If you want to know how to get into HKU, start with one question: which school system is your child in? The University of Hong Kong runs three separate entry routes for September 2027 entry. Each has its own dates, fees and rules. This guide walks you through every route, the stated requirements, the costs and a year-by-year plan, using only HKU's own published information.
Key takeaways
- Local HKDSE students apply through JUPAS. IB, A-Level, SAT/AP and other international students apply through HKU's International/Non-JUPAS route. Gaokao students use HKU Mainland Admissions.
- For 2027 entry, the International/Non-JUPAS first-round deadline is 25 November 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong time. Applications close on 25 August 2027.
- The International/Non-JUPAS application fee is HK$780. You can list up to three programme choices.
- HKU's 2027 tuition is HK$49,500 a year for eligible local students and HK$250,000 to HK$590,000 a year for non-local students, depending on the programme.
- HKU's published grades are an "expected lower boundary", not a cut-off and not a guarantee of an offer.
How to get into HKU: what is the short answer?
Quick answer: To get into HKU, pick the right route for your school system, meet or beat HKU's stated grades for your chosen programme, show the required English level, and apply early. International applicants should submit by 25 November 2026 for first-round review. Strong predicted grades, a clear personal statement and good interview performance all count.
HKU looks at more than one number. Its 2027 International Admissions Information says decisions take account of interview performance, the personal statement, references and other documents. So grades open the door, but the rest of the file still matters.
Which HKU entry route applies to my child?
HKU sorts applicants by qualification and by whether they are local or non-local. You may also only hold one application across JUPAS, International/Non-JUPAS and Mainland admissions. HKU says duplicate applications must be cancelled.
HKU has three entry routes for 2027 entry, set by school system and residency.
Local HKDSE students apply through JUPAS. Non-local HKDSE students and students with IB, A-Level, SAT/AP or other national qualifications apply through HKU's International/Non-JUPAS route. Mainland Gaokao (NJCEE) students apply through HKU Mainland Admissions. Each route has its own deadline.
| Applicant type | Route | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|
| Local HKDSE student | JUPAS | jupas.edu.hk |
| Non-local HKDSE student | International/Non-JUPAS | admissions.hku.hk |
| IB, A-Level, SAT/AP, other national systems | International/Non-JUPAS | admissions.hku.hk |
| Local student with an international qualification | International/Non-JUPAS | admissions.hku.hk |
| Mainland Gaokao (NJCEE) student | HKU Mainland Admissions | HKU Mainland page |
What programmes and faculties does HKU offer?
HKU teaches undergraduates across many faculties and schools. Its 2027 international guide lists the Faculties of Architecture, Arts, Dentistry, Education, Engineering, Law, Science and Social Sciences, the HKU Business School and the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine. It also lists the Schools of Computing and Data Science, Biomedical Engineering, Innovation and Future Media.
Requirements change a lot between programmes. Medicine (MBBS) asks for far more than a general Science or Arts degree.
What grades does HKU ask for?
HKU publishes an "expected lower boundary for admissions" for each programme. HKU says achieving better than this is "not a guarantee for admissions". Treat these figures as a floor, not a target.
HKU's stated lower boundaries for 2027 entry, by school system.
The table shows the ranges HKU lists in its 2027 international guide. IB runs from 34 points for many programmes to 43 for MBBS. A-Level often starts at 1A* 2A and reaches 4A* for MBBS. SAT figures start at 1380 and rise by programme. For HKDSE, HKU's general minimum is English 3, Chinese 3, Maths 2, Citizenship and Social Development "Attained" and two electives at Level 3.
| School system | HKU's stated lower boundary (2027 guide) |
|---|---|
| IB Diploma | 34 points (many programmes) up to 43 (MBBS); full Diploma with CAS, TOK and EE |
| GCE A-Level / International A-Level | Often 1A* 2A; up to 4A* (MBBS) |
| SAT / AP | SAT from 1380, rising by programme; AP combinations also listed |
| HKDSE (general minimum) | English 3, Chinese 3, Maths 2, CSD Attained, two electives Level 3 |
| ACT | "May be considered" on comparable achievements |
| Gaokao | No minimum stated; priority to total score, English score and interview |
| Indian boards and others | Check the official page |
What do some programmes ask for?
Examples from HKU's 2027 international guide:
| Programme | IB Diploma | A-Level |
|---|---|---|
| MBBS (Medicine) | 43 | 4A* |
| LLB (Law) | 40 | 3A* |
| BBA (Business Administration) | 38 | 3A* |
| BSc (Science) | 34 | 1A* 2A |
| BA (Arts) | 34 | 1A* 2A |
Always check the programme's own page before you plan. HKU says the figures will be updated "to reflect the competitive range". If your child is doing the IB, our IB Diploma Programme guide explains how the 45 points add up.
What is HKU's HKDSE minimum (the "332A" rule)?
