Hong Kong's universities saw their sharpest declines in three years in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, with 53% of 266 subjects slipping. Data science and artificial intelligence fell, but dentistry at the University of Hong Kong stayed second globally, performing arts at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts regained 10th place, and education at the Education University of Hong Kong entered the top 10 for the first time.
Hong Kong's universities recorded their sharpest declines in three years in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, released by British firm Quacquarelli Symonds on Wednesday. Of the city's 266 academic offerings across its institutions, 141—or 53%—fell in their respective tables, while fewer than a quarter improved. This marks the biggest drop since 2023, when 67% declined. Data science and artificial intelligence slipped among the subjects affected. Despite the overall downturn, dentistry at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) remained second worldwide, the city's top-ranked discipline. Performing arts at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) regained 10th place, and education at the Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) entered the global top 10 for the first time. QS senior vice-president Ben Sowter said competitive pressures were intensifying as other regions continued to strengthen. Institutions like the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), City University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Polytechnic University were referenced in related coverage, though specific subject movements were not detailed beyond the highlights. Leaders such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge University and National University of Singapore maintained strong positions in various fields.