CityUHK (Dongguan) Celebrates Start of Academic Year 2026 and Rapid Growth in Greater Bay Area
On September 2, 2026, the City University of Hong Kong (Dongguan) held its opening convocation ceremony for the academic year 2026. This significant event welcomed the university's third cohort, consisting of more than 1,300 students. Notably, it took place just months following the university’s first graduation ceremony for its master's program in June 2026, showcasing rapid development since its official establishment in 2024.
The 2026 undergraduate class is distinguished by an enhanced admission process and a commitment to high academic standards. CityUHK (Dongguan) has successfully attracted exceptionally talented students from various regions within Mainland China, many of whom have demonstrated outstanding academic performance and notable creative potential, including winners from national science Olympiads.
In its ongoing efforts to expand its recruitment, the university has broadened its outreach to include undergraduate students from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, while also welcoming a more diverse international student body hailing from around the globe. This increased diversity contributes to the rich international learning environment that characterizes the campus.
Regularly recognized by Times Higher Education as one of the world's most international universities, CityUHK boasts global ties with leading academic institutions. The Dongguan campus has seen rapid growth and strategic partnerships with over 40 prestigious universities, including Cambridge, University College London, University of California Berkeley, and Utrecht University.
In 2026, the master’s programs at CityUHK (Dongguan) also received an enthusiastic response from prospective students, drawing applicants from top universities such as Peking University, Tsinghua University, and Fudan University. The university's reputation is further solidified through its appeal to talents from renowned institutions like The University of Hong Kong, Imperial College London, Nanyang Technological University, U.C. Berkeley, and the University of Melbourne.
Incoming students, bringing their diverse cultural backgrounds and innovative perspectives, shared their initial impressions and expectations as they commenced their undergraduate and postgraduate studies at CityUHK (Dongguan). Meerim, an incoming student from Kyrgyzstan, chose CityUHK for its strong academic reputation and the welcoming nature of its campus. "CityUHK is among the best universities in Asia. It has the most international community, and the campus is lively and inviting," she remarked, highlighting her positive experience with her roommate, which has helped her feel integrated into the community.
Another freshman, Osman from Kazakhstan, expressed his admiration for the campus's modern design and eco-friendly layout: "The campus looks brand new. Moreover, it is very green, and I can see how CityUHK (Dongguan) harmonizes natural landscapes with contemporary architecture, creating a pleasant living and learning environment." He noted that local students are friendly and curious about foreign students, actively reaching out to newcomers to foster connections.
The ceremony featured distinguished guests and university officials, including ZHOU Yu, a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, and vice-president of the Chinese Association of Higher Education; YU Yang, deputy secretary-general of the Chinese Association for International Educational Exchanges; CHUNG Shui-ming, vice-chancellor of CityUHK; Michael NGAI, president of the Council of CityUHK; and Chun-Sing LEE, interim president of CityUHK and chairperson of its board of directors. The event, attended by guests, faculty, and new students, was presided over by Lu Chun, the executive president of CityUHK (Dongguan) and vice-president of CityUHK, marking a memorable beginning to the academic year.