Today, PolyU has grown to be one of the most sought-out higher education institutions in Asia, offering programs across different fields and admitting more than 25,000 students, both local and international. As of 2021, the university has 984 sub-degree students, 15,155 undergraduate students and 10,431 postgraduate students. The school recently opened its School of Fashion and Textiles.

“[Hong Kong is] such a colourful, lively city and every day you can discover something new. It’s also a global economic centre so it’s a fantastic place to learn about business, and there are lots of multinational companies which can offer job opportunities,” said Danish Farah Refino about the best things about studying in Hong Kong.

. (Courtesy of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)/.)

Danish is just one of the many Indonesian students enrolled at PolyU. Admitted in 2021, she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration, majoring in financial services.

“PolyU has a great reputation and I became very interested after I heard about the scholarship program here from an educational advisor,” she said. Danish is a first-year student and is slated to graduate in 2025.

She admitted that she applied to some universities in Japan and received several offers, but she was immediately sure she had made the right choice by enrolling at PolyU. She initially chose the school based on the offer of a full-entry scholarship. However, her decision to pursue a major in financial services did not come so easily in the first place.

“One reason I’m so happy here is my professors, who are really knowledgeable and passionate about their teaching. They also give great advice on course options, and at the moment I’m thinking about majoring in finance or marketing, but still deciding which is my favourite choice. I really appreciate their help with this,” she revealed.

. (Courtesy of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)/.)

PolyU employs 1,240 academic faculty members and 1,297 research staff as of 2021. QS World University Rankings put them as number 65 World University Ranking (WUR) in 2023, a step up from 66^th in 2022. Moreover, PolyU’s business department ranks the best in Hong Kong for two consecutive years in THE World University Rankings by Subject 2022 and 2023 for their achievement in business and economics subjects.

If her closeness toward her professors is any indication, Danish has spent some time putting down roots and making a home away from home on the island, connecting with other students, both local and international.

“Living away from my home and family was difficult at first but it has definitely had some benefits, such as meeting other students and making new friends,” she said before adding, “It has also forced me to improve my time management skills – so I don’t waste as much time as I used to!”

While Danish is particularly new to university life, she has spent some time thinking about the future. She revealed that she is hoping to study in Europe for her exchange semester next year. PolyU encourages undergraduate students to actively engage and explore opportunities outside the school campus, including an academic and cultural exchange in order to become global citizens.

The institution has a long tradition of partnering with various leading universities and institutions all over the world for student exchange, study abroad, research and even summer schools. For PolyU’s business department specifically, the school has programs with 56 schools from Austria to the United States.  Luckily for enrolled students, the university provides financial assistance to pursue international learning experiences.

“PolyU places great emphasis on work experience as part of your studies, and I’m really looking forward to my work placement and getting my first hands-on company training,” Danish said for her plans during the undergraduate program. “When I graduate I want to work abroad before returning to Indonesia, and this could be in Hong Kong or another country. I think it’s great for my own development to spend longer overseas before going back home.”

In PolyU’s Graduate Employment Survey published in 2021, 100 percent of PolyU graduates were able to secure their first job offer by December of that year. The survey also revealed an average monthly salary of US$2746.24 for employed alumni that year.

“My advice for new students coming to PolyU is to pay full attention during class, make new friends and take every opportunity that comes to you – there’s no harm in trying it out,” Danish concluded.

Applications for 2023-24 undergraduate programs at PolyU are now open. Entry Scholarships are also available.

Outstanding applicants in the areas of sports, arts and culture, leadership and community services and STEM subjects are exceptionally considered for admissions to PolyU. The school launched the Special Talents Admission and Recognition Scheme (STARS) to open more doors to those aforementioned students.

To start the academic journey as soon as possible, visit https://polyu.hk/zFpfD to learn more about its programs and click on https://polyu.hk/tfGvl for the admissions link.