Lingnan University rises 120 places to 581st globally in the QS World University Rankings, marking its biggest increase in recent years.
Prof S. Joe Qin, President and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science at Lingnan University, said the latest ranking represents an important milestone in the University’s recent development, and reflects its noteworthy ongoing competitive positioning amid digital transformation in higher education, explaining “With the rapid progress of artificial intelligence and digital technologies, teaching and learning are undergoing disruptive changes. The importance of a liberal arts education in nurturing students’ critical thinking and interdisciplinary capabilities is increasingly crucial, and Lingnan’s substantial rise in the QS World University Rankings shows the phased achievements of the University’s continued strategic transformation through ‘Liberal Arts + technology’, ‘AI+’, the recruitment of top international talent, the promotion of campus internationalisation, and stronger industry-academia-research collaboration. The results demonstrate recognition from the international academic community and also affirm the dedication and contributions of our students, faculty members, alumni, and researchers.”
President Qin added that Lingnan University remains committed to nurturing students and providing high-quality education. With support from its highly engaged community of students, faculty, and alumni, the University is greatly encouraged by its breakthrough progress amid intense global competition in higher education.
He said, “Lingnan is actively embracing the new opportunities arising from the development of the Northern Metropolis. As the government-funded university in Hong Kong SAR closest to both the Northern Metropolis and the Shenzhen Bay Port, we are expanding our teaching and research facilities, stepping up efforts to attract top talent from around the world and to increase the proportion of international students, while strengthening collaboration with the Chinese Mainland enterprises to accelerate the translation and practical application of research outcomes. Through these endeavours, we aim to address global challenges in areas such as innovation and sustainability, while supporting the Hong Kong SAR’s development into an international hub for higher education.”
The QS World University Rankings 2027 evaluated over 8,800 higher education institutions across 106 countries or regions, and assessed universities based on nine indicators: Academic Reputation, Employer Reputation, Faculty Student Ratio, Citations per Faculty, International Faculty Ratio, International Student Ratio, International Research Network, Employment Outcomes, and Sustainability.
Lingnan University’s academic strengths have received growing international recognition in recent years. In its debut participation in the Times Higher Education (THE) Asia University Rankings 2026, it came 84th, in the top 10 per cent of 929 institutions from 36 countries and regions. This strong performance underscores the University’s expanding influence and leadership within the Asian higher education sector.
In addition, Lingnan came first internationally for “SDG 4: Quality Education” in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025, the first university in Hong Kong to achieve a world number one position in any of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Prof S. Joe Qin says the University’s substantial rise in the rankings reflects Lingnan’s noteworthy ongoing competitive positioning amid digital transformation in higher education.
