HKUST Admission Guide for International Students

HKUST at a glance

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is a research university on a campus at Clear Water Bay in Hong Kong. Its main language of instruction is English, and it enrols students of many nationalities, so international applicants can study without first learning Cantonese or Mandarin.

HKUST is widely associated with science, engineering, business and management, and it also offers humanities, social science and interdisciplinary degrees. Undergraduate applicants often enter through a broad School — for example the School of Engineering or the School of Business and Management — and confirm a specific major later.

This guide explains, at a high level, how an international student approaches an HKUST application. Every hard figure — fees, deadlines and exact entry scores — can change each year, so confirm the current details on the official HKUST admissions site before you rely on them.

Who can apply: international qualifications and entry routes

HKUST considers a wide range of international school-leaving qualifications for undergraduate entry. Indian applicants typically apply with CBSE or CISCE Class 12 results, and the university also assesses the IB Diploma, GCE A-Levels, Advanced Placement and other systems.

Applicants generally need to meet three layers of requirements: general admission requirements, School- or program-specific requirements (including any required subjects), and English-language requirements. The exact combinations and any subject prerequisites are listed per program on the official site.

HKUST offers different ways to enter, so choose the route that fits how sure you are about your major:

• School-based entry — join a broad School and choose a major in Year 1 or Year 2 after exploring foundation courses.
• Department- or program-based entry — apply directly to a specific degree program.
• Always check the accepted qualifications and any required subjects for your target program on the official admissions pages.

English language requirements

Because HKUST teaches in English, applicants whose secondary schooling was not conducted in English are usually asked to demonstrate English proficiency. IELTS and TOEFL are commonly accepted, and some school qualifications may satisfy the requirement on their own.

Minimum scores differ by program and change over time, so treat any number you see second-hand as unofficial. Confirm the accepted tests and the current minimum scores for your program directly on HKUST's admissions pages before you register for a test.

How to apply: steps, fee and timeline

International applicants submit their application directly to HKUST through its online admissions system rather than through a central clearing house. You can apply yourself — you do not need to pay an education agent, and no service can guarantee admission, so treat any such promise as a red flag.

Applications are typically reviewed on a rolling basis, and admission results are usually released from around December onward, though timing can vary by year and program. An application fee applies and is normally paid by card; because the amount can change, verify the current fee on the official site.

• Create an account and complete the online application form.
• Upload supporting documents (transcripts, English-test results and anything the program asks for).
• Pay the application fee by card — verify the current amount on the official website.
• Track your application status through the admissions portal.

Costs, scholarships and funding

Non-local tuition and the cost of living in Hong Kong are significant, and both vary by program and year. Rather than relying on estimates, check the current non-local tuition and any estimated living costs published by HKUST.

HKUST offers a range of scholarships and awards, some of which international applicants are automatically considered for, and others that require a separate application. Scholarships are competitive and are never guaranteed. Confirm what is available for your entry route, along with any deadlines and conditions, on the official admissions and scholarships pages.

Postgraduate study at HKUST

Beyond undergraduate degrees, HKUST offers taught master's programs and research degrees (MPhil and PhD) across its schools. Research postgraduate students may be eligible for stipends or studentships, subject to the university's own policies and funding.

The HKUST Business School runs MBA and specialized master's programs with their own admissions processes, which often ask for a GMAT or GRE score and, for the MBA, relevant work experience. Requirements, fees and deadlines differ from undergraduate entry, so use the dedicated postgraduate and business-school admissions pages for accurate details.