HKU's general HKDSE entrance requirement is Level 3 in English, Level 3 in Chinese, Level 2 in Maths, "Attained" in Citizenship and Social Development, and Level 3 in two electives. This is only the general floor. Popular programmes look at far higher scores using their own scoring formulas, shown on HKU's HKDSE admissions page.
HKU also has a "flexible arrangement". A student with Level 2 instead of Level 3 in Chinese, English or an elective may still be considered. They must put the programme as a Band A choice, pass an interview, and accept a 10% deduction on their score.
When are the HKU application deadlines for 2027 entry?
Deadlines depend on your route.
Official dates for 2027 entry across HKU's routes.
The International/Non-JUPAS application opened on 23 September 2026. The first-round deadline is 25 November 2026 at noon, and referees must submit grades by 1 December 2026. The JUPAS deadline is 2 December 2026. The Mainland deadline is 28 June 2027, and International applications close on 25 August 2027.
International/Non-JUPAS dates
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| 23 Sept 2026 | Application opens |
| 25 Nov 2026, 12:00 noon HKT | Submit for first-round evaluation |
| 1 Dec 2026 | Counsellors and referees submit predicted or actual grades and documents |
| From Dec 2026 | First-round results released |
| After 25 Nov 2026 | Rolling review |
| 25 Aug 2027, 12:00 noon HKT | Applications close |
Source: HKU International Qualifications page. HKU says applications received by the first-round deadline are evaluated first. You normally have three to four weeks to accept an offer.
JUPAS dates (local HKDSE students)
The EdUHK JUPAS calendar lists 2 December 2026 as the JUPAS application deadline, with provisional dates of 14 July 2027 for 2027 HKDSE results and 4 August 2027 for main round offers. The JUPAS website lists other 2027 deadlines:
- Other Experiences and Achievements (OEA): 20 January 2027
- School Reference Report: 17 March 2027
- School Principal's Nominations: 10 May 2027
- Student Learning Profile: 26 May 2027
- Confirmation of HKDSE exam year(s): 16 June 2027
News reports say the JUPAS fee is HK$500, or HK$1,000 for late applications. Check the JUPAS site to confirm.
Mainland Gaokao dates
HKU's Mainland page sets the 2027 deadline at 28 June 2027, noon. Students upload Gaokao scores after release. Interviews are in late June, and offers go out from late June to 7 July 2027. The Multi-faceted Excellence Admissions scheme has a first-round deadline of 31 December 2026 and a final deadline of 22 March 2027, with results in May 2027. HKU also warns it has no agents in the Mainland. Our Gaokao guide explains the exam itself.
How much does it cost to apply, and what documents do I need?
The International/Non-JUPAS fee is HK$780 and is non-refundable. The Mainland route fee is also HK$780. You may list up to three programme choices, and you cannot change them after you submit.
HKU says applicants must enter all academic results, both predicted and actual. Uploaded documents are used to check these results. Plan to have:
- School transcripts and predicted grades (for example IB or A-Level predictions).
- Test score reports (SAT, AP, IELTS or TOEFL if used).
- A personal statement.
- A reference from a counsellor or teacher.
- Final results, which you need to confirm an offer.
If your child takes A-Levels, check the A-Level exam dates for 2027 so final results arrive in time.
Book a free demo class to plan your child's maths and science grades for HKU, or see our plans and fees.
What English test score does HKU need?
HKU teaches in English, so every applicant must meet its English requirement. The rules below are on HKU's English language requirement page, marked "subject to approval".
| Test or qualification | HKU requirement |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 overall, at least 6.0 in Writing and Speaking, same sitting |
| TOEFL iBT (taken on or after 21 Jan 2026) | 5.0 overall, at least 5.0 in Writing and Speaking |
| TOEFL iBT (taken before 21 Jan 2026) | 95 overall, at least 25 in Writing and Speaking |
| SAT | 610 in Reading and Writing |
| IB | English A grade 5, or English B grade 6 |
| GCSE / IGCSE | Grade B or 6 in English |
| AS / A-Level | Grade C in English Language or Literature |
| HKDSE | English Level 3 |
| India | 90% in Grade 12 English |
Tests must be taken within two years of the programme start. HKU does not accept IELTS Online, IELTS Indicator or TOEFL Home Edition. Choosing between the SAT and the ACT? HKU uses SAT figures and says ACT "may be considered". Our SAT vs ACT guide compares them.
Does HKU interview applicants?
Some programmes do. HKU says shortlisted International applicants may be invited to interviews between November and January. Later applications are handled case by case. Not every programme or applicant needs an interview, and an invitation does not show your chances. Interview performance is one of the factors HKU uses.
How much are HKU tuition fees for 2027/28?
These are HKU's 2027/28 yearly fees from its tuition and living expenses page.
| Student group | Yearly tuition (2027/28) |
|---|---|
| Local students eligible for subsidised fees | HK$49,500 (tentative) |
| Non-local and non-subsidised: STEM faculties and schools | HK$280,000 |
| Non-local and non-subsidised: non-STEM faculties and schools | HK$250,000 |
| MBBS and BDS | HK$590,000 |
HKU lists residential halls at HK$17,290 to HK$37,940 a year and living expenses of up to HK$50,000 a year. On accepting an offer, HKU asks for a deposit of HK$5,000 (local) or HK$20,000 (non-local), subject to change.
