Hong Kong or the Fragrance Harbor as it literally means in English is one of the two Special Administrative Regions of the People’s Republic of China. Over the years Hong Kong has emerged as a kaleidoscope of life with the East and the West mingling in a perfect blend. There is diversity to the city where the new meets the old at every turn and a unique experience of the past which looks forward to a brighter future. The old traditions and customs coexist with the more modernistic lifestyle and values.

This is particular true in terms of the education and the general outlook towards life. There is a greater thrust on learning and gaining knowledge. This is very clear from the fact that the University of Hong Kong was built way back in 1912 and is considered to be the oldest university in the region.

Among its list of the prominent students who have graduated from here are the names like Dr. Sun Yat-sen, who was the founder and acting First President of the Republic of China. The history of the institution goes back to almost 90 years and over the decades it has grown and evolved with the city after which it assumes its name.

The foundation of this prestigious institution was laid on March 16, 1910, by Sir Fredrik Lugard who was the Governor of Hong Kong at that time. It signified the birth of the first tertiary institution in the area.

The University launched its official opening on March 11, 1912 with the Faculty of Medicine which had evolved from the Hong Kong College of Medicine, founded in 1887. The institution held its first congregation in December 1916 with the first batch of 23 graduates. For the first ten years of its existence, women were not allowed to take admissions for any of the courses. Before the Second World War, the University was operating with four main faculties – Arts, Engineering, Medicine and Science.

After 1945, HKU underwent structural developments as a part of the post-war reconstruction efforts. The university is located on the hillsides above the Western District and is best approached through the Mid-Levels. There is a University Museum and Art Gallery on the campus which is the oldest in the SAR and houses Chinese art & antiquities in ceramics and bronze and also some paintings. The bronze collection is the world’s largest collection of Yuan dynasty Nestorian Crosses.

Over the ensuing decades, HKU has grown in a dynamic, comprehensive and an institution of world-class repute. There are nearly ten faculties and departments apart from the various research centers which are affiliated with it.
The various faculties of the University of Hong Kong are:

– Faculty of Arts
– Faculty of Architecture
– Faculty of Dentistry
– Faculty of Business & Economics
– Faculty of Education
– Faculty of Engineering
– Faculty of Law
– Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine
– Faculty of Science
– Faculty of Social Sciences

Apart from this there is the Graduate School and the School of Professional and Continuing Education which imparts world class knowledge.

The university attracts a lot of students and faculties which come from all parts of the globe. There are many hotels and hostels near the institution which provide an excellent accommodation and services which are both comfortable and light on the pocket of all.

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Category: Education
Keywords: Special Administrative Region of China, Hong Kong, hong kong university, university of hong kong, hi