Lingnan University is one of the eight UGC‑funded public universities in Hong Kong, located in Tuen Mun, New Territories. It is recognized for its emphasis on high‑quality education, small class sizes, and global engagement, and is a leading institution in the humanities, business, and social sciences, with its digital transformation and interdisciplinary strengths.
Lingnan University adopts a research-intensive liberal arts education model that integrates Chinese and Western academic traditions, with a strong focus on whole‑person education. Beyond academic training, the University aims to nurture graduates with critical thinking skills, ethical values, and a strong sense of social responsibility, equipping them to navigate in the digital era and contribute meaningfully to society.
Lingnan University has set a strategic goal to become a research‑oriented liberal arts university in the digital era, advancing excellence in teaching, learning, research, and community engagement. Guided by its mission of “Education for Service”, Lingnan seeks to enhance interdisciplinary scholarship, global connectivity, and societal impact while maintaining its distinctive liberal arts character.
Lingnan University comprises three Faculties, three Schools, 21 academic departments, 19 research institutes and centres as well as two language centres. The University offers more than 30 undergraduate programmes across a broad range of disciplines, with a strong focus on student–faculty interaction facilitated by its small‑class teaching model. Lingnan has established a research institute in Shenzhen to focus on knowledge transfer in the Greater Bay Area.
In addition to undergraduate education, Lingnan provides a diverse portfolio of taught master’s programmes, research master’s degrees, and PhD programmes. As of Term 1 of 2025/26, the University’s total student population exceeded 8,000.
Lingnan University also offers 11 dual and double degree programmes at the taught postgraduate and doctoral levels, in collaboration with universities and institutions in the Chinese Mainland, Europe, North America, and Asia. These programmes are designed to strengthen international academic collaboration and provide students with cross‑institutional and cross‑cultural learning opportunities.
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History
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Lingnan University traces its origins to 1888, when the Christian College in China was founded in Guangzhou by the American Presbyterian Church. The College admitted its first cohort of 30 students on 28 March 1888. In 1893, it became independent of the Church and was governed by a board of trustees based in New York. Amid political instability and growing anti‑foreign sentiment in China, the College temporarily relocated to Macau in 1900. In 1903, it adopted the English name Canton Christian College and the Chinese name Lingnan Xuetang, marking the first use of the name “Lingnan.” The institution returned to Guangzhou in 1904, where it established a permanent campus at Kangle Cun, Henan.
During the early 20th century, the College expanded steadily. In 1912, its Chinese name was changed to Lingnan Xuexiao, and by 1918 it had begun offering university‑level programmes. Its academic standing gained international recognition, with overseas universities acknowledging the eligibility of Lingnan graduates for postgraduate study. In 1927, following regulatory changes introduced by the Nationalist Government, governance was transferred to a predominantly Chinese board of trustees, and the institution formally adopted the name Lingnan University. Its curriculum was broadened beyond arts and sciences to include disciplines such as agriculture, commerce, engineering, and medicine, alongside primary and secondary education. By the 1930s, Lingnan had become a prominent higher education institution in southern China.
The outbreak of the Second Sino-Japanese War in 1937 forced Lingnan University to relocate. In 1938, the University moved to Hong Kong, where it continued classes by leasing part of the campus of The University of Hong Kong. The College of Agriculture of Lingnan University operated a teaching and experimental farm in Lam Tei, Tuen Mun. Following the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong in 1941, the University relocated inland to Shaoguan and later to Meixian in Guangdong Province, maintaining teaching and research under difficult wartime conditions.
After Japan’s surrender in 1945, Lingnan University returned to its Guangzhou campus and underwent reconstruction. Under new leadership from 1948, the University experienced renewed academic development by recruiting many nationally renowned scholars from Northern China. However, nationwide higher education reforms implemented in 1952 led to the cessation of the operation of Lingnan University on Chinese mainland. Its campus was reassigned to Sun Yat‑sen University, and its academic units were merged into existing or new institutions.
