EdUHK's Global Recognition and Dual Internationalization Strategy

According to the South China Morning Post, the Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) has gained worldwide acknowledgment for its distinct internationalization initiatives, which are reflected in its strong performance in prominent international rankings. EdUHK is ranked 7th globally and 2nd in Asia for Education and Training in the QS World University Rankings, and it holds the 37th position—the second-highest new entrant—in the Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings.

EdUHK implements a two-pronged internationalization strategy: drawing in skilled students, academics, and researchers from across the globe, while simultaneously sharing its educational and research knowledge with communities outside of Hong Kong.

Professor Andrew Mark Edwards joined EdUHK in 2025, becoming part of an increasing number of international scholars attracted to the institution. He currently serves as Associate Dean (International Engagement) within the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (FLASS). Edwards previously held senior academic roles in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, and is recognized internationally for his research in psychophysiology and exercise physiology.

Edwards noted that EdUHK offers a unique emphasis on education while incorporating interdisciplinary research and innovation. During his initial year at EdUHK, he successfully obtained a competitive General Research Fund grant, and the University provided significant support in establishing his research program, including supporting an international PhD student from the Netherlands to join his research group. He expressed that the University's dedication to building international networks and encouraging global collaboration made a strong impression on him. Shortly after joining EdUHK, the President invited him to assist the Head of Department in organizing a major international conference titled "Shaping the Future: Sport, Health and Education 2026," scheduled for November.

As Associate Dean (International Engagement), Edwards is also assisting in advancing a broader international engagement program across FLASS, which encompasses staff mobility, developing international partnerships, and global impact projects. He stated that what impressed him most was the University's receptiveness to new concepts and international cooperation, noting that the University provides a supportive setting for academics to exchange ideas, expand global networks, and generate research with practical global relevance.

EdUHK actively promotes international educational cooperation, placing particular emphasis on countries within the Belt and Road initiative. A notable example of this is the university's established partnership with Kazakhstan, which includes the creation of the EdUHK-Kazakh Academy of Education in Almaty, alongside a significant student recruitment effort.

Zadorozhnyy chose to pursue his doctoral studies at EdUHK, inspired by the available opportunities, under the highly competitive Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme. After completing his PhD, he secured a grant through the RGC Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme, positioning him as a promising early-career researcher. Zadorozhnyy mentioned that the appeal of EdUHK stems from its generous support, its world-class research environment, and its strong reputation in technology-enhanced language education.

He described finding an inspiring academic community at EdUHK where scholars engage in research that is socially meaningful, rigorous, and collaborative. Zadorozhnyy specifically highlighted EdUHK’s focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, where areas such as digital learning, computer science, and language education intersect to produce innovative research.

Central to EdUHK’s internationalization strategy is the dissemination of expertise through international research partnerships and capacity-building projects that yield concrete benefits for global communities. Dr Deng Wenjing, who serves as Associate Professor at FLASS and Acting Head of the Department of Science and Environmental Studies, has developed an international research collaboration originating from a project investigating environmental risks in schools. This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and illustrates how EdUHK converts research excellence into practical solutions while informing policy in several Belt and Road countries.

Deng’s team has created monitoring technologies, educational resources, and policy-support tools designed to help schools better comprehend environmental health risks and respond appropriately. She explained that because environmental issues differ across regions, they collaborate with local universities, schools, and education authorities to co-create solutions that fit each community's specific requirements. Through hands-on monitoring activities, portable air-quality sensors, and STEM learning resources, the team empowers local students and educators to enhance their own environments.

Through initiatives conducted in Sri Lanka, Nepal, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Guangxi, Chinese Mainland, the team has reached over 3,000 students and educators. Deng added that the success of this work demonstrates how international collaboration, built on local ownership and co-creation, can produce lasting effects. Deng also noted that her accomplishments reflect EdUHK’s dedication to cultivating an inclusive academic environment that offers chances to talented and dedicated scholars irrespective of gender or background, stating that she feels she has made a mark as a woman in science at the University.