Hong Kong Polytechnic University facts for kids

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Hong Kong Polytechnic University

香港理工大學

Motto

開物成務勵學利民

Motto in English

To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind

Type

Public

Established

1937; 88 years ago, as Government Trade School
1947; 78 years ago, as Hong Kong Technical College
24 March 1972; 53 years ago, as Hong Kong Polytechnic
25 November 1994; 30 years ago, granted university status

Chairman

Lam Tai-fai

Chancellor

John Lee Ka-chiu

President

Teng Jin-guang

Vice-president

Miranda Lou
Kwok-yin Wong
Ben Young
Christopher Chao

Provost

Wing-tak Wong

Academic staff

1,230

Students

26,245 (2019/2020)

Location

11 Yuk Choi Road, Hung Hom

Kowloon

Hong Kong

22°18′18″N 114°10′48″E / 22.30500°N 114.18000°E

Campus

Urban
9.46 hectares (0.0946 km²)

Colours

Red and grey

Affiliations

BHUA; GHMUA; UASR

Chinese name

Traditional Chinese

香港理工大學

Simplified Chinese

香港理工大学

Cantonese Yale

Hēunggóng Léihgūng Daaihhohk

Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu Pinyin	Xiānggǎng Lǐgōng Dàxué
Yue: Cantonese
Yale Romanization	Hēunggóng Léihgūng Daaihhohk
Jyutping	Hoeng1gong2 lei5gung1 daai6hok6

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (often called PolyU) is a public research university in Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong. It is one of the eight universities in Hong Kong that receive money from the government.

PolyU was started in 1937 as the first Government Trade School. It was the first place in Hong Kong to offer technical education. In 1994, it officially became a university.

Today, PolyU has 8 main departments and schools. They offer many different programs in areas like science, business, engineering, design, and hotel management. More than 25,800 students study here each year.

History of PolyU

Early Beginnings (1937–1947)

In 1937, the Government Trade School opened in Wan Chai. This was Hong Kong's first public school for technical skills after high school. It taught subjects like marine wireless, mechanical engineering, and building. The school building was a three-story "Red Brick House."

Becoming a Technical College (1947–1972)

After World War II, the Government Trade School changed its name to the Hong Kong Technical College in 1947. It offered both full-time and part-time classes. In 1957, a new campus for the college was built in Hung Hom.

The Polytechnic Years (1972–1994)

In 1965, a plan was made to create a "polytechnic" in Hong Kong. This new type of school would offer advanced technical education. On March 24, 1972, the Hong Kong Polytechnic was officially started. Its goal was to train skilled workers for different jobs. The Polytechnic started offering its first degree programs in 1983. It also began offering advanced research degrees (MPhil and PhD) in the late 1980s.

Becoming a University (1994–Present)

In 1994, the school was allowed to create its own degree programs. Because of this, on November 25, 1994, it officially became "The Hong Kong Polytechnic University."

PolyU Campuses

Main Campus in Hung Hom

PolyU's main campus is in Hung Hom, Kowloon. It was designed in 1972 and has over 20 buildings with red-brick walls. Many buildings are connected and raised above the ground. This creates open spaces for different activities. The campus is one of the largest and busiest university campuses in the world.

Block Z is a newer part of the campus. It is across the road from the main campus. You can reach it through a special tunnel or a long footbridge.

Besides classrooms and labs, the university has many other facilities. These include a large auditorium, places to eat, medical services, a bookstore, and banks. The Jockey Club Auditorium, opened in 2000, can hold over 1,000 people. It is used for conferences, shows, and performances.

There are also many sports facilities. These include two swimming pools, indoor sports halls, an outdoor sports field with basketball and soccer areas, tennis courts, and a jogging track.

Landscape of the main campus in Hung Hom in January 2016

Main Campus, PolyU
PolyU Main Campus aerial view, 2016
Miniature Model of the PolyU Main Campus, 2013
PolyU
Main Entrance, 2017
Choi Kai Yau Building, 2013

Li Ka Shing Tower (Faculty of Business), Main Campus, PolyU
LKS Tower 2013
LKS Tower
Lift Lobby, LKS Tower
LKS Tower standing inside the main campus

Block Z (Faculty of Construction and Environment), Main Campus, PolyU
Block Z
Block Z, view from Chatham Rd South, 2022
FCE, Block Z, 2018
Block Z, 2019

Pao Yue-kong Library

The PolyU Library opened in 1972. It was named after a generous person named Yue-Kong Pao in 1995.

