The University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong · Official website ↗
The University of Hong Kong is in Hong Kong. Tuition for international students: HKD 250,000–HKD 590,000 (≈ US$31,900–75,200) per year (2027-28 figure). Standard entry requirements: A-levels 1A* 2A; A-levels 3A*; A-levels 2A* 1A. Language: IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 95. Applying: intake: September; application fee HKD 780. Scholarships: 8 from the university.
✓ 85 facts from 26 official pages, each with the exact sentence it comes from · checked 2026-11-12 · How we verify
International students should also budget for health insurance, visa and travel costs not shown here.
Reference only. Automatically checked against the college's official pages on 2026-11-12; maintained by Jordan Lee, editor. Colleges can change policies at any time — confirm on the official page before you apply. Spotted an error? Tell us.
Quick summary
| Cost per year | tuition HKD 590,000 per year (≈ US$75,200) (varies by programme) |
|---|---|
| Money from the college | Merit scholarships: international students can receive them. 4 named scholarship(s) confirmed open to international students. |
| Chances of admission | A-levels: 1A* 2A. IB Diploma: 34 points. Requirements for other school qualifications differ by country — see the college's page ↗ English minimum: IELTS 6.5, TOEFL (1–6) 5, TOEFL 95. |
| Application deadlines | Earliest: Aug 25 (Rolling admission — Applications are reviewed as they arrive; apply early.) Last round: Round 1, Nov 25. |
| Where and how students live | Hong Kong · 23 km from HKG airport |
| Housing | First-year housing: Available (apply) |
| Working while studying | Full-time non-local undergraduates (locally-accredited local programmes of 1+ years, excl. exchange students) are temporarily exempted from the student employment restrictions from 1 Nov 2024: they may take up employment within their limit of stay or NOL effective period. · co-op / paid work terms are part of degrees |
| After graduation | Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG): non-local bachelor's graduates may stay/return and work in Hong Kong; recent graduates are granted 24 months without needing a job offer. · 27.8% go on to further study (2025) |
Plain-language summary of the verified details below. Where it says “not yet determined”, we have not found it on an official page yet.
Financial aid & requirements for international students
| Merit scholarships | Yes — international students can receive merit scholarshipsSources (1)“HKU offers generous scholarships based on academic merit that cover tuition fees, and living expenses in some cases, to both local and non-local students.”www.admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
|---|---|
| English proficiency | English test required unless an exemption applies
Sources (4)“An overall band score of 6.5 or above in the IELTS Academic Module, with no less than 6.0 in both the Writing and Speaking components, achieved in the same attempt.”admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“(a) Grade 5 in English Language A (HL/SL); (b) Grade 6 in English Language B (HL/SL)”admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“For tests taken on or after January 21, 2026: An overall score of 5.0 or above in the TOEFL internet-based test (TOEFL iBT), with no less than 5.0 in both the Writing and Speaking components, achieved in the same attempt.”admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“For tests taken before January 21, 2026: An overall score of 95 or above in the TOEFL internet-based test (TOEFL iBT), with no less than 25 in both the Writing and Speaking components, achieved in the same attempt, under the legacy TOEFL iBT scoring scale.”admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
| Conditional admission / English pathway | Not yet determined — check the college site ↗ |
| Degree programmes taught in English | YesSources (2)“HKU is a world-renowned English-medium research university, offering holistic, future-focused learning across transformative disciplines.”admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“The medium of instruction at the University is English.”admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
Scholarships for first-year students
HKU Scholarship for Future Leaders
Full tuition
- Who can receive it: International students only
- Amount: Full tuition
- Renewal: Renewable
Sources (3)
“The Scholarship shall be awarded each year to the first-year non-local full-time undergraduate students on the basis of: academic achievement; nature of the student's involvement in the local community; leadership abilities; interview performance; and nature of personal experiences on challenges and access to education.”scholar.aas.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“At least cover the full tuition fee, with the exact value to be determined”scholar.aas.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“According to a renewal value scale based on awardees' academic performance”scholar.aas.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12HKU REACH Awards
Up to HKD 100,000 (≈ US$12,700)
- Who can receive it: All applicants, including international students
- Amount: Up to HKD 100,000 (≈ US$12,700)
Sources (3)
“The Scholarship shall be awarded to newly-admitted undergraduate students each year, based on the quality of secondary school applicants, academic merit and a list of programmes approved by the President's Steering Group on Undergraduate Admissions.”scholar.aas.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“For non-local students admitted via international qualifications: an award of HK$100,000;”scholar.aas.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“For local students and non-local students admitted via HKDSE and international qualifications, the award shall be tenable for one year.”scholar.aas.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Bachelor of Engineering Elite Programme Entrance Scholarship
HKD 100,000 (≈ US$12,700) total
- Amount: HKD 100,000 (≈ US$12,700) total
- Renewal: Renewable
Sources (2)
“Bachelor of Engineering Elite Programme HKD 150,000 Scholarships: Entrance scholarship of HKD 100,000 will be disbursed in four instalments; Exchange scholarship of HKD 50,000 for each student.”admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“ELITE STATUS REQUIREMENT: Students must maintain "Elite" status with a minimum cumulative GPA (CGPA) of 3.0 at the end of each academic year in order to continue enjoying the exclusive access and scholarships mentioned above.”admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12HeForShe IMPACT Champion Scholarships
