Lingnan University Admission Guide for International Students

What Lingnan University is

Lingnan University is one of Hong Kong's publicly funded (UGC-funded) universities, located in Tuen Mun in the New Territories. It follows a liberal arts model, with a focus on small class sizes, close staff-student contact and a residential campus experience.

Programmes are offered mainly across the arts and humanities, business, and social sciences, and are taught in English at university level. If you are weighing a broad, discussion-based degree against a large research university, Lingnan sits at the smaller, liberal-arts end of Hong Kong's system.

• Public, UGC-funded university in Tuen Mun, New Territories
• Liberal arts focus: arts and humanities, business, social sciences
• English-medium teaching at university level

Who can apply and the non-local route

International and Indian students apply as non-local applicants using their own qualifications — for example, IB, GCE/International A-Levels, or a recognised national curriculum (such as Indian Class 12 board results). Recognition is decided case by case, so check whether your qualification is listed on the official admissions page.

Non-local students apply directly to the university's online admission system, not through JUPAS. JUPAS is the centralised route for local students taking the HKDSE, so it does not apply to most overseas applicants. If you are unsure which route fits you, see our non-JUPAS guide.

English-language requirements

Because programmes are taught in English, applicants generally need to show English proficiency. Lingnan accepts common tests such as IELTS and TOEFL, along with certain school qualifications in English.

The exact score or band required can differ by programme and can change from year to year, so treat any number you read elsewhere as indicative only and verify the current requirement on the official Lingnan admissions website before you apply.

How to apply, step by step

Applications are made online. You will typically create an account, choose your programme(s), upload academic transcripts and English-test results, and pay an application fee. Some applicants may be invited to an interview or asked for extra documents.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not by itself guarantee an offer — places are competitive and selection also weighs your overall profile. Apply early, keep your documents ready, and note the official deadlines, which are published on the admissions site.

• Apply online via the university's admission system (not JUPAS)
• Upload transcripts and English-test results; pay the application fee
• Watch official deadlines; interviews may be requested

Fees, scholarships and funding

Tuition for non-local students is set by the university and is higher than the fee for local students. Living costs in Hong Kong are also significant, especially housing. Because these figures change each academic year, verify the current tuition and estimated living costs on the official site rather than relying on older numbers.

Entrance and merit scholarships may be available to strong non-local applicants, but eligibility and amounts vary and no scholarship is guaranteed. See our Hong Kong scholarships guides for how these awards work, and be cautious of anyone who promises a guaranteed scholarship or admission for a fee.

Visa and next steps

This section is general information, not immigration advice. After you accept an offer, you normally apply for a student visa/entry permit through the Hong Kong Immigration Department, usually sponsored by the university.

Visa rules, documents and processing times can change, so always confirm the current requirements on the Immigration Department website and follow the instructions your university's admissions office gives you. Our Hong Kong student visa guide walks through the general process.