK$280,000 for STEM |
| HKU Medicine and Dentistry | 2027/28 | HK$590,000 |
| Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) | 2027/28 | HK$260,000 |
| Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) | 2027/28 | HK$240,000 |
| Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) | 2026/27 | HK$214,000 |
| City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) | 2026/27 | HK$190,000; HK$392,000 for veterinary medicine |
| Lingnan University | 2026/27 | HK$175,000 for UGC-funded programmes |
The supplied guide notes that the 2027/28 rate for CityUHK had not yet been announced at the time of its update. It also states that some universities apply different fee-setting arrangements for individual student cohorts.
Students should therefore confirm the tuition amount for their intended intake before accepting an offer.
Why Tuition Fees Differ
The difference between undergraduate tuition rates can be significant. The supplied guide estimates that the gap between the least expensive and most expensive non-medical rates is about US$13,380 a year, or approximately US$53,540 over four years.
These differences can affect the overall cost of a degree considerably. However, tuition should not be considered in isolation. A university with lower fees may still be expensive if students must rent privately throughout their studies.
Accommodation Costs in Hong Kong
Accommodation is one of the biggest factors affecting the total cost of studying in Hong Kong.
University halls can be much cheaper than private housing, but availability and eligibility vary by institution. Some universities provide first-year accommodation without guaranteeing places for subsequent years.
University Accommodation
| University | Accommodation information | Approximate annual cost |
|---|---|---|
| PolyU | Hall place for the first year | HK$18,515 for 2026/27 |
| HKUST | Hall place during the first year | HK$21,000–51,000 at 2026 intake rates |
| HKU | Residential halls | HK$17,290–37,940 for 285 days |
| CityUHK | Double room over two semesters; places not guaranteed | HK$20,800 |
| CUHK | More than 9,000 hostel places | About HK$17,000 |
Students should check whether accommodation is guaranteed, whether summer stays are included and what they must pay when accepting a hall offer.
Private Accommodation
Students who cannot secure university housing may need to rent a room, share an apartment or arrange another private living option.
The supplied guide estimates that a room or shared flat at PolyU or CityUHK may cost around HK$50,000–60,000 per academic year.
The Hong Kong government’s Study in Hong Kong portal gives a higher estimate of HK$8,000–15,000 per month for a flat of one’s own.
Taught postgraduate students should pay particular attention to university housing policies. The guide states that PolyU taught postgraduate students are not eligible for its halls and must arrange their own accommodation.
Food, Transport and Other Living Expenses
Tuition and accommodation are only part of the total budget. Students also need money for food, transportation, personal expenses, medical insurance and study-related costs.
The supplied guide lists the following estimates from university sources:
| University | Annual living-cost estimate |
|---|---|
| PolyU | HK$71,757 for meals and personal expenses |
| CUHK | Approximately HK$45,000, excluding housing |
| CityUHK | HK$50,000–60,000 |
| HKU | Up to HK$50,000 |
| HKUST | Approximately HK$60,000 |
Students who frequently eat off campus, travel regularly or maintain a more expensive lifestyle may need a larger budget.
Medical insurance should be budgeted for separately where it is not included in the university’s published living-cost estimate.
Initial Expenses to Prepare For
Students should also set aside money for initial payments and setup costs, including:
- Application fees.
- University acceptance or initial tuition deposits.
- Student visa and visa administration fees.
- Flights to Hong Kong.
- Insurance.
- A computer and other study equipment.
- Initial accommodation and living expenses.
The supplied guide suggests setting aside another US$1,500–2,500 for first-month setup costs, in addition to the estimated first-year university, housing and living expenses.
First-Year Budgets at Hong Kong Universities
A realistic budget should combine tuition, accommodation and living expenses. The following estimates from the supplied guide illustrate the likely cost of selected undergraduate options.
| University and intake | Tuition | Accommodation | Living expenses | Estimated first-year total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PolyU, 2027/28 | HK$240,000 | HK$18,515 | HK$71,757 | HK$330,272 |
| HKUST, 2027/28 | HK$260,000 | HK$21,000–51,000 | About HK$60,000 | HK$341,000–371,000 |
| HKU, 2027/28, non-STEM | HK$250,000 | HK$17,290–37,940 | Up to HK$50,000 | HK$317,290–337,940 |
| CityUHK, 2026/27 rates | HK$190,000 | HK$20,800 | HK$50,000–60,000 | HK$260,800–270,800 |
The approximate US-dollar equivalents in the source range from about US$33,000 to US$47,000 for these examples.
