City University of Hong Kong (Dongguan) (CityUHK (DG)) rolled out the welcome mat for its 2026-entry students, with official freshman registration kicking off on 20 August.

The 2026 undergraduate intake sees further improvements in admission standards and overall academic quality. CityUHK (DG) attracts high-achieving students from a wide range of regions across Chinese mainland, with many admitted candidates demonstrating outstanding academic performance and creative potential, including winners of national science Olympiad competitions.

The university has expanded recruitment for undergraduate students from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, while welcoming a more diverse group of international students from across the globe, further enhancing the campus' global learning atmosphere.

CityUHK (DG)'s master's programmes have also proven highly competitive and appealing in 2026. The university has received applications from outstanding graduates, including Peking University, Tsinghua University and Fudan University. It also attracts talents from world-renowned institutions such as the University of Hong Kong, Imperial College London, Nanyang Technological University, the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Melbourne, highlighting its rising global recognition among emerging scholars.

With diverse cultural backgrounds and unique personal insights, students share their initial impressions and personal perspectives of CityUHK (DG) as they embark on their university journey.

During registration day, Professor Lu Chun, Executive President, Professor Li Juan Julie, Vice President, and Zhao Yi, Secretary of the CPC Branch, visited the on-site registration booths. They engaged with new students and parents and warmly welcomed all newcomers to the CityUHK (DG) community.

Registration Day coincides with coming-of-age

Local Freshman Yin Zihong celebrated his 18th birthday on the 2026 undergraduate registration day, making his campus entry a special coming-of-age moment. “Stepping onto campus on this day marks the start of my independent journey, and I look forward to self-driven exploration throughout my undergraduate studies at CityUHK (DG),” Yin shared.

Describing his first impression of the university, Yin highlighted CityUHK (DG)'s vibrant international atmosphere and solid academic strengths, which he believes will strongly support his future academic development.

From Nepal to CityUHK (DG): a painting linking home and future

Coming from Kathmandu, Nepal, freshman Ashutosh was drawn to CityUHK (DG) for its innovative Greater Bay Area location and strong academic standing. He chose the university specifically to pursue his passion for Energy Engineering, a discipline where CityUHK (DG) boasts outstanding expertise.

At the "Colour Your Future" interactive zone during registration, Ashutosh painted Machhapuchhre, the iconic Nepali mountain. "This piece represents my home. After completing my studies at CityUHK (DG), I hope to return and contribute to building a better future for my country."

Vibrant campus vibe fuels new student journey

Meerim, who comes from Kyrgyzstan, chooses CityUHK (DG) for its outstanding academic reputation and inclusive campus atmosphere. “CityUHK is one of the top universities in Asia. It has the most international community, and campus of CityUHK (DG) is very vibrant and welcoming.” She shares a great rapport with her roommate, and they all love vibe-coding, making her feel joyful and settled at her new campus.

Modern green campus builds warm global community

Osman, a freshman from Kazakhstan, is deeply impressed by the campus's modern design and ecological layout. “The campus looks brand-new. Also, it is very green, and I can see how CityUHK (DG) integrates natural scenery with modern architectural design, creating a pleasant study and living environment.” He also noted that local students are friendly and curious about international students, who actively reach out and engage with new arrivals on campus.

Reunited roommates pursue entrepreneurial studies

Tan Shiyu and Zhang Bowen, both graduates from Macau University of Science and Technology, were roommates throughout their undergraduate years. Now they have both enrolled on CityUHK (DG)'s Venture Creation master's programme — and share a dormitory once again.

"We value the university's resources and campus environment. The range of projects and competition opportunities offered by the programme align closely with our career ambitions," Tan noted.

Blending talented local and international learners from diverse backgrounds, the 2026 cohort embodies CityUHK (DG)'s rich multicultural ecosystem and evolving academic strength. With the new semester underway, the university stands ready to empower every new student to discover their academic passions, embrace new challenges, and grow into future-ready global talents.