Many undergraduate programs at Hong Kong universities, similar to those in mainland China, have a duration of four years. Master’s programs are categorized into two types: taught and research-based. Research-based master’s programs resemble PhD programs in that applicants must submit a research proposal. Successful candidates typically possess an academic or creative background and a record of publications; otherwise, admission is challenging to obtain. Those admitted generally receive scholarships and benefit from well-established research support systems. Students work as researchers, collaborating with their supervisors to engage in and contribute to cutting-edge research.

Many people have taken the ferry from Zhuhai, Shenzhen, or Macau to Hong Kong, arriving at either China Ferry Terminal or the Macau Ferry Terminal—but those are long-haul routes. Inside Hong Kong, there’s also an extensive network of piers and ferries shuttling between Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, Lantau, and the outlying islands. Key terminals include Central Ferry Pier, Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier, Sai Kung Pier, and Wong Shek Pier, etc.. I’ve taken ferries from Central to Cheung Chau, Lamma Island, Peng Chau, and Mui Wo on Lantau (returning from Discovery Bay), from Sai Kung to Yim Tin Tsai and Sharp Island, and from Tsim Sha Tsui across the harbour on the Star Ferry.

Hong Kong’s student accommodation market is drawing a surge of global capital. With the SAR government promoting "Study in Hong Kong" and local universities raising non-local student quotas, the city now faces a shortfall of over 70,000 beds. Mainland Chinese students make up the bulk of tenants, and institutionally run residences are gaining traction. In 2025, that translated into a wave of deals—many of them hotel-to-dorm conversions—as both international and local capital moved quickly to secure a foothold. Foreign funds and private equity are leading the charge on large-scale projects, though local investors are also active in the space. Industry players see strong fundamentals ahead, but caution that each investment requires careful risk assessment, with typical returns in the 5% to 5.5% range.

With mainland Chinese students continuing to arrive in Hong Kong, demand for student accommodation is surging. According to the latest report from JLL, based on foreseeable supply projections, the city’s current shortage of student beds is set to nearly double in three years, reaching roughly 147,200. Capital is now flowing faster into competitively priced Grade B and C office buildings, where conversion into student housing could deliver a potential internal rate of return of as much as 18%—even higher than that of hotel conversions.