These figures exclude flights, application and visa charges, insurance and equipment. They should be treated as planning estimates rather than guaranteed totals.
What Does a Four-Year Degree Cost?
The supplied guide provides a four-year example for a non-local undergraduate studying at PolyU, assuming 2027/28 fee and cost estimates remain unchanged.
| Expense | Four-year estimate |
|---|---|
| Tuition | HK$960,000 |
| Accommodation | HK$168,515 |
| Food and personal expenses | HK$287,028 |
| Estimated total | HK$1,415,543 |
This is approximately US$180,440 using the exchange-rate assumption in the source guide.
The total is an illustration based on published rates, not a forecast of future costs. Tuition fees, accommodation charges and living expenses may increase during a four-year degree.
Cost of Taught Master’s Degrees in Hong Kong
Taught postgraduate programmes are usually self-financed, with fees often calculated for the entire programme or by credit rather than as a standard annual tuition amount.
The supplied guide provides the following examples.
| Programme | University and intake | Programme fee |
|---|---|---|
| MSc in Computer Science | HKU, 2026/27 | HK$334,800 |
| MSc in Hospitality and Tourism Management | PolyU, September 2027 | HK$341,000 |
| MSc in Mechanical Engineering | PolyU, September 2027 | HK$9,000 per credit; 31-credit programme |
| MSc in Business Analytics | PolyU, September 2027 | HK$399,000 |
| MSc in Asset and Wealth Management | PolyU, September 2027 | HK$519,000 |
| MA in Mental Health | PolyU, September 2027 | HK$222,000 |
These examples show that programme fees can differ substantially even within the same university.
Applicants should also budget for accommodation and living expenses. The supplied guide notes that taught postgraduate students at PolyU must arrange their own housing because they are not eligible for its university halls.
MPhil and PhD Tuition Fees in Hong Kong
Research degrees generally have a different cost structure from taught master’s programmes.
The supplied guide lists the following annual tuition figures:
| University | Academic year | Annual research-degree tuition |
|---|---|---|
| HKU | 2026/27 | HK$47,000 |
| HKU | 2027/28 | HK$49,500 |
| PolyU | 2026/27–2027/28 examples | HK$94,000–99,000 for full-time students without a stipend |
These amounts apply to the examples described in the supplied guide. Applicants should confirm the current fees for their intended programme.
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) is an important funding option for international doctoral applicants.
According to the supplied guide, the scheme pays HK$344,400 per year for the 2026/27 academic year, plus HK$14,400 annually for conference and research travel, for up to three years.
The guide states that 400 fellowships are planned for 2027/28, with applications running from 1 September to 1 December 2026.
Candidates who are not selected for the HKPFS may still be admitted with a university postgraduate studentship.
Applicants should check the official University Grants Committee and relevant university websites for current eligibility, stipend amounts and application requirements.
Scholarships for International Undergraduate Students
Scholarships can reduce tuition fees and, in some cases, help pay for living expenses. However, students should not assume that a scholarship will be awarded until they receive confirmation.
The supplied guide highlights the following options.
| Scholarship | Potential benefit | How it works, according to the guide |
|---|---|---|
| PolyU entrance scholarships | Half or full tuition, or full tuition plus an allowance; up to HK$310,000 annually, with an additional HK$30,000 for exchange | Automatic consideration |
| PolyU Cultural Ambassador Scholarship | Up to HK$60,000 annually | Automatic consideration for selected non-local students |
| CityUHK Top Scholarship | Full tuition plus up to HK$60,000 annually for housing and living | Automatic consideration; renewal subject to CGPA |
| CityUHK Full/Half Tuition Scholarship | 100% or 50% of tuition | Automatic consideration |
| CityUHK Diversity Grant | HK$30,000 annually, up to HK$120,000 over four years | For students from under-represented nationalities |
| Government Scholarship for Outstanding Performance | HK$80,000 annually | University nomination |
| Belt and Road Scholarship | Full bachelor’s tuition | For selected countries |
The exact value, eligibility rules and availability of these awards may change by intake and university.
The supplied guide also cautions that non-local students should not rely on need-based financial assistance from the government or university where such assistance is unavailable to them.
Can International Students Work Part-Time?
The supplied StudyU guide states that, since 1 November 2024, full-time non-local undergraduates and postgraduates have been temporarily exempted from restrictions on working hours and work location.
However, students should check the current immigration rules before relying on employment income.
The guide also notes that student visa applicants must demonstrate that they can cover tuition and living expenses without depending on part-time work. The relaxation of work restrictions is described as temporary and subject to review.
Part-time work may provide additional income, but students should develop a financial plan that remains viable without it.
