History
- 1960: Founded at the Hong Kong Technical College; Part-time evening General Certificate courses offered
- 1970: Renamed as Department of Design at the Hong Kong Polytechnic’s establishment
- 2005: Multimedia Innovation Center became part of School of Design
- 2017: BA (Hons) in Social Design programme launched
Education
- We nurture nearly 900 students yearly in a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes with some 50 of them being PhD students.
- The School provides a high level, well equipped environment that includes significant research infrastructure with eight laboratories and a variety of first class technical workshops in the Jockey Club Innovation Tower, a landmark building designed by Zaha Hadid. We believe new premises drives new thinking.
Research
- Research in the School of Design generates conceptual and technical resources that shape Hong Kong’s social and material futures. Research is currently organised under three initiatives of interest; Social Design, Design Economy and Design Making .
- Social Design: collaborative design with communities to improve their lives through participatory, theoretical and critical approaches
- Design Economy: collaborative design that enhances the role of design in innovation and value creation in the private sector
- Design Making: user-centred design investigations with communities and practices of making, such as the “maker movement,” with technological, organizational as well as sociological facets.
Career
MDes graduates have been successful in securing ideal positions in their chosen field. Some are hired in-house or in agencies as specialists into a wide range of functions in design. Some have broadened their professional fields and took on positions in project management, research and teaching. Others run their own design firm. Industries that have hired our graduates include fashion, retail, hospitality, financial services, healthcare, toy, consumer electronics, information technologies, advertising, research and development, higher education and also public services.
Non-local graduates can stay in Hong Kong for 12 months under the “Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates” (IANG) scheme.
Top reasons to study here
- Most Competitive Tuition Fees among Top 25 D-Schools
- Professional Network in Asia
- Welcoming Immigration Policy for a post-degree career in Hong Kong
PolyU Design Key Statistics & Highlights
- #54 Ranking
- 2 PhDs
- 25 Scholarships
- 28,410 Students
- 736 Students (int'l)
- Public Institution Type
PolyU Design Overview
PolyU Design Scholarships
PolyU Design Scholarships
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PolyU Design Rankings
Study Portals Meta Ranking
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
QS World University Rankings
By TopUniversities
Climbed 3 places compared to 2025
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend QS World University Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 65 | 57 | 54 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Best Global Universities Rankings
By U.S. News & World Report
Climbed 9 places compared to 2025
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
3 year trend Best Global Universities Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 67 | 58 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Academic Ranking of World Universities
By Shanghai Jiao Tong University
The university hasn’t moved up or down in the rankings over the past year.
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend Academic Ranking of World Universities
| 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| 151 | 151 | 151 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
World University Rankings
By Times Higher Education
The university hasn’t moved up or down in the rankings over the past year.
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend World University Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 87 | - | 83 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Student services
PolyU's Non-local Student Services Team (NLSST) helps non-local students make the best use of the opportunities and facilities available during your stay at PolyU and in Hong Kong.
Housing services
Non-local postgraduate students have to arrange their own accommodation in Hong Kong. Given the central location of our University, students living off campus can still travel to the campus conveniently.
Library services
Our academic library is Pao Yue-kong Library, which is linked with all public and university library services in Hong Kong. The Library provides a wide variety of computing facilities, services and spaces to suit different user needs. The Library Extension and Revitalisation Project (LER) is in progress and will be completed by the end of 2023.
Medical services
PolyU's University Health Service (UHS) provides a comprehensive range of primary health care for all full-time students.
Campus life
Located in Hung Hom, Kowloon, a vibrant and well-connected hub in Hong Kong, PolyU's Main Campus spans approximately 10.23 hectares. While offering convenient access to the city's dynamic culture and cuisine, the campus provides a focused environment for study and innovation. In addition to the Main Campus, PolyU includes the expanding Ho Man Tin Campus, and the Hung Hom Bay and West Kowloon Campuses, dedicated to professional and continuing education. The Main Campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities, such as the University Library with its extensive collection of over 9 million holdings, and the Industrial Centre, a unique innovation hub among Hong Kong's UGC-funded universities. With diverse catering options and amenities like a bank and bookshop, PolyU supports a holistic and enriching student experience.
Sports facilities
PolyU is committed to enhancing student well-being by providing a wide range of sports facilities including the Shaw Sports Complex, Kwong On Jubilee Sports Centre, Block X Sports Centre, Michael Clinton Swimming Pool, Block X Swimming Pool, and the Joint Sports Centre. These venues offer a variety of indoor and outdoor sports options, such as stadiums, swimming pools, basketball and volleyball courts, badminton courts, squash courts, tennis courts, table tennis rooms, fitness rooms, and activity rooms. Facilities are available to eligible users at a nominal fee, providing a fun way to balance work and study.
Student clubs
PolyU offers a vibrant array of student organisations that enrich the university experience through diverse activities. These include academic, cultural, sports, and social groups, promoting personal development and engagement. Students can take on leadership roles, participate in events, and connect with peers who share their passions. The Student Affairs Office supports these organisations by providing resources, training, and funding. Through involvement in student organisations, members can develop skills, build networks, and contribute to the university community, fostering a sense of belonging and enhancing their overall educational journey at PolyU. Currently, under the Student Affairs Office, there are eight associations established by non-local students:
- Chinese Mainland Student Association
- International Student Association
- Indonesian Student Association
- Kazakhstan Student Association
- Korean Student Association
- Malaysian Student Association
- South Asian Society
- Taiwanese Student Association
PolyU Design Campus Locations
PolyU Design Student Reviews & Awards
Based on 3 reviews
- 5 Star 1 Review
- 4 Star 2 Reviews
- 3 Star 0 Reviews
- 2 Star 0 Reviews
- 1 Star 0 Reviews
Vibrant campus life in polyu hk
Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is renowned not only for its academic excellence but also for its vibrant and enriching campus life. Here, students can enjoy a dynamic blend of academic pursuits, cultural diversity, and personal growth opportunities. At PolyU, student societies form the heart of campus life. With over 100 organizations ranging from cultural clubs to sports teams, there�s something for everyone. Signature events like Orientation Camp and the PolyU Carnival foster a strong sense of community, while regular workshops and career fairs prepare students for future challenges. The campus itself is an innovation hub, boasting state-of-the-art facilities like the Jockey Club Innovation Tower and the Aviation Services Research Centre. These spaces encourage creativity and hands-on learning, especially for aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs. Programs like PolyU InnoHub provide platforms for students to bring their ideas to life. For those seeking global exposure, PolyU offers extensive exchange programs and international internships, helping students broaden their horizons. The university also emphasizes work-life balance, with sports facilities, recreational activities, and a variety of dining options ensuring a well-rounded campus experience. With its diverse student body, cutting-edge facilities, and a strong focus on holistic development, PolyU creates an environment where students can thrive both academically and socially. It�s a place where every day offers a new opportunity to learn, connect, and grow.
Work opportunities
PolyU is very open to offering student employment, making life easier financially because Hong Kong is very expensive. For example, working in the global engagement office or becoming a student helper.
My College Experience
Located in a small-sized city it offers a limited number of students. So the teachers can lend an attentive need to the needs of the students. The education standings given are very high but the support given in return is relatable. I'm deeply interested in those classes that opens to the work market.