CUHK's mission is to assist in the preservation, creation, application and dissemination of knowledge by teaching, research and public service in a comprehensive range of disciplines. Its academic departments are organized in eight Faculties which combine an emphasis on effective teaching with a vibrant research culture within closely-knit communities of scholars.

Undergraduate and postgraduate studies leading to bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in a variety of disciplines are offered by the eight Faculties and the Graduate School. Each year, over 2,500 first degrees and over 3,500 higher degrees, e.g. MBA, are conferred.