Kazakhstan has emerged as the leading source of students from Central Asia enrolling in public universities in Hong Kong, exhibiting the highest growth rate in recent years, according to official data. The number of Kazakhstani students at Hong Kong’s publicly funded universities grew from 97 in the 2017-18 academic year to 493 in 2025-26, marking an increase of 408 percent— the fastest expansion among Central Asian nations.
City University of Hong Kong (CityU) accounts for the largest share of Kazakhstani undergraduates, enrolling 203 students in the current academic year, a 49 percent rise from the previous year’s 135. CityU council chairman Michael Ngai Ming-tak noted that Kazakh students have been among the university’s top academic performers. He attributes the surge to a 2023 memorandum of understanding between CityU and Kazakhstan, aimed at promoting academic exchange, talent development, and collaborative research. The agreement and subsequent partnerships reflect Kazakhstan’s focus on cultivating its young workforce through international education.
Students themselves cite Hong Kong’s geographical proximity, cultural familiarity, and academic reputation as key factors behind their choice. Assem Kanabek, a third-year chemistry student and recipient of a full CityU Entrance Scholarship, highlighted Asia’s cultural closeness and the quality of education in Hong Kong compared to other regional options like South Korea and Japan. She also emphasized the appeal of an existing Kazakhstani community in the city, which provides social support for new arrivals.
Similarly, Islam Seitzhanov, a third-year computer science student at CityU, said scholarship opportunities and the programme’s popularity influenced his decision. He added that many Kazakhstani students are drawn to Hong Kong due to the city’s dynamic business environment and expanding career prospects. Alumni have reportedly advised prospective students that the city offers an environment conducive to personal and professional growth.
Other Central Asian countries are also sending students to Hong Kong, although at lower volumes. Uzbekistan’s student population in public universities increased from one in 2017-18 to 29 in 2025-26, with the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and the University of Hong Kong admitting the majority. Kyrgyzstan’s enrolments have fluctuated, rising to 102 in 2021-22 before declining to 47 most recently, with CityU hosting the largest contingent. Tajikistan and Turkmenistan have relatively small student populations in Hong Kong, with four and two students respectively in 2025-26.
The growing interest from Central Asia aligns with China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which prioritizes enhanced connectivity with the region. Over the past decade, the Hong Kong government has awarded scholarships to 833 students from 57 Belt and Road countries, including significant numbers from Indonesia and Malaysia. The annual scholarship quota has increased from 10 students initially to 150 for the 2024-25 academic year, supporting undergraduate and postgraduate studies aimed at strengthening ties within this strategic region.