Hong Kong has always been able to rely upon the talents of its people to overcome its lack of natural resources. The people of Hong Kong are eager to succeed, fiercely competitive, and extremely hard working. Thanks to their determination, this small territory has become one of Asia's most successful economies. Education has always been prized in Hong Kong as one of the most important keys to success, and in today's knowledge-based economy the rewards of a high-quality education are higher than ever before.

The University of Hong Kong, founded in 1911, is Hong Kong's oldest tertiary educational institution. The University enjoys an international reputation, and provides a high standard of education at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. English is used at the University as the medium of instruction. For many years we have upheld a proud record of funding for research, and we have established a solid reputation for research achievements in many different fields and across many different disciplines. This reputation has attracted talented teachers and students to the university, further enhancing the quality of our research.

The University has always placed a high value on its postgraduate studies, and in recent years these have had an increasingly important place in our academic profile. Postgraduate students currently account for 45% of our total head-count student population of some 22,100, and this proportion is rising. Many of our postgraduate students come from outside Hong Kong, and make an important contribution to the intellectual, social and cultural life of the University.

Our students have access to first-class library and computer facilities, and we aim to keep our digital systems up-to-date, in order to provide the most advanced knowledge acquisition system in Hong Kong. Student life is more than just work, and our students can also enjoy the University's fine range of sporting and leisure facilities, and take part in its rich social life. The University also provides residential accommodation and financial assistance in the form of studentships for a proportion of its research postgraduate students.

December 2008