The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) recorded the highest ever applications for undergraduate admissions from non-local applicants, with 8,986 applications. The current number is 54% higher than that in 2011. Applications from both Mainland China and overseas students are also at record high.
Substantial increase in applications from mainland students
This year, 6,940 applications were received from mainland students. The number is 53% more than the 4,530 applications received for 2011 admission. An increase in applications from all 31 regions is recorded with applications from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong and Liaoning contributing to the largest share of approximately 50% of the pool. Applications from the other 27 provinces or municipals recorded a 75% increase from 2011, with the most applications received from Sichuan, Zhejiang, Shandong, Heilongjiang, Shaanxi, Hubei, Hebei and Jilin. The applications from the northwestern region (Gansu, Xinjiang, Qinghai, Ningxia, Xizang, Neimenggu) are even 1.3 times more. The University is pleased to see the increased interest from students of these regions.
Wider applications from around the world
HKUST received 2,046 applications from overseas applicants. The number is 55% more than the 1,317 applications received for 2011 admission. HKUST continues to be an attractive university choice for high achieving students across Asia. Applications from the South Korea, Indonesia and Malaysia continue to be our largest pool of applications. This year, there is a significant increase in interest in HKUST from other parts of the world, with double the number of applications from Europe (especially UK, France, Germany and Russia), and South Asia (especially India and Pakistan). The overseas applicants are of a diverse background, representing 79 different citizenships.
The University is delighted not only with the increase in numbers, but also its appeal to the world top achieving students as their choice of university. Prof Tony F Chan, HKUST President says, “We firmly believe that a good mixture of non-local students provides a better education for our local students who desire more international outlook and for non-local students who are keenly interested in Hong Kong and Mainland China. The true beneficiaries of an international university are all its students.”
“The growth of Asia has attracted students from around the world to view studying in Hong Kong as a good option. HKUST has long been recognized worldwide for its excellence in research and teaching, as well as its high-caliber students with remarkable achievements. With the goal of adding diversity to the university campus, HKUST’s non-local student intake in 2011 was approximately evenly split between mainland students and overseas students. This is also the goal for the 2012 admission exercise,” Prof Kar-Yan Tam, Associate Provost and Dean of Students added.
Building worldwide ties
HKUST has been seeking to build its international presence through extending outreach to the wider international community. Senior members including President, Vice-Presidents and Deans of the University engaged in relationship-building through visits to Europe, the US, Canada, South Korea as well as Mainland China over the year. HKUST has also been stepping up its worldwide recruitment campaign. This year, HKUST participated in nine overseas education fairs and held university information sessions at 102 high schools across 40 cities in 11 countries.
The University is dedicated to forging strategic partnerships with overseas universities to secure more international exchange opportunities. It currently has close to 200 overseas and mainland exchange partners.
For media enquiries, please feel free to contact :
Mavis Wong
Tel: 2358 6306
Email: maviswong@ust.hk
