Data science, AI slip as 53% of Hong Kong’s university subjects fall in QS rankings

Hong Kong’s universities have recorded their sharpest declines in three years in global subject rankings, with more than half of the 266 offerings – including data science and AI – slipping down their respective tables, according to a UK-based education analyst.Despite the overall drop, dentistry at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) remained second in the world – the city’s highest-ranked subject – while performing arts at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) regained its 10th place and education at the Education University of Hong Kong (EdU) entered the global top 10 for the first time.According to the 2026 annual subject rankings released on Wednesday by British firm Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) on Wednesday, 140 out of 266 – or 53 per cent – of academic offerings in the city’s universities fell in the rankings, while fewer than a quarter improved.The last time a greater proportion of subjects dropped in the rankings was in 2023, when 67 per cent recorded declines.QS senior vice-president Ben Sowter said competitive pressures were intensifying as other regions continue to strengthen.