What scholarships does HKU offer?
HKU considers every applicant for Entrance Scholarships automatically. There is no separate application, and results come with the offer. HKU says top awards can reach a full tuition waiver plus an accommodation scholarship and a living allowance each year. Hundreds of merit-based scholarships are also open after enrolment, through scholarships.hku.hk.
What is the step-by-step plan from Grade 9 to an HKU offer?
The HKU admission path in four stages.
The path has four stages. First, pick your route and programmes. Next, build strong grades and the English level HKU asks for. Then apply by the first-round or JUPAS deadline. Finally, interview if invited and confirm the offer with final results.
- Grade 9 (Year 10): Read HKU programme pages. Note any subject rules. Build a strong maths and science base, since many HKU programmes need it.
- Grade 10 (Year 11): Choose IB, A-Level, AP or HKDSE subjects that fit your target programmes. Sit GCSE or IGCSE English with HKU's level in mind.
- Grade 11 (Year 12): Aim to beat HKU's lower boundary, not just meet it. Plan an English test if your school results will not cover it. Start a list of activities and awards.
- Summer before Grade 12: Shortlist three programmes. Draft the personal statement. Ask a teacher for a reference.
- Grade 12, September to November: Apply online from 23 September. Submit by 25 November for first-round review, or by 2 December for JUPAS.
- Grade 12, November to January: Prepare for interviews. Keep grades high, as predictions matter.
- Results season: Send final results to confirm the offer. Pay the deposit by the date in the offer letter.
Comparing other Asian universities? See our guides on how to get into NUS, NTU and Tsinghua University.
What common mistakes should families avoid?
- Using the wrong route. A non-local HKDSE student does not use JUPAS. HKU sends them to the International/Non-JUPAS route.
- Applying twice. HKU allows only one application across its three routes.
- Missing the first round. Applications in by 25 November 2026 are evaluated first.
- Treating the lower boundary as a target. HKU says it is not a guarantee.
- Taking a home-edition English test. IELTS Online and TOEFL Home Edition are not accepted.
- Paying an agent. HKU says it has no Mainland agents. Apply directly.
How Asymptode helps you with getting into HKU
HKU's science, engineering, business and medicine programmes ask for strong maths and science results. That is true whether your child takes the HKDSE through JUPAS, or IB, A-Level, SAT or AP through the International/Non-JUPAS route.
At Asymptode, a qualified mentor teaches your child one-to-one, live and online. The mentor follows your child's own syllabus and plans back from the real dates. For International/Non-JUPAS, the first-round deadline is 25 November 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong time, and applications close on 25 August 2027.
Between classes, your child gets practice built just for them. It is a worksheet made from what their last attempt showed they had not yet understood, at their level, never generic. It is Asymptode's AI-assisted practice, written to the mentor's brief and sent only after the mentor approves it.
The mentor marks the work. You see what your child understood and what to practise next, so preparation keeps correcting itself towards HKU. For the English test, interviews and other non-maths parts, the mentor helps with planning only. HKU makes its own admission decisions.
Talk to an advisor to book a free demo class, or see our fees.
Facts checked against official sources on 7 November 2026.
FAQ
Is HKU hard to get into?
HKU is competitive, and HKU does not publish one acceptance rate for all programmes. Its stated grades are a floor, and it says meeting them is not a guarantee. Aim above the lower boundary for your programme.
What IB score do I need for HKU?
HKU's 2027 guide lists an expected lower boundary of 34 points for many programmes, up to 43 for MBBS. You must complete the full IB Diploma, including CAS, TOK and the Extended Essay. Check your programme's page for subject rules.
Can international students apply to HKU with A-Levels?
Yes. A-Level students apply through the International/Non-JUPAS route. HKU's 2027 guide often lists 1A* 2A as the lower boundary, rising to 4A* for MBBS. Predicted grades are used for first-round review.
What is the HKU application deadline for 2027 entry?
For International/Non-JUPAS applicants, submit by 25 November 2026 at noon Hong Kong time for first-round review. Applications close on 25 August 2027. JUPAS closes on 2 December 2026, and the Mainland route closes on 28 June 2027.
How much does HKU cost for international students?
For 2027/28, HKU lists HK$280,000 a year for STEM programmes and HK$250,000 for non-STEM programmes. MBBS and BDS cost HK$590,000 a year. The application fee is HK$780.
Can Gaokao students apply to HKU?
Yes. Mainland Gaokao students apply through HKU Mainland Admissions, not the International route. HKU gives priority to the Gaokao total, the English score and interview performance. The 2027 deadline is 28 June 2027. You can also read our guide on how to get into Peking University.
Ready to start? Book a free demo class and advisor call, or see our plans and fees.