#China #Dongguan #Graduation #CityUHK

CityUHK (Dongguan) Celebrates 2026 Inaugural Graduation Ceremony

On September 2, 2026, the City University of Hong Kong (Dongguan) proudly held its inaugural graduation ceremony for the class of 2026, welcoming an impressive cohort of over 1,300 students. This milestone event comes just a few months after the university celebrated its first master's graduation in June 2026, showcasing the remarkable growth trajectory of this institution since its official launch in 2024.

The inauguration was a momentous occasion that highlighted the university's enhanced standards in admission and overall academic quality. The incoming class for 2026 reflects the university's commitment to attracting high-achieving students from various regions across mainland China. Many of these students exhibit extraordinary academic prowess, including winners of prestigious National Science Olympiads.

Moreover, CityUHK (Dongguan) has broadened its recruitment efforts, welcoming undergraduates from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, alongside a more diverse array of international students from around the globe. This strategic approach is aimed at further enriching the campus's global learning environment.

Consistently recognized by Times Higher Education as one of the most international universities worldwide, CityUHK has established a vast network that includes partnerships with over 40 top-tier global academic institutions, such as the University of Cambridge, University College London, UC Berkeley, and Utrecht University.

The university's master's programs have proven to be exceedingly competitive and appealing in 2026, attracting applications from notable graduates of prestigious universities like Peking University, Tsinghua University, and Fudan University. Additionally, it draws talent from renowned institutions such as the University of Hong Kong, Imperial College London, Nanyang Technological University, University of California, Berkeley, and University of Melbourne. This trend signals a growing recognition of CityUHK on an international scale among emerging scholars.

During the ceremony, new students from diverse cultural backgrounds shared their first impressions and aspirations as they embarked on their undergraduate and postgraduate journeys at CityUHK (Dongguan). Meerim, hailing from Kyrgyzstan, expressed her enthusiasm for choosing CityUHK (Dongguan) for its remarkable academic reputation and inclusive campus environment. "CityUHK is one of the best universities in Asia. It has the most international community, and its Dongguan campus is very vibrant and welcoming," she remarked, adding that her good rapport with her roommate has made her feel comfortable in her new surroundings.

Osman, a freshman from Kazakhstan, was notably impressed by the campus's modern design and eco-friendly layout. "The campus looks immaculate. It is very green, and I appreciate how CityUHK (Dongguan) integrates the natural environment with modern architectural design, creating a pleasant atmosphere for study and living," he stated. He further noted that local students are warm and inquisitive towards international students, actively reaching out to newcomers.

The event gathered distinguished guests and university leaders, including ZHOU Yu, a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Vice President of the Chinese Higher Education Association; YU Yang, Secretary-General of the Chinese International Education Exchange Association; and CHUNG Shui Ming, Vice President of CityUHK and Honorary President of the CityUHK (Dongguan) Educational Foundation. The ceremony was attended by esteemed guests, faculty, and first-year students, and was presided over by Lu Chun, Executive President of CityUHK (Dongguan) and Vice President of CityUHK.

This inaugural graduation ceremony not only marks a significant milestone for CityUHK but also underscores its commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse academic environment, contributing to the rapid growth of education in the Greater Bay Area.