Amount not published
- How to apply: Separate scholarship application
- Deadline: Jan 31
Sources (2)
“To apply for this scholarship, students will be required to submit an essay with no more than 500 words and tell us about their role as an 'Impact Champion' in their community.”admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Application Deadline: January 31, 2027”admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12HKU Entrance Scholarships
Amount not published
- Who can receive it: All applicants, including international students
- How to apply: Automatic — considered with your admission application
Sources (3)
“All applicants will be considered for entrance scholarships. Separate application is not required.”admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“The scholarship for top-ranking students may go up to a value equivalent to a full tuition fee waiver plus an accommodation scholarship and a living allowance per year.”admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Selection for entrance scholarships is based on academic merits with consideration of non-academic achievements.”admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12HKU Faculty of Engineering Global Scholarship
50% of tuition
- Who can receive it: International students only
- Amount: 50% of tuition
- How to apply: Automatic — considered with your admission application
Sources (2)
“To further enhance the diversity of our undergraduate community, this Scholarship provides a oneoff award of up to half of the tuition fee to attract outstanding nonlocal students, with preference for candidates from underrepresented regions.”admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“No separate application is required.”admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Music Scholarship Scheme
Amount not published
- How to apply: Separate scholarship application
- Deadline: Jan 29
Sources (3)
“The Music Scholarship Scheme provides an exclusive opportunity for outstanding Bachelor of Arts students whose pre-university experience includes a significant commitment to the pursuit of music excellence as well as to their formal academic studies.”admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Applicants are required to complete the online application for the Music Scholarship Scheme by the deadline.”admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Application Deadline: January 29, 2027”admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12The Belt and Road Scholarship (Under HKSAR Government Scholarship Fund)
Amount not published
- How to apply: Separate scholarship application
- Deadline: Jan 31
Sources (2)
“Interested students are strongly advised to submit an application via the HKU online application system, indicate their interest in this scholarship on their application form, and submit all supporting documents.”admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Application Deadline: January 31, 2027”admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Programmes
| Bachelor's programme | Bachelor of Arts (Major in English Studies) · 4 years Source (1)“Bachelor of Arts (Major in English Studies) CODE 6054 FACULTY Faculty of Arts STUDY PERIOD 4-year”www.admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws · 5 years Source (1)“Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws CODE 6078 FACULTY Faculty of Arts Faculty of Law STUDY PERIOD 5-year”www.admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Applied Artificial Intelligence · 4 years Source (1)“Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Applied Artificial Intelligence CODE 6224 FACULTY School of Computing and Data Science STUDY PERIOD 4-year”www.admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Bachelor of Business Administration (Major in Finance) · 4 years Source (1)“Bachelor of Business Administration (Major in Finance) CODE 6755 FACULTY HKU Business School STUDY PERIOD 4-year”www.admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Bachelor of Dental Surgery · 6 years Source (1)“Bachelor of Dental Surgery CODE 6107 FACULTY Faculty of Dentistry STUDY PERIOD 6-year”www.admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Bachelor of Economics/ Bachelor of Economics and Finance (Major in Economics and Finance) · 4 years Source (1)“Bachelor of Economics/ Bachelor of Economics and Finance (Major in Economics and Finance) CODE 6767 FACULTY HKU Business School STUDY PERIOD 4-year”www.admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Bachelor of Engineering and Master of Science in Engineering in Artificial Intelligence in Engineering · 5 years Source (1)“Bachelor of Engineering and Master of Science in Engineering in Artificial Intelligence in Engineering CODE 6377 FACULTY Faculty of Engineering STUDY PERIOD 4+1-year”www.admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering · 4 years Source (1)“Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering CODE 6339 FACULTY Faculty of Engineering STUDY PERIOD 4-year”www.admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Bachelor of Laws · 4 years Source (1)“Bachelor of Laws CODE 6406 FACULTY Faculty of Law STUDY PERIOD 4-year”www.admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery · 6 years Source (1)“Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery CODE 6456 FACULTY Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine STUDY PERIOD 6-year”www.admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Bachelor of Nursing · 5 years Source (1)“Bachelor of Nursing CODE 6468 FACULTY Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine STUDY PERIOD 5-year”www.admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Bachelor of Pharmacy · 4 years Source (1)“Bachelor of Pharmacy CODE 6494 FACULTY Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine STUDY PERIOD 4-year”www.admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Bachelor of Science (Major in Mathematics) · 4 years Source (1)“Bachelor of Science (Major in Mathematics) CODE 6901 FACULTY Faculty of Science STUDY PERIOD 4-year”www.admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science · 4 years Source (1)“Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science CODE 6729 FACULTY School of Computing and Data Science STUDY PERIOD 4-year”www.admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Bachelor of Social Sciences (Major in Psychology) · 4 years Source (1)“Bachelor of Social Sciences (Major in Psychology) CODE 6717 FACULTY Faculty of Social Sciences STUDY PERIOD 4-year”www.admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
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Applying
