The Hong Kong government has officially updated the aggregate list of eligible universities under the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) for 2026. The list now includes 200 institutions, up from 199 last year. This minor but significant expansion reflects the government's ongoing commitment to attracting global talent, even as the scheme matures.
What’s New for 2026?
- New Addition: Spain's IE University has joined the list, providing a fresh pipeline of European talent, particularly in business and innovation.
- Sectoral Mix: Data shows that the majority of successful applicants continue to flock to Innovation & Technology (43%), followed by Financial Services (21%) and Professional Services (12%).
- Efficiency Boost: Processing times for those with digital degree certificates have been streamlined, with average turnarounds now reaching as low as nine calendar days.
For employers, this expansion represents a larger, more diverse pool of "ready-to-work" candidates. However, experts warn that simply hiring isn't enough; with application fees rising this month and housing costs remaining a hurdle, retention strategies will be the true differentiator in 2026.
Source: VisaHQ, Hong Kong Talent Engage