Additional Payments and Budgeting Mistakes
Application and Visa Charges
The supplied guide identifies several initial charges that students should include in their calculations:
| Payment | Amount in Hong Kong dollars |
|---|---|
| PolyU application fee | HK$600 |
| CityUHK application fee for 2027 entry | HK$600 |
| PolyU initial fee, credited towards tuition | HK$20,000 |
| CityUHK acceptance fee for 2026/27 | HK$15,000 |
| CUHK caution fee | HK$450 |
| CityUHK visa sponsorship administration fee | HK$600 |
| Government student visa fee | HK$330 |
| Extension of stay, if required | HK$330 |
| Hong Kong Identity Card | Free |
Some initial payments are non-refundable. The source also notes that CityUHK’s acceptance fee for 2027/28 had not yet been announced at the time of its update.
Common Budgeting Mistakes
1. Considering tuition alone. Housing, food and personal expenses can add thousands of dollars to the annual cost.
2. Assuming university housing is guaranteed. Some institutions do not guarantee hall places, and others provide accommodation primarily for the first year.
3. Comparing fees from different academic years. Use the correct intake year when estimating tuition and other charges.
4. Forgetting non-refundable deposits. Acceptance or initial tuition fees may be lost if a student changes their mind after confirming an offer.
5. Depending on an unconfirmed scholarship. Build a realistic budget around confirmed funding rather than assuming an award will be granted.
6. Ignoring setup costs. Flights, insurance, equipment, visa-related expenses and initial accommodation payments can increase the amount needed before the first semester begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does it cost to study in Hong Kong as an international student?
For the selected undergraduate examples in the supplied guide, first-year tuition, accommodation and living costs total approximately US$33,000–47,000. The final amount depends on the university, programme, housing arrangements and personal spending.
2. Which Hong Kong university has the lowest published undergraduate tuition in the guide?
Lingnan University’s UGC-funded bachelor’s programmes have the lowest listed rate, at HK$175,000 per year for 2026/27. CityUHK follows at HK$190,000 for the same academic year.
3. How much does accommodation cost in Hong Kong?
University halls in the supplied examples cost approximately HK$17,000–51,000 per year. Private shared accommodation may cost HK$50,000–60,000 or more per academic year.
4. How much should I budget for food and personal expenses?
The supplied guide lists university estimates of approximately HK$45,000–71,757 annually, generally excluding accommodation where specified.
5. How much does a master’s degree cost in Hong Kong?
Selected taught master’s programmes in the guide cost HK$222,000–519,000 for the full programme. Fees vary according to subject, university, credits and intake.
6. Is a PhD cheaper than a taught master’s in Hong Kong?
Research-degree tuition can be substantially lower in the listed examples. HKU’s annual research-degree tuition is HK$47,000 for 2026/27, rising to HK$49,500 in 2027/28, while PolyU lists HK$94,000–99,000 annually for full-time research students without a stipend. Available scholarships or studentships can further affect the overall cost.
7. Can international students receive scholarships?
Yes. The supplied guide lists university entrance scholarships, tuition awards and other opportunities for eligible non-local students. Research candidates can also explore the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme.
8. How much does the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme pay?
The supplied guide lists an annual stipend of HK$344,400 for 2026/27, plus HK$14,400 for conference and research travel, for up to three years. Applicants should verify current terms through official sources.
9. Can part-time work pay for tuition and living costs?
Part-time work may supplement a student’s budget, but it should not be the main funding plan. Applicants must consider student visa financial requirements and verify the current rules governing work during study.
10. What other costs should international students prepare for?
Students should budget for application fees, acceptance deposits, visa-related charges, flights, insurance, equipment and initial living expenses. Some payments are non-refundable.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
Hong Kong offers a wide range of study options for international students, from undergraduate degrees and taught master’s programmes to research-based MPhil and PhD opportunities. However, the overall cost varies significantly by university, degree subject, accommodation and available funding.
Students planning to study in Hong Kong should compare the full cost of attendance, not tuition alone. They should verify the fee schedule for their intended intake, understand housing arrangements beyond the first year, and investigate scholarships before making financial commitments.
For doctoral applicants, the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme and university studentships may provide important funding routes. Undergraduate and taught postgraduate applicants should also explore institution-specific scholarships and confirm whether they qualify.
Disclaimer: This guide is based on the supplied StudyU article, updated October 2026. Tuition fees, living costs, scholarship availability and immigration rules can change. Applicants should confirm all figures and conditions directly with the relevant university and official Hong Kong authorities before making financial decisions.
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