| Academic entry requirement for your school qualification |
Requirements for other school qualifications differ by country — see the college's page ↗ |
|---|---|
| Intakes (start months) for first-year entry | September |
| Application fee | HKD 780 one-time (≈ US$99) Source (1)“All applicants are required to pay an application fee in an amount of HKD$780 and the fee is nonrefundable.”admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
| Interview | Optional Source (1)“not all applicants are required to attend an interview or test and not all programmes conduct these assessments”admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
| Application requirement | English proficiency test: Required Source (1)“Certificates of public examinations and proof of English language and second language proficiency”admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Passport copy: Required (reference) Source (1)“Your identity document (Passport / Hong Kong Identity Card / other travel document)”admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Personal statement / main essay: Required Source (1)“One personal statement (regardless of the number of your programme choice(s))”admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12Counselor recommendation: Optional Source (2)“To be provided by your counsellor / advisor / referee(s) (optional)”admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Reference letter(s)”admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12School transcript / academic records: Required Source (1)“High school transcript / Predicted and actual results”admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
Deadlines (2027 entry)
| Rolling admission — Application — September intake | Aug 25 Applications are reviewed as they arrive; apply early. Source (2)“Applicants may still submit an application until August 25, 2027 (12:00 noon Hong Kong Time) through the application system. The University will continue to evaluate all applications by the same standards and expectation on rolling basis.”admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Aug 2027 Applications close at noon (HKT)”admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
|---|---|
| Round 1 — Application — September intake | Nov 25Source (3)“The University will carry out evaluation on applications received by November 25, 2026 (12:00 noon Hong Kong Time).”admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Application submitted by 12:00 noon (HKT) on this date through the application system will be considered for the First Round Evaluation.”admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“23 Sept 2026 Start your application”admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
Dates as published by the college; check the official page for time zones and supporting-document deadlines.
Costs for international students
| Tuition | Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS): HKD 590,000 per year (≈ US$75,200) (2027–28 figure) Non-STEM Faculties and Schools: HKD 250,000 per year (≈ US$31,900) (2027–28 figure) STEM Faculties and Schools: HKD 280,000 per year (≈ US$35,700) (2027–28 figure) |
|---|---|
| Tuition rule for international students at public universities (government) | From the 2027/28 academic year, non-local students (e.g. student visa/entry permit holders) are Category II and pay non-subsidised tuition fees at government-subsidised (UGC-funded) universities; each institution determines its own non-subsidised fee levels. |
| Housing and meals | Not yet determined — check the college site ↗ |
| Living costs (college estimate) | HKD 50,000 per year (≈ US$6,400) (2027–28 figure) |
| Student health insurance | Not yet determined — check the college site ↗ |
| Health insurance rule for the student visa | Health insurance is not mandatory for student-visa holders, but some institutions may require students to purchase accident, hospitalisation, medical and evacuation coverage before beginning their studies; arranging their own insurance is strongly advised. |
| Living costs you must show for the student visa (government amount, excluding tuition and travel) | Not yet determined — check the college site ↗ |
Sources (12)
“and Non-Local Students in 2027/28 Academic Year”www.admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“For the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) HK$ 590,000”www.admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“For Non-STEM Faculties and Schools HK$ 250,000”www.admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“For STEM Faculties and Schools HK$ 280,000”www.admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“The revision will apply to the 2027/28 academic year and thereafter (the application cycle for the 2027/28 academic year commencing in October 2026).”www.info.gov.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Category II refers to non-subsidised fees and applies to persons not meeting the eligibility criteria in the above-mentioned Category I.”www.info.gov.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Non-local students (such as holders of a student visa/entry permit; holders of a visa/entry permit under the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates; dependant visa/entry permit holders who were 18 years old or above when first issued with such visa/entry permit by the ImmD).”www.info.gov.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Category II persons may still apply for government-subsidised sub-degree, undergraduate and taught postgraduate programmes but have to pay non-subsidised fees.”www.info.gov.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“The institutions may determine appropriate non-subsidised fee levels, following the established principles, having regard to their own circumstances and programme costs, and taking a holistic view of various factors.”www.info.gov.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Living expenses Up to HKD50,000 per year”www.admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Although health insurance is not mandatory for students, some institutions may require you to purchase accident, hospitalization, medical expenses (accident and non-accident) and evacuation coverage before you begin your study in Hong Kong.”www.studyinhongkong.edu.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“In any case, we strongly advise you to make your own insurance arrangements throughout the entire period of your studies in Hong Kong.”www.studyinhongkong.edu.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12US$ figures are approximate, converted at the European Central Bank reference rate of 2026-11-12; the college charges in its own currency.
