Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Admission Guide for International Students

CUHK at a glance for international applicants

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is a publicly funded, research-intensive university that teaches most undergraduate programmes in English. International and other non-local students apply through the direct international (non-JUPAS) route rather than the local JUPAS system used by Hong Kong secondary-school leavers.

CUHK is distinctive for its collegiate structure: every undergraduate belongs to one of its constituent Colleges, which provide residential life, pastoral support and general-education activities alongside the academic Faculty that runs your degree. You apply to a Faculty or major for the academics and are affiliated with a College for campus life.

Because tuition, fees, intake dates and programme lists change each cycle, treat this guide as an orientation and confirm every current figure and requirement on the official CUHK admissions website before you apply.

The non-JUPAS / international application route

International applicants use CUHK's own online undergraduate admissions system, administered by its admissions office, rather than JUPAS. You create an account, complete the application, upload your academic documents and English-test results, and pay the application fee.

Admission is competitive and holistic: CUHK considers your academic results, the strength of your subject combination for the programme, English proficiency and, for some programmes, additional materials such as a personal statement, portfolio or interview. Meeting the minimum requirements does not by itself secure an offer.

Application windows, deadlines and any early-round dates are set each year, so check the official admissions timeline and apply within the stated window for your qualification type.

Accepted qualifications

CUHK accepts a wide range of international school-leaving qualifications for undergraduate entry. Each programme sets its own required subjects and grade profile, so read the programme-specific requirements rather than assuming a single university-wide bar.

• International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
• GCE A-Levels
• Indian school-leaving results (e.g. CBSE / CISCE / recognised state boards) — check the required subjects and level for your programme
• US high-school qualifications with SAT or ACT and, where required, AP results
• Other recognised national qualifications and university/foundation results
• Confirm the exact accepted qualifications and grade requirements for your target programme on the official CUHK admissions site

English-language proficiency

As an English-medium university, CUHK requires evidence of English proficiency from applicants whose qualification is not from an English-medium system. Commonly accepted evidence includes IELTS (Academic) and TOEFL, and some qualifications (such as certain grades in IB English or GCE English) may meet the requirement directly.

Minimum scores differ by programme and can change between cycles, and some competitive programmes ask for more than the university minimum. Verify the current accepted tests and the exact scores for your programme on the official admissions pages before booking a test.

Choosing a Faculty, major and College

Start from the academic side: browse CUHK's Faculties and majors, read what each programme covers and check its specific subject and score requirements. Some students apply to a broad Faculty-based programme and choose a major later; others apply directly to a named major. Note which of your shortlisted programmes ask for a portfolio, essay or interview.

Separately, you will be affiliated with one of CUHK's nine Colleges, each with its own character, hostels and student life. Some Colleges let you indicate a preference; read how the College allocation works in the current admissions guidance so your expectations match the process.

Fees, scholarships and next steps

CUHK publishes non-local tuition, on-campus accommodation costs and its entrance and other scholarships on its official pages. Some entrance scholarships are awarded automatically on academic merit, while others need a separate application; eligibility and amounts are set each year.

No scholarship, agent or preparation service can promise you admission or funding — decisions rest solely with CUHK's admissions committees. Treat any "guaranteed CUHK offer" claim as a warning sign. If you receive an offer, CUHK will explain the acceptance steps and, separately, the student-visa process handled by the Hong Kong Immigration Department (general information only, not immigration advice — verify current rules on the official government source).