Welcome message
Welcome Message from
The President
I am delighted to welcome new and returning students to our Clear Water Bay campus as we embark on another exciting academic year at HKUST. I hope you are all looking forward to a year filled with discovery and growth. At HKUST, we take great pride in providing world-class academic programs to challenge and inspire you. Our dedicated faculty stand ready to nurture your intellectual curiosity and critical thinking, preparing you to make a meaningful impact in your chosen field.
To our returning students, you are already familiar with the vibrant environment, outstanding facilities, and diverse extracurricular opportunities that define campus life at HKUST. To our new students, I warmly encourage you to explore these resources fully and make the most of the enriching experiences that await you here.
HKUST (Guangzhou), our sister campus in Mainland China, also offers exciting avenues for learning. Our recently launched “Redbird Cross Campus Study Program” promotes collaboration, resource sharing, and student exchanges between our two campuses, and promises to further elevate your academic journey.
Beyond striving for academic excellence, I encourage you to nurture your personal interests and explore new horizons through social clubs, creative endeavors, or service. This will broaden your perspectives, strengthen your interpersonal skills, and enrich your university experience.
This past year, HKUST further strengthen its global standing. In 2026, we were ranked 6th in the QS Asian University Rankings and 44th in the QS World University Rankings, while achieving the top position in Greater China for Data Science and AI. We also placed 19th in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings in 2025 and are proud to be the highest-ranked institution in sustainability efforts in Hong Kong and Mainland China.
2026 also marks a significant milestone—our 35th anniversary. It is an opportunity to celebrate HKUST’s remarkable journey as a place “where miracles happen”. We are also embarking on exciting initiatives, most notably the establishment of the HKUST School of Medicine. This transformative step forward reflects our founding vision: to anticipate society’s needs and respond with innovation, excellence, and purpose.
I once again extend a warm welcome to you. My team and I are committed to ensuring that each of you feels valued, respected, and empowered to achieve your goals during your time here. We wish you a rewarding academic year and look forward to seeing each and every one of you very soon.
Prof. Nancy Y. IP
President
Welcome Message from
The Dean of Students
A warm welcome to each of you as you begin your journey at HKUST. Starting university is a big step, full of excitement and uncertainty, and we’re truly glad you chose HKUST to walk alongside you. Your growth and well-being matter to us, and you are not expected to do this alone—we’re here to support you, listen, and help you find your footing every step of the way.
Your first year is a time to explore—new ideas, new people, and new ways of learning. As you settle in, please remember that grades are only one part of your university experience; they do not measure your worth, your character, or your potential. HKUST is a community that values diversity and the many different ways students grow and succeed. I encourage you to try new challenges, ask questions, and take the time you need to discover your strengths and interests. And whenever you feel unsure—academically, personally, or socially—reach out. Our student support teams, advisors, and faculty are here to guide you and help you move forward.
University life can be deeply enriching—full of learning, friendships, and experiences that shape who you are. It can also feel fast-paced at times, especially in the first few weeks, so please be kind to yourself as you adjust. Take small steps to get involved, build routines that support your health, and connect with people who make you feel comfortable and included. Explore student activities, make use of campus resources, and remember that asking for help is a strength. We’re committed to helping you feel safe, supported, and at home at HKUST.
As you begin this new chapter, I hope you’ll feel welcomed, supported, and encouraged to grow in your own way. My team and I in the Dean of Students' Office are here to walk alongside you throughout your first year and beyond. I look forward to seeing you around campus and cheering you on—today and in the years ahead.
Prof. Pak Wo LEUNG
Dean of Students