Where students live
| First-year on-campus housing | Available (apply) Source (2)“Places in HKU residences are limited and not guaranteed.”housing.cedars.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“In your first year, CEDARS will assist with your placement.”housing.cedars.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
|---|---|
| Housing available during breaks | Yes Source (1)“If you have a confirmed residence offer for the whole residential year, you can stay during breaks/long holidays, the residence remains open during these periods.”housing.cedars.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
Work and after graduation
| Work allowed while studying (rule as stated by the government) | Full-time non-local undergraduates (locally-accredited local programmes of 1+ years, excl. exchange students) are temporarily exempted from the student employment restrictions from 1 Nov 2024: they may take up employment within their limit of stay or NOL effective period. (reference) government rule Source (6)“Under Regulation 2 of the Immigration Regulations, Cap 115A, permission given to a person to land in Hong Kong as a student shall be subject to the conditions of stay that, inter alia, he/she shall not take any employment, whether paid or unpaid.”www.immd.gov.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“part-time on-campus employment for not more than 20 hours per week throughout the year”www.immd.gov.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“employment during the summer months without any limit in relation to working hours and location”www.immd.gov.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Besides, with effect from 1 November 2024, non-local students (excluding exchange students) of full-time locally-accredited local programmes at undergraduate level or above whose study period is not less than one academic year are temporarily exempted from the above employment restrictions”www.immd.gov.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“they may take up employment in Hong Kong during the currency of their limit of stay or within the effective period as specified in the “No Objection Letter” (NOL) issued to them (if applicable), whichever is the shorter”www.immd.gov.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Starting from November 1, the Government will temporarily exempt full-time non-local undergraduate students from the restrictions on taking up part-time jobs”www.info.gov.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
|---|---|
| Co-op / paid work terms built into degrees | Yes Source (2)“The Co-operative Education Programme is an immersive experiential learning opportunity through working full time in a professional setting.”co-op.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Fulfilled in part by a full-time and paid work placement of least 6 months (1 semester and summer or two semesters)”co-op.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
| Post-study work visa (name and length) | Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG): non-local bachelor's graduates may stay/return and work in Hong Kong; recent graduates are granted 24 months without needing a job offer. (reference) government rule Source (2)“Persons who have obtained an undergraduate or higher qualification in a full-time and locally accredited local programme in Hong Kong may apply for staying/returning and working in Hong Kong under the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates.”www.immd.gov.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Non-local recent graduates who wish to apply to stay and work in the HKSAR are not required to have secured an offer of employment upon application. They may be granted 24 months' stay on time limitation only without other conditions of stay provided that normal immigration requirements are met.”www.immd.gov.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
| Accelerated bachelor's + master's programme | Yes Source (1)“Throughout the 4+1 years of study, students will learn fundamental and theoretical AI knowledge, along with discipline-specific engineering applications using AI techniques, to fulfill the degree requirements for both the BEng and MSc in AI in Engineering degrees.”admissions.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
| Graduates going on to further study (college survey) | 27.8% (2025 figure) Source (2)“Key findings for full-time UGC-funded Bachelor's Degree graduates in 2025:”www.cedars.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12“Further Studies 27.8%”www.cedars.hku.hk ↗ · checked 2026-11-12 |
Location
| City / state | Hong Kong |
|---|---|
| Nearest major airport | Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), about 23 km in a straight line |
| Map | View on OpenStreetMap ↗ |
Location from Wikidata Q15568 (CC0); airport from OurAirports (public-domain data).