The library has millions of books and digital resources. It has 3,900 study spaces and a 24-hour study center. In 2017, parts of the library were updated to "i-space." This area has cool new technologies like VR, 3D printing, and video production tools.

Pao Yue Kong Library, Main Campus, PolyU
Exterior of PYK Library, 2013
Gate Entrance, PYK Library, 2013
PF, PYK Library, 2015
Exam Wishing Wall, PYK Library, 2019
GF Discussion Zone, PYK Library
3F, PYK Library, 2015
5F, PYK Library
Outside PYK Library, 2014

Innovation Tower

The Innovation Tower is a unique building designed by Zaha Hadid. It is 15 stories tall and has a modern, curvy shape. This building is home to the School of Design. It has exhibition areas, classrooms, studios, and workshops. The School of Design is known as one of the best design schools in the world.

'''Jockey Club Innovation Tower (School of Design), Main Campus, PolyU'''
Jockey Club Innovation Tower
Jockey Club Innovation Tower
Jockey Club Innovation Tower
Jockey Club Innovation Tower interior
Jockey Club Innovation Tower interior
Jockey Club Innovation Tower podium
Jockey Club Innovation Tower and Block X
Jockey Club Innovation Tower, view from the Chatham Rd South 2018
Jockey Club Innovation Tower 2016

Teaching and Research Hotel

The Hotel Icon opened in 2011. It is owned by the university and used as a teaching hotel for the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM). This school is one of the top hotel and tourism management schools globally.

Hotel Icon (School of Hotel and Tourism Management)
Hotel Icon
Hotel ICON Lobby View1 201106
Hotel ICON Lobby View2 20110
Hotel Icon Logo
Hotel Icon Lobby

Other Campuses

PolyU also has the Hung Hom Bay Campus and West Kowloon Campus. These campuses are home to the College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPCE). CPCE includes the Hong Kong Community College (HKCC) and the School of Professional Education and Executive Development (SPEED). These offer programs for students who have finished high school.

What Students Study

University Structure

As of 2020, PolyU had over 26,000 students. This includes students studying for diplomas, bachelor's degrees, and postgraduate degrees.

The university offers more than 150 programs through its 8 main departments and schools:

Faculty of Applied Science and Textiles
Faculty of Business
Faculty of Construction and Environment
Faculty of Engineering
Faculty of Health and Social Sciences
Faculty of Humanities
School of Design
School of Hotel and Tourism Management

The PolyU Graduate School, started in 2020, helps manage research programs for advanced students.

The College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPCE) is another part of the university. It offers different types of programs for students.

Research at PolyU

PolyU focuses on research in many important areas. These include:

Aerospace and aviation
Big data and artificial intelligence (AI)
Food safety
Health science
Smart cities and sustainable living

The university has many research labs and centers. For example, it has the Aviation Services Research Centre, which works with Boeing. The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel also helps develop new technologies for the clothing industry.

PolyU's Reputation and Rankings

Global University Rankings

PolyU is known as a top university around the world.

It was ranked #54 globally by QS World University Rankings in 2026.
It was ranked #84 globally by Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings in 2025.
It was ranked #58 globally by US News Best Global Universities Rankings in 2025–2026.

PolyU was also named the 6th most international university in the world by THE in 2023. This means it has many students and staff from different countries.

Rankings for Young Universities

PolyU is also highly ranked among newer universities.

It was ranked #6 worldwide in the QS "Top 50 Under 50" list for young universities in 2021.
It was ranked #7 worldwide in the Times Higher Education's Young University Rankings in 2024.

