In Dongguan, Guangdong province, just a short distance from the bustling metropolises of Guangzhou and Shenzhen, City University of Hong Kong (Dongguan) is making waves with its ambitious internationalization efforts within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, establishing itself as a rising star on the global stage.

This autumn, undergraduate student Arman Nurushev from Kazakhstan took the leap to join CityUHK (Dongguan). "There's so much happening here," he says, highlighting China's rapid advances in research, education and entrepreneurship. 

Recently, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster was ranked the world's No 1 in the Global Innovation Index 2025 by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and Dongguan is situated right at the geometric center of this regional innovation hub.

Arman's fellow Kazakhstani, Ilyas Karimzhanov, agrees, emphasizing Dongguan's role in China's technological heartbeat. He reminisces about how Chinese products have been a part of his life since childhood.

A melting pot of cultures

Founded in 2024, CityUHK (Dongguan) welcomed its first international students in 2025, inspired by a vision of cultural convergence. Amy Huang from Belize, a Central American country, describes her experience as more than just lectures — it is a vibrant community where cultures blend seamlessly. 

"CityUHK (Dongguan) is a bridge between cultures," she says, reflecting on how the university has broadened her perspectives and opened new opportunities.

Professor Chiu Chi-yue, vice-president (administration) of CityUHK (Dongguan) and a social psychologist specializing in cultural dynamics, says that the institution maintains teaching excellence, with 80 percent of its faculty coming from the main CityUHK campus. "Our faculty are trailblazers," he says proudly, highlighting their global reputation in both teaching and research.

In a short span, CityUHK has climbed up the ranks to be listed among the global top 100 universities by major rankings, including Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), Times Higher Education, US News & World Report, and Shanghai Ranking. It was named the "Most International University in the World" by Times Higher Education in both 2024 and 2025.

CityUHK (Dongguan) upholds the same high standards in academic excellence as CityUHK. English serves as the lingua franca on campus, a strategic move to prepare students for global competition. 

"We ensure the same high standards here as at CityUHK," says Dr Collin Sakal, an assistant professor from the United States, praising the seamless quality of education across campuses. 
For Arman, it is the faculty's expertise that drew him to Dongguan. "I'm here to learn from the best," he states confidently.

Global engagement

In its first year in 2024, CityUHK (Dongguan) launched 13 international programs in partnership with global institutions such as University College London (UCL), Utrecht University, and CityUHK, and organized study tours to Singapore, Japan and France. Nearly half of the first cohort's undergraduate and master's students have taken these opportunities, immersing themselves in diverse cultures and academic environments. 

Li Zongjun, a second-year student majoring in intelligent manufacturing, spent his summer program at UCL, where he enjoyed studying, picnics, boating and musicals with professors and international peers. "It was transformative," he recalls, having forged friendships and expanded his horizons far beyond the classroom.

CityUHK (Dongguan) also welcomed young visitors from the US this summer, promoting local culture and education to international guests. 

Professor Chiu believes these international exchanges cultivate a global mindset and improve cross-cultural skills, preparing students for a connected world. 

Innovating into the future

Research at CityUHK (Dongguan) knows no borders. With 37 scholars listed among the world's top 2 percent scientists, the university is a powerhouse of innovation. In October, it hosted the 2025 International Conference on Advanced Unmanned Aerial Systems, providing a platform for the latest developments in the field and their applications across science and engineering.

Faculty members leverage nearby high-tech facilities and innovation companies, such as the Spallation Neutron Source and Songshan Lake Materials Laboratory, to conduct interdisciplinary research and advance knowledge.

Looking ahead, Professor Chiu adds that CityUHK (Dongguan) will continue expanding its international student body, aiming to admit 100 international undergraduate students annually by 2033. This ambitious plan aligns with its mission to be a catalyst for innovation. 

As CityUHK (Dongguan) continues to develop, it stands tall as an icon of educational brilliance, bridging cultures and shaping future leaders.

An interactive environment inspires students to express their ideas with Dr. Collin Sakal (left).

CityUHK (DG)’s library is an intellectual landmark of Songshan Lake.