QS Asia University Rankings - Peking University ranked No. 1

Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) has released its 2025 QS Asia University Rankings, with 11 universities from Hong Kong successfully making the list. Among them, five universities have secured spots in the top 50 of Asia, and the University of Hong Kong (HKU) continues to hold onto the second position in Asia.

In this latest ranking, Peking University has maintained its dominance for the third consecutive year, remaining the number one university in Asia. The University of Hong Kong (HKU) stays at second place, matching last year’s performance. The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) ranks sixth, while City University of Hong Kong (CityU) comes in at tenth.

Other Hong Kong universities also performed well in the rankings. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) improved its position, rising four spots to reach 11th place. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) climbed six places to 17th. On the other hand, Baptist University (HKBU) saw a decline, falling seven spots to 71st, while Lingnan University dropped significantly, falling 22 positions to 188th.

Hong Kong’s Strong Representation in Asia

The 2025 QS Asia University Rankings highlight Hong Kong’s continued strength in higher education. With 11 universities in total featured in the ranking, the city maintains its reputation as an educational powerhouse in Asia. Hong Kong is known for its high-quality education system, strong academic research output, and a robust international outlook, all of which contribute to its universities’ impressive performances.

One of the key takeaways from this ranking is Hong Kong University’s (HKU) sustained success. HKU, which has been ranked second in Asia for several years, continues to perform excellently in areas such as research quality, academic reputation, and faculty/student ratio. Its consistent top-tier rankings reflect the university’s commitment to excellence in both teaching and research, as well as its strategic focus on international collaborations.

Peking University: A Continuing Leader in Asia

As in previous years, Peking University holds onto the top position in Asia. For the third consecutive year, Peking University remains the region’s leading institution, demonstrating the strength of its comprehensive academic programs and high-impact research. Its consistent dominance in the QS Asia rankings reflects its robust global academic network and its contributions to fields ranging from science and engineering to social sciences and humanities. The university's reputation for cutting-edge research and innovation has helped solidify its top spot.

The university’s rise to the top in Asia is attributed to its excellence in several key performance areas. These include research output, academic reputation, and employer reputation. Peking University’s continual rise on the global stage also underscores the increasing global importance of Chinese higher education, and its ability to attract international students and researchers.

The University of Hong Kong (HKU): Maintaining a Strong Position

While Peking University is still ranked first in Asia, the University of Hong Kong has maintained its strong position as Asia’s second-best university. HKU’s performance this year mirrors last year’s, underscoring its continued status as a leading academic institution in the region. HKU is particularly well-regarded for its high standards in teaching quality, research output, and global academic reputation.

HKU’s sustained success reflects Hong Kong’s advantages as a major academic and economic hub in Asia. The university's emphasis on research excellence, international collaborations, and diverse academic programs has made it an attractive choice for both local and international students. The consistent ranking of HKU in the top tier of Asian universities reinforces its position as a top choice for students seeking high-quality higher education in Asia.

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and City University of Hong Kong (CityU)

In addition to HKU, two other Hong Kong institutions have maintained strong rankings: The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and City University of Hong Kong (CityU). CUHK, ranked 6th in Asia, remains a key player in Hong Kong’s higher education sector. Known for its comprehensive approach to education and its focus on research and innovation, CUHK has earned high marks for its academic reputation, faculty qualifications, and the quality of its research output.

Meanwhile, City University of Hong Kong (CityU) holds its place in the top ten, ranking 10th in Asia. CityU’s rise in recent years is attributed to its increasing strength in research activities, employer reputation, and international collaborations. CityU has increasingly focused on developing its global network and enhancing its educational offerings, making it a top choice for students in Asia and beyond.

Rising Institutions: HKUST and PolyU

Hong Kong’s University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and Polytechnic University (PolyU) have also made significant strides in the 2025 rankings. HKUST has risen four spots to reach 11th place in Asia, showcasing the university’s growing strength in research and industry partnerships. HKUST is particularly strong in fields like engineering, technology, and business, which continue to attract international students and academic partnerships.

Meanwhile, PolyU has moved up six positions, reaching 17th in Asia. This progress reflects the university’s increasing focus on research excellence, innovation, and its strong links with industries. PolyU is also renowned for its applied research and its strong ties with businesses, which are essential in providing practical skills to students.