Campus
Main Campus
Lingnan University is located in the Fu Tei area of Tuen Mun, Hong Kong, at 8 Castle Peak Road, on an 11‑hectare campus. Situated about 2 km north of Tuen Mun Town Centre, the University combines modern academic facilities with a scenic and relatively quiet environment, while enjoying convenient access to public transport, including the MTR (Siu Hong Station) and the Light Rail. The establishment of the Shenzhen Bay Control Point has further enhanced connectivity with the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), facilitating academic exchange and enabling easier travel for students from the Chinese Mainland.
Satellite Campuses
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In addition to the Main Campus in Tuen Mun, Lingnan University has set up 2 satellite campus venues in Kowloon, supporting various teaching and research activities. In 2025, it acquired a property near the Main Campus to support teaching and learning and accommodate campus expansion.
Research
Lingnan's research in humanities, social sciences and business were classified as "World Leading" (4-star) and "Internationally Excellent" (3-star) in the Research Assessment Exercise 2020, conducted by the University Grants Committee using international benchmarks to identity the areas of relative strengths of the city's public universities. Lingnan came first or second among all public universities in terms of the percentage of "World Leading" research work in Accountancy, Sociology & Anthropology, Social Work & Social Policy, and Philosophy.
Academic Organisations
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Faculty of Arts
Department of Chinese
Department of Cultural Studies
Department of English
Department of Translation
Department of History
Department of Philosophy
Department of Digital Arts and Creative Industries
Two language centres:
Centre for English and Additional Languages (CEAL)
Chinese Language Education and Assessment Centre (CLEAC)
Six research Centres:
Centre for Cultural Research and Development
Centre for Environmental History and Development
Centre for Film and Creative Industries
Hong Kong and South China Historical Research Programme
Hong Kong Catastrophic Risk Centre
The Advanced Institute for Global Chinese Studies
Faculty of Business
Department of Accountancy
Department of Operations and Risk Management
Department of Finance
Department of Management
Department of Marketing and International Business
Six research Centres:
Hong Kong Institute of Business Studies (HKIBS)
Lingnan University-Guangdong University of Technology Research Centre for eBusiness and Logistics
Lingnan University-South China University of Technology Joint Research Centre for Management and Decision Sciences
Dr Raymond Wong Research Centre for Arts Technology and Business
Lingnan University-Jinan University Joint Research Centre for Financial Inclusion and Digital Economy
Institute of Insurance and Risk Management (IIRM)
Faculty of Social Sciences
Department of Psychology
Department of Economics
Department of Government and International Affairs
Department of Sociology and Social Policy
Six Research Centres:
Centre for Competition Policy and Regulation (CCPR)
China Economic Research Programme (CERP)
Pan Sutong Shanghai-Hong Kong Economic Policy Research Institute (PSEI)
STEAM Education and Research Centre (SERC)
Wofoo Joseph Lee Consulting and Counselling Psychology Research Centre (WJLCCPRC)
Asia-Pacific Institute of Ageing Studies (APIAS)
The Public Governance Programme (PGP)
School of Data Science
Division of Artificial Intelligence
Division of Industrial Data Science
LEO Dr. David P. Chan Institute of Data Science
One Research Centre:
LEO Dr David P. Chan Institute of Data Science
Wu Jieh Yee School of Interdisciplinary Studies
Division of Science
Office of the Core Curriculum
Wong Bing Lai Music and Performing Arts Unit
School of Graduate Studies
Research Institute:
Institute of Policy Studies (IPS)
Programme Clusters
Policy and Education Leadership Cluster
Regional Development and Urban Studies Cluster
Health, Ageing and Social Innovation Studies Cluster
Central Administration Unit for postgraduate matters
Institutional Research Institutes/Centres
Lingnan University Cognitive Science Research Centre
Lingnan University Institute for Advanced Study
Lingnan University Shenzhen Research Institute:
Lingnan University Creative and Cultural Innovation Research Institute
Rankings and Reputations
Overall and Impact Rankings
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In 2026, Lingnan University was ranked 63rd globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Rankings, placing third among Hong Kong’s eight UGC-funded universities. The University was ranked 1st worldwide in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG4) : Quality Education for the second consecutive year, having first achieved this position in 2025 .
