Summary
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is a public research university located in Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Established in 1937 as the Government Trade School, it gradually evolved from a technical college to a polytechnic, and achieved university status in 1994. PolyU offers programmes across eight faculties and schools, serving over 25,000 students annually. Recognised for its emphasis on applied learning, research excellence, and industry partnerships, PolyU is committed to contributing to the development of Hong Kong and its community.
History
PolyU’s origins trace back to 1937 when the Government Trade School was founded in Wood Road, Wan Chai. As Hong Kong’s first publicly funded post-secondary technical institution, it offered courses in marine wireless operating, mechanical engineering, and building construction. In 1947, the institution was renamed the Hong Kong Technical College, expanding its offerings to both full-time and part-time courses. The new campus in Hung Hom was inaugurated in 1957 by Sir Alexander Grantham, then Governor of Hong Kong.
The institution became the Hong Kong Polytechnic in 1972, following the enactment of the Hong Kong Polytechnic Ordinance. Its mandate was to provide application-oriented education to meet the community’s need for professional manpower resources. The first five degree programmes were launched in 1983, and postgraduate research programmes were introduced in the late 1980s. In 1994, PolyU was granted full university status by the Hong Kong government, becoming The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. This transition marked a significant milestone in its development, enabling the institution to offer a broader range of academic programmes and engage in more extensive research activities.
Today the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) strives to be an innovative world-class university that pursues excellence in education, research, and knowledge transfer for the benefit of Hong Kong, the Nation, and the world. The University nurtures socially responsible professionals and leaders with a strong sense of national pride and a global perspective, and pursues world-leading research and innovation for societal benefits. A robust culture of knowledge transfer and entrepreneurship is a cornerstone of the University, ensuring PolyU’s technologies are transformed into practical real-world applications.
Based on this solid foundation, the University will continue to make positive contributions to society to foster a brighter future, living up to its motto, “To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind”
Vision
The founder’s vision for PolyU was to establish an institution that would provide technical education to meet the growing needs of Hong Kong’s industrial development. This laid the foundation for the institution’s evolution into a university that emphasizes applied learning, aiming to equip students with practical skills and knowledge that are directly applicable to their professional careers. This approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared to contribute effectively to the workforce.
Top Courses
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University offers diverse undergraduate programs across disciplines, consistently achieving high rankings in global university assessments. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, PolyU secured top positions in several fields: Hospitality and Leisure Management, Nursing, Architecture and Built Environment, Civil and Structural Engineering, Art and Design, Marketing, and Environmental Sciences (27th).
PolyU’s undergraduate programs are designed to provide students with a comprehensive education that combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience. The university’s faculties and schools offer a wide range of programs, including those in Business, Design, Computer and Mathematical Sciences, Construction and Environment, Engineering, Health and Social Sciences, Humanities, Science, Fashion and Textiles, Hotel and Tourism Management. The School of Design is recognized as one of the top design schools, ranking 2nd in Asia and 15th in the world.
PolyU places a strong emphasis on research and innovation. The university has established research centers in collaboration with industry leaders such as Microsoft, Boeing, Huawei, and Alibaba, focusing on areas like artificial intelligence, space instrumentation, and sustainable development. This integration of research with education ensures that students have access to cutting-edge knowledge and technologies, preparing them to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Job Integration Rate
PolyU has a strong track record in graduate employment. According to the Graduate Employment Survey 2022, 79.4% of graduates were employed or self-employed full-time within six months of graduation. The university’s emphasis on applied learning and industry partnerships plays a crucial role in enhancing employability. By aligning academic programmes with industry needs, PolyU ensures that students acquire relevant skills and experience. Moreover, the university’s extensive network of alumni and industry connections provides valuable opportunities for students to secure employment and internships, further boosting their career prospects.
References
- “校訓、願景及使命 (Chinese)”. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
- “Motto, Vision and Mission (Chinese)”. www.polyu.edu.hk.
- “Four stages of development”. www.polyu.edu.hk.
- “Leadership”. www.polyu.edu.hk.
- “About the Campus – The Hong Kong Polytechnc University”.
- “The Hong Kong Polytechnic University – Identity Guidelines”. www2.polyu.edu.hk.
- “Cap. 1075 The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Ordinance”. Hong Kong e-Legislation.
- “Facts and figures PolyU”. www.polyu.edu.hk.
- A brief history of technical education in Hong Kong. Hong Kong.
- “Four stages of development”. www.polyu.edu.hk.
- “An Exploration of the History of Vocational Education in Hong Kong”. US-China Education Review
- “A brief history of technical education in Hong Kong – with special reference to the Polytechnic University”.
- “Cap. 320 Post Secondary Colleges Ordinance”. Hong Kong e-Legislation.
- “Yau Tsim Mong District” (PDF).
- “Hong Kong’s Modern Heritage 9: PolyU – James Kinoshita & Zaha Hadid”. Zolima City Magazine.
- “Where does PolyU’s signature red brick architecture come from?”. www.polyu.edu.hk.
- “Hong Kong Polytechnic University – P&T Group”. web.p-t-group.com.
- “Hong Kong Polytechnic University footbridge planned”. www.info.gov.hk.
- “About Jockey Club Auditorium”. www.polyu.edu.hk.
- “History”. Lib.polyu.edu.hk
- “QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021: Art & Design”. www.topuniversities.com.
- “PolyU Campus”. www.polyu.edu.hk.
- “The Best Fashion Schools in the World”. Business of Fashion.
- “Faculties, Schools & Departments – PolyU”. www.polyu.edu.hk.
- “Vision and Mission”. PolyU Graduate School.
- “Student Enrolment Numbers – Key Figures – About CPCE – College of Professional and Continuing Education”. College of Professional and Continuing Education.
- “Research Labs, Institutes and Centres | Research | PolyU”. www.polyu.edu.hk.
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