PolyU has reinforced its position as a global leader in academic excellence by securing a record-high result in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2025 and making a strong debut in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2024. These impressive achievements demonstrate PolyU's unwavering commitment to providing high-quality education, conducting impactful research, and making significant contributions to society.

Reaching new heights in QS World University Rankings

PolyU soared to 57th place in the QS World University Rankings 2025, a record-high for the institution. This accomplishment is underscored by the University’s commendable results in several performance indicators, including the “International Research Network” and “Citations per Faculty,” where it rated second and third in Hong Kong respectively.

PolyU has been steadfast in its pursuit of excellence, actively drawing top-tier global talent. Among its efforts, the University has recruited 13 internationally acclaimed scholars through the Hong Kong Government’s Global STEM Professorship Scheme to bolster key disciplines. The QS ranking clearly demonstrates the University’s teaching and research quality along with its global impact.

Dr Lam Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU, expressed his pleasure at the University’s performance in the QS World University Rankings, having risen from 106th in 2019 to 57th this year. “We are getting closer to our goal of becoming one of the world’s top 50 universities. With this truly encouraging result, we will continue making concerted efforts to scale new heights,” he said. 

PolyU also excelled in the recently announced QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024, ranking within the top 20 globally for five subjects: Hospitality and Leisure Management (11th), Civil and Structural Engineering (14th), Architecture and Built Environment (14th), Art and Design (19th) and Marketing (19th). Among them, Hospitality and Leisure Management, Engineering – Civil and Structural, Art and Design, and Marketing are all the top-ranked in Hong Kong.

Looking ahead, PolyU will fully support the HKSAR Government’s vision to develop the city into an international hub for post-secondary education while also seizing the opportunities brought by Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub. Facing significant challenges posed by severe land and space shortages for its future development, the University expects steadfast support from the HKSAR Government in increasing land supply, including the establishment of a satellite campus in the Northern Metropolis, so as to contribute to the advancement of Hong Kong’s I&T industry and the Nation’s technological self-reliance.

An impressive debut in the THE Impact Rankings 2024

PolyU has also made a strong debut in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2024, attaining the 77th spot globally, showcasing the University’s commitment to sustainability. The THE Impact Rankings is the only global ranking that measures a university’s success in delivering on the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). PolyU excelled in the following SDGs:

• “Good Health and Well-being” (SDG 3) ranking 36th globally / 1st in Hong Kong;

• “Quality Education” (SDG 4) ranking 4th globally / 2nd in Hong Kong;

• “Sustainable Cities and Communities” (SDG 11) ranking 83rd globally / 2nd in Hong Kong;

• “Partnership for the Goals” (SDG 17) ranking 101st-200th globally / 2nd in Hong Kong.

As shown above, PolyU performed exceptionally well in “Quality Education” (SDG 4), achieving a remarkable 4th place globally.

In response to the rankings, Professor Jin-Guang Teng, President of PolyU, stated that the University is committed to pursuing impactful research and innovation to address societal needs. He added, “Moving forward, we will continue to strive for excellence in education, scientific research, and innovation, contributing to the goal of sustainable development.”

Indeed, PolyU has a strong track record in supporting sustainable development. Multiple research institutes and centres of the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research leverage their research strengths to drive innovation in fields related to sustainability, such as smart energy, smart cities, and sustainable urban development. Additionally, the University recently established a Research Centre for Electric Vehicles and a Research Centre for Grid Modernisation to further advance sustainable solutions. Lastly, PolyU aims to achieve carbon neutrality on campus by 2045, five years before the Hong Kong Government’s target of 2050.

As PolyU continues to climb the ranks of global universities, it remains committed to its mission of nurturing socially responsible future leaders, advancing knowledge, and creating innovative solutions to tackle the challenges faced by society.