In the 2026 Sustainability Impact Ratings, Lingnan was ranked within the global top 100 in seven SDGs: SDG 1: No Poverty (65th); SDG 4: Quality Education (1st); SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth (27th); SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities (11th); SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities (66th); SDG 15: Life on Land (64th); and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals (55th).
In the same edition, Lingnan was ranked first in Hong Kong in six SDGs: SDG 1: No Poverty; SDG 2: Zero Hunger; SDG 4: Quality Education; SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
In other international rankings, Lingnan University was ranked 84th in the Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings in its debut year. In the QS World University Rankings 2027, Lingnan was ranked 581st globally, an increase of 120 places from the previous year.
In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026:
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In the 2025 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS):
In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subjects (2025):
Global Engagements and Partnerships
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Lingnan University maintains a strong international outlook, with over 280 partner institutions across more than 50 countries and regions. . Through exchange programmes and short‑term summer and winter programmes, over 80% of undergraduate students gain international exposure during their studies.
In 2025, Lingnan University became the first higher education institution in Asia to establish a United Nations University (UNU) Hub on Humanitarian Innovation and Technology (HIT). The official plaque‑unveiling ceremony was held on 25 October 2025, marking a new phase of collaboration between Lingnan University and the UNU to support practical solutions for developing regions.
Research Achievements
Lingnan University’s academic profile includes faculty members whose research impact has received international recognition. In 2025, more than 20% of Lingnan’s faculty were listed among the World’s Top 2% Scholars, as identified by Stanford University, with 19 among the global top 100 in their respective fields. Additionally, three distinguished Lingnan scholars were named Highly Cited Researchers 2025 by Clarivate.
At the 51st International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva 2026, Lingnan University achieved record-breaking results, with all 13 of its submitted projects winning awards. The University received one Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury, five Gold Medals, three Silver Medals, and four Bronze Medals. One project, “FlexiBot: Make Every Parking Spot a Charging Spot”, also earned the “Thailand Award for the Best International Invention and Innovation” from the National Research Council of Thailand, bringing the total number of awards to 14. Both the number of projects entered and the awards received more than doubled compared to last year, setting a new institutional record and highlighting Lingnan’s excellence in interdisciplinary, AI-driven innovation and human-centred research with strong societal impact.
In 2026, Lingnan University won a total of 16 awards at the Silicon Valley International Invention Festival 2026, including 8 Gold Medals, 6 Silver Medals, and 2 Special Awards. All 14 research projects exhibited by the University received awards. The winning projects covered a wide range of fields, including artificial intelligence, medicine, energy and environmental sustainability, data privacy protection, blockchain, the Internet of Things, education, and game creation, and included research and applications related to Lingnan's promotion of the interdisciplinary development of "Liberal Arts + Technology" and "AI +". Based on the results of this year's competition, Lingnan University was the higher education institution in Hong Kong that received the highest number of awards and Gold Medals for the second consecutive year.
Renowned Faculty Members
Scholars
Lingnan University has conferred honorary degrees on distinguished individuals from various fields in recognition of their contributions to society, academia, public service, and industry.
Student Life
Student Body
For the 2024-25 academic year, Lingnan University enrolled over 7,500 undergraduate and postgraduate students. Among them, over 60% were non-local students (i.e. not holding Hong Kong citizenship).
