Is City University of Hong Kong (CityU) Worth It for Veterinary Science, Law, or Creative Media?

Direct answer

CityU is the most “small but specialized” university among Hong Kong’s eight UGC-funded institutions. While its global ranking is 62 (relatively low), it excels in three standout fields: veterinary science (29th globally, the only program of its kind among the eight), law (43rd globally), and creative media (46th globally). If you are passionate about one of these areas, CityU may be your best choice; otherwise, it is not recommended.

CityU’s Identity: The “Small but Specialized” University Among Hong Kong’s Eight

City University of Hong Kong (CityU), founded in 1984, is a relatively young institution among the eight UGC-funded universities. It ranks 62nd in the QS World University Rankings 2026, trailing behind HKU (17th), CUHK (36th), HKUST (47th), and PolyU (57th), but it boasts several highly distinctive programs that rank in the global top 50.

CityU’s DNA is “application-oriented with specialized strengths.” It does not aim to be a comprehensive top-tier university but instead strives for excellence in specific fields. This leads to a “polarized” experience in terms of rankings and employment—students in popular programs (veterinary science, law, design) have excellent experiences, while those in other programs find them relatively mediocre.

The campus is located in Kowloon Tong, which is less central than HKU and CUHK. International students make up 30% of the student body (the lowest among the eight), and the level of internationalization is relatively weaker. According to 2024 Hong Kong education statistics, 94.2% of veterinary science students were satisfied with practical course opportunities, but only 62.3% were satisfied with career diversity (most graduates work as veterinarians with limited cross-industry opportunities).

CityU Veterinary Science: The Only Program of Its Kind in Hong Kong, Ranked 29th Globally

Key highlight: Among Hong Kong’s eight universities, only CityU offers a veterinary science program. This means if you want to study veterinary science in Hong Kong, CityU is your only option.

Why is CityU’s veterinary science program highly ranked?

1. Hong Kong has a well-developed animal healthcare system: It has the most regulated veterinary standards in Asia, a mature pet healthcare market, and abundant internship opportunities for students.
2. Faculty come from the industry: Professors are often former government veterinarians or founders of pet hospital groups.
3. Comprehensive international accreditation: Graduates can convert their professional licenses to practice in the UK, US, and Australia without retaking exams.
4. Collaboration with international veterinary organizations: Students participate in global veterinary research projects with ample opportunities to publish papers.

Career prospects: Almost all CityU veterinary science graduates are employed, with an average starting salary of HKD 28,000–35,000/month (veterinary clinic supervisor level). Due to the scarcity of veterinarians, students are often “booked” by hospitals as early as their third or fourth year. However, note that obtaining a Hong Kong veterinary license requires passing a professional exam, and practicing in mainland China requires re-accreditation.

Challenges:

• Heavy workload: The 5-year program involves extensive lab work and clinical practice, making it difficult to achieve a high GPA.
• Limited employment locations: Graduates either stay in Hong Kong or apply to the UK, US, or Australia; recognition in mainland China is low.
• High tuition with no scholarships: Non-local veterinary students generally have no funding opportunities.

CityU Law: Ranked 43rd Globally, but Behind HKU and CUHK

Although CityU Law is ranked 43rd globally, it is lower among Hong Kong’s eight universities. HKU Law is Asia’s top law school, with a higher proportion of graduates entering international law firms (e.g., DLA Piper, White & Case).

CityU Law’s competitive advantages:

1. Small class sizes: CityU Law admits only 100–120 students per year, compared to HKU’s 200+, resulting in a better student-to-faculty ratio.
2. Closer industry ties: Students find it easier to build relationships with judges and lawyers.
3. Relatively lower tuition: HKD 171,000 (same as HKU, but with more scholarship opportunities).
4. Easier to achieve a high GPA: A GPA of 3.8 at CityU may be more competitive than a 3.5 at HKU in some contexts.

CityU Law’s drawbacks:

• Lower international recognition than HKU: International law firms tend to favor HKU graduates.
• Employment is primarily local: Graduates are best positioned to practice in Hong Kong; developing a career in the UK or US requires more effort.
• CUHK does not have a law faculty (only a legal research center), so CityU has a clear advantage over CUHK in this field.

CityU Creative Media and Design: Ranked 46th Globally, but Behind PolyU

CityU’s creative media program is very practical—student-produced short films and documentaries have won awards at international film festivals. However, purely in terms of rankings, PolyU Design (18th globally) far surpasses CityU (46th), and its graduates also command higher salaries.

CityU Creative Media’s strengths:

• Film and animation courses are particularly strong: The program has professional studios and post-production centers, with partnerships with the Hong Kong Film Association.
• Abundant international exchange opportunities: Students can participate in international film festivals and creative events.
• International career options: Graduates can work for streaming companies (Netflix, Disney+), advertising agencies, or film production companies.

Comprehensive Comparison of CityU with Other Hong Kong Universities

Conclusion: CityU is “small but specialized”—only specific programs are worth choosing; other programs lack strong overall competitiveness.

CityU Tuition and Living Costs

CityU’s tuition is the same as HKU and CUHK, cheaper than HKUST, and more expensive than PolyU.

Real Student Reviews of CityU

Strengths:

• Excellent employment outcomes in specific programs (veterinary science, law).
• Small class sizes, more interaction between students and faculty.
• Sufficient dormitory spaces, strict campus management (pros and cons).
• Tuition is the same as HKU, but competition is relatively easier.

Challenges:

• Relatively low overall ranking may require explanation when returning to mainland China or applying for further studies.
• Other programs are mediocre; there is no advantage if not studying veterinary science, law, or design.
• Lowest proportion of international students (30%), less international atmosphere compared to other Hong Kong universities.
• Campus and classroom facilities are not as modern as those at HKU, CUHK, or HKUST.

Is CityU Worth It? Final Verdict

Choose CityU if:

• You want to study veterinary science → It’s the only option among Hong Kong’s eight universities, and its global ranking of 29 is strong.
• You want to study law but your grades aren’t high enough for HKU → CityU’s ranking of 43, while lower than HKU’s 13, is still in the global top 50, and employment is stable.
• You are passionate about film, animation, or creative media → CityU’s creative media program has unique strengths; while not as strong as PolyU Design, it is still a good choice.

Consider other Hong Kong universities if:

• You are studying business, engineering, or science → HKU, CUHK, HKUST, and PolyU are all stronger; CityU has no clear advantage.
• You prioritize the highest global ranking → HKU (17th), CUHK (36th), HKUST (47th), and PolyU (57th) all surpass CityU (62nd).
• You want an international campus atmosphere → CityU has only 30% international students, while HKU (42%) and HKUST (44%) are more international.

Have questions? Click the “Program Assessment” button in the bottom right corner for an in-depth analysis of CityU’s unique advantages.