Cultural Carnival Helps International Students Connect as HKU Admits Record Non-local Class

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) held its 2026 Cultural Carnival at the Haking Wong Podium Tuesday, drawing large numbers of students with booths and performances showcasing the diversity of cultures on campus.

The Carnival featured a wide range of booths representing more than a dozen countries and regions, including China, the Philippines and Malaysia. Students decorated the venue and introduced visitors to the food, landscapes and cultures of their homes, creating opportunities for cross-cultural exchange.

The carnival also featured numerous performances, including a runway show that brought students from more than a dozen countries, including Indonesia, Thailand, and Burkina Faso to the stage in traditional dress. Kicking it all off was a performance by University lion dancers.

Speaking after the opening ceremony, HKU Director of Undergraduate Admissions and International Student Exchange Professor Bennett Yim said the University received a record-breaking number of over 28,000 non-local undergraduate applications this year. Applications from international undergraduate students also surged by 77%.

Professor Yim said current geopolitical developments have encouraged more overseas students to pursue their studies in Hong Kong and at HKU. He added that the University still has both the capacity and the ambition to admit more outstanding international students.

Turning to non-JUPAS admissions, Professor Yim said HKU admitted more than 180 top scorers this academic year across qualifications including the DSE, IB, GCE and A-Level examinations. He added that the University would continue to uphold its merit-based admissions principle and provide more opportunities and platforms for outstanding students.