Top Subject Areas

PolyU is especially strong in certain subjects. Here are some of its top rankings in 2024 (QS Subject Rankings):

Hospitality and Leisure Management: #11 in the world
Architecture & Built Environment: #14 in the world
Civil & Structural Engineering: #14 in the world
Art & Design: #19 in the world
Marketing: #19 in the world
Nursing: #31 in the world
Data Science & Artificial Intelligence: #32 in the world

The School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) is ranked #1 in the world for hospitality and tourism research. The School of Design is also considered one of the top design schools globally.

Job Prospects for Graduates

PolyU graduates are highly sought after by employers.

PolyU graduates were ranked #71 worldwide in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022.
They were ranked #133 worldwide in the Times Higher Education's Global University Employability Ranking 2022.
Employers in Hong Kong often choose PolyU graduates.

University Leadership

The university is led by a Council. The President and Deputy President are part of this group. There are also members from businesses, staff, alumni, and students.

Past Presidents

Here are some of the past leaders of PolyU:

Keith Legg (1972–1985)
John Clark (1985–1991)
Poon Chung-kwong (1991–2008)
Timothy W. Tong (2009–2018)
Philip C. H. Chan (2019)
Teng Jin-guang (2019 – present)

Working with Others

PolyU works with over 280 universities and organizations in 39 countries. They have many agreements for student exchanges and joint research projects.

Student Life at PolyU

Student Organizations

Block VA, the building for the PolyU Students’ Union in March 2014.

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Students’ Union (HKPUSU) is run by students. It works to support and help full-time undergraduate students.

Sports Teams

PolyU has many sports teams for students to join:

Athletics
Badminton
Basketball
Fencing
Handball
Karate-do
Rowing
Rugby
Soccer
Squash
Swimming
Table Tennis
Taekwondo
Tennis
Volleyball
Woodball

Student Housing

PolyU offers two main student halls (dormitories) in Hung Hom Bay and Ho Man Tin. These halls provide places for students to live. There are also three off-campus housing sites in other parts of the city. These are mainly for students from outside Hong Kong.

Student Halls, PolyU
Hung Hom Halls, 2013
Hung Hom Halls, 2012
Hung Hom Halls, 2013
Homantin Halls, 2021
Homantin Halls, 2019
Homantin Halls entrance, 2019

Important Events

Campus Events in 2018

In October 2018, there was a disagreement at the university about messages posted on a student bulletin board. Some students were disciplined by the university for their actions during this event. Many student groups and teachers protested these decisions.

Campus Situation in 2019

In November 2019, the university campus became a central point during large protests happening in Hong Kong. There were confrontations between protesters and the police. The police surrounded the campus, and many people inside were injured or arrested. The university campus was significantly affected during this time.

Famous Alumni

Many successful people have studied at PolyU. Here are a few:

Li Qiang, the Premier of China
Leung Chun-ying, a former leader of Hong Kong
Wong Kar-wai, a famous film director
Gigi Leung, a popular singer
Vivienne Tam, a well-known fashion designer

Notable Alumni of PolyU
Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of China
CY Leung, former Chief Executive of Hong Kong SAR
Vivienne Tam, fashion designer
Wong Kar Wai, film director
Gigi Leung, singer and celebrity

Images for kids

Hung Hom campus is located in the urban transportation hub. Taken in November 2005.
Cheong Wan Road Entrance in June 2017
Anita Chan Lai Ling Building and the grass in front of it in August 2013
Jockey Club Auditorium in May 2019
Block N and Logo Square in August 2013
The bell tower is one of the gathering places for students. Taken in May 2019.
A sitting-out area on campus in August 2013
Li Ka Shing Tower in October 2013
Communal Building in September 2018
Shirley Chan Building, Choi Kai Yau Building and Mong Mn Wai Building in February 2013
Ho Iu Kwong Building/Industrial Centre (Block W) in August 2018
Y Core in January 2013
Hotel Icon in July 2011
Chiang Chen Studio Theatre in May 2019
Aviation Services Research Centre 2019
Block Z and Link Bridge, 2022
School of Design Tower, 2018
X Core, 2019
Hung Hom Campus, 2020
A main entrance, 2020
PolyU Student Halls of Residence (Hung Hom)
PolyU Student Halls of Residence (Homantin)
PolyU West Kowloon Campus in February 2012