Regarding student distribution by academic unit, the Faculty of Business is the largest, accounting for 28% of undergraduates and 33% of postgraduates. This is followed by the Faculty of Arts (34% of undergraduates; 12% of postgraduates), Faculty of Social Sciences (25% of undergraduates; 12% of postgraduates), School of Graduate Studies (28% of postgraduates), Wu Jieh Yee School of Interdisciplinary Studies (9% of undergraduates; 11% of postgraduates), and the School of Data Science (3% of undergraduates; 4% of postgraduates).
Student Residence
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The ten blocks of student hostels in Lingnan University provide around 2,600 hostel places for our Lingnan students. In each hostel, there is a common room on the ground floor, residential floors, and quarters for wardens and senior tutors on the top floor. Tutor rooms are located on residential floors.
List of Registered Student Societies (2025-26)
Programme / Departmental / Faculty / School-based Student Societies
Business Administration Programmes Society, Lingnan University
Chinese Departmental Society, Lingnan University
Cultural Studies Departmental Society, Lingnan University
English Departmental Society, Lingnan University
Social Sciences Faculty Society, Lingnan University
Translation Departmental Society, Lingnan University
Student Hostel Associations
William M. W. Mong Hall The Bank of East Asia Hall Student Hostel Association, Lingnan University
Tsung Tsin Association Hall Fok Cho Min Hall Student Hostel Association, Lingnan University
Chung Shun Yee Min Hall Student Hostel Association, Lingnan University
Jockey Club Hall E Student Hostel Association, Lingnan University
Wong Hoo Chuen Hall Student Hostel Association, Lingnan University
Wu Jieh Yee Hall Student Hostel Association, Lingnan University
Student Groups serving Special University Functions
Campus Crusade for Christ, Lingnan University
Chinese Students and Scholars Association, Lingnan University
Christian Student Association, Lingnan University
Golden Z Club, Lingnan University
Postgraduate Student Association, Lingnan University
Toastmasters Club, Lingnan University
University YMCA (Lingnan University)
Student / Interest Clubs
Animation, Comics and Games Society, Lingnan University
Basic Law Society, Lingnan University
Dance Society, Lingnan University
Digital Art Society, Lingnan University
Drama Society, Lingnan University
Model United Nations Society, Lingnan University
Music Society, Lingnan University
Photographic Society, Lingnan University
Rotaract Club, Lingnan University
Notable alumni
This list of notable alumni includes notable graduates and non-graduate former students of Lingnan.
Controversies
Student and alumni petition for dismissing Junius Ho from the University Council
In July 2019, a widely circulated video showed Junius Ho shaking hands, giving thumbs-up to, and taking photos with the white-clad mob that attacked protestors and bystanders in the 2019 Yuen Long attack. Ho claimed that he was only passing by after dinner and was not involved in the attack, and that the mob supported his pro-police stances and asked for photos with him. As Ho was a member of the Council of Lingnan University, a number of student bodies and alumni associations made a joint declaration accusing him of hate speech over the years and condemning his support for the attackers, saying that it seriously affected the image of the university. They also requested Chief Executive Carrie Lam, then-Chancellor of the university, to dismiss Ho from the Council. Afterwards, the university issued a statement emphasising its respect for freedom of speech and that Ho's views did not represent the university.
Removal of Tiananmen relief sculpture
On the night of 24 December 2021, the university removed from campus a relief sculpture created by artist Chen Weiming and commemorating the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and massacre. The university said that it had "reviewed and assessed items on campus that may pose legal and safety risks to the University community" and had the relief "removed and stored appropriately... in the best interest of the University". Around the same time, the University of Hong Kong and The Chinese University of Hong Kong also removed similar Tiananmen memorial monuments from their campuses. Chen said that "it is a major regret", and that the university authorities "acted like a thief in the night" and "were very scared that the removal of the monuments would spark public outcry".
Office of Service-Learning
In 2006, Lingnan University became the first local university to establish an Office of Service-Learning.
From 2007 to 2013, the Office of Service-Learning and Lingnan University jointly organised the biennial 1st to 4th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference on Service-Learning.