The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology(HKUST) is a world- leading and continuously growing public research university known globally for its top- notch degree programs. It is among the most preferred universities by students looking for higher education in Hong Kong. With a low acceptance rate of 35%, HKUST is highly selective with its applicants requiring excellent academic and overall students profile along with research interest in the relevant subject area to get admission. The university is highly diverse with 70% international students coming from around the world.

HKUST offers UG, PG, PG diploma, and honors degree programs in the field of Science, Engineering, Business and Management, Humanities, Social Sciences and various other interdisciplinary subjects. The university has admission intake twice a year during fall and spring seasons. Students can apply via the university application portal along with an application fee of 450HK$. The tuition fee of the programs ranges from 115,000 HK$- 585,000 HK$.

Also Check: Admission in Hong Kong Universities

Highlights

College Type Public Research University
Foundation 1991
Location Clear Water Bay Peninsula, Hong Kong
Enrolments 16,195
Application Portal HKUST Online Application Portal
Standardised Test Scores For Undergraduates: ACT/ SAT For Post- Graduate: GMAT/GRE
English Proficiency Test Score IELTS, TOEFL, DET
Application Fee 180 HK$- 450 HK$
Study Mode Full- time, Part- time.
Academic Pattern Semester -based
Financial Aid Scholarships, Loans.
Helpdesk Tel: +852 2358 8888

The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology Top Programs

HKUST offers both full time and part time programs at UG and PG level for 1-2 years. Below are the top programs offered by the university along with their duration and course fee:

Programs Duration Tuition Fee( in HK$)
Masters of Business Administration Full-time: 12 or 16 months Part-time: 18 months Full-time: 585,000 Part-time: 450,000
Master of Science in Biotechnology Full-time: 1 year Part-time: 1.5 years Full-time: 128,000 Part-time:115,000
Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering Full-time: 1 year Part-time: 2 years Full-time: 147,000 Part-time:120,000
Masters of Arts in Social Science Full-time: 1 year Part-time: 2 years 126,000
Masters of Science in Environmental Health and Safety Full-time : 1 year Part-time : 2 years 130,000
Masters of Science in Financial Technology Full-time: 1 year Part-time: 2 years 300,000
Master of Science in International Management Full Time: 1 year 347,000

The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology International Admissions 

Prospective international candidates are advised to apply at the earliest for undergraduate and post- graduate programs as the university is highly competitive and accepts admission only till the availability of seats.

Candidates applying for any program must have ACT/ SAT test scores for UG admissions and GMAT/ GRE test scores for PG along with proof of English language proficiency.

The application requirement for international students at HKUST is listed below:

  • Application Portal: HKUST Online Application Portal.
  • Application Fee: 450HK$
  • Application Requirement:
    • Complete application form.
    • Identity proof.
    • Copies of official transcripts and degree qualification certificates.
    • Institution Grading System Details
    • ACT/ SAT score (for UG), GMAT/ GRE scores (for PG)
    • Academic references.
    • Proof of scores of the tests to study in Hong Kong.

Admission Deadlines

The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology deadlines vary from course to course. deadlines for all its programs and courses.

The admission intake is twice a year during Fall and Spring season and candidates are requested to visit their relevant course site to check the deadline.

Also Check: Admission Deadlines of Top Universities in Hong Kong

English Proficiency Test Score for international students

HKUST approves TOEFL and IELTS as the English language requirement test from international applicants who are not from English-speaking countries. ELP tests can be waived for international candidates if their first language is English, or they have obtained the bachelor's degree (or equivalent) from an institution where the medium of instruction was English.

The minimum score accepted by the university is tabulated below:

Tests Scores
TOEFL iBT 80- above
TOEFL PBT 550- above
TOEFL Revised paper-delivered test 60- above
IELTS Academic Overall 6.5 with no band less than 5.5
Duolingo English Test (DET) 105- above

Visa Process for International Students

After accepting the admission offered from the university, candidates can apply for a Hong Kong student visa or an entry permit for their education at HKUST. International applicants are recommended to report two weeks prior to the commencement of their programs hence they should submit their application form at the earliest so that they can have ample time for visa process.

An amount of 550 HK$ is required to be paid along with the visa application/ study permit form.

The following documents are required for visa application:

  • Visa/ Entry permit application form.
  • Photocopy of identity proof (residence record, deed poll, marriage certificate, etc).
  • Photocopy of admission offer letter.
  • Photocopy of travel documents.
  • Photocopy of financial proof (e.g. Bank statement, scholarship/ sponsorship offer letter)

After completing the visa application form along with supporting documents, candidates must mail it to HKUST where they will forward it to the Hong Kong Immigration Department.

After approval from the IMMD, HKUST will collect their visa and deliver it to the candidate's address.

The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology Undergraduate Admissions

HKUST UG programs cover 45 majors and 24 minors in Engineering, Business and Management, Humanities, Social Science, and other interdisciplinary areas of programs. Candidates can apply in more than one subject and choose their majors and minors based on their interest.

The general application requirement for undergraduate programs at HKUST is as follows:

  • Application Portal: HKUST Application Portal.
  • Application Fee: 450HK$
  • Application Requirement:
    • Complete application form
    • Complete high school qualification with academic transcripts and qualification certificates
    • SAT or ACT scores/ International Baccalaureate or equivalent academic record.
    • ELP Score
    • Some programs may require candidates to have certain core subjects in their high school academics, hence candidates must visit the course site for core curriculum requirements.

The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology Graduate Admissions 

HKUST offers both research and taught postgraduate programs in a wide range of disciplines, leading to graduate diplomas, master's and doctoral degrees. The post- graduate programs of HKUST are designed to provide students intensive training on professional careers and enhance their research skills as well.

The general application requirement for masters programs is as follows:

  • Application Portal: HKUST Application Portal.
  • Application Fee: 180 HK$
  • Application Requirement:
    • Complete application form.
    • UG degree in relevant academic subject or equivalent.
    • Identity proof.
    • Copies of official transcripts and degree qualification certificates
    • Proof of English Proficiency Test Scores
    • GMAT/ GRE test scores (for specific programs only).
    • Letter of Recommendation
  • Programs- specific requirements (varies)

Below are some top programs offered by HKUST along with their requirements:

Programs Requirements Duration Tuition Fee(in HK$) Deadlines
MBA UG degree, GMAT/ GRE score, work experience of two years Full-time: 12 or 16 months Part-time: 18 months Full-time: 585,000 Part-time: 450,000 -
Master of Science in Biotechnology UG in biological science or relevant, ELP score, basic knowledge in biotechnology Full-time: 1 year Part-time: 1.5 years Full-time: 128,000 Part-time: 115,000 For Fall term: Full-time: 1 Jun 2023 Part-time: 1 Jun 2023 For Spring Term: Full-time: 1 Nov 2023 Part-time: 1 Nov 2023
Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering UG degree or equivalent, ELP score Full-time: 1 year Part-time: 2 years Full-time: 147,000 Part-time: 120,000 For Fall Term: Full-time: 1 Jan 2023 (Round 1); 1 Apr 2023 (Round 2); Part-time: 1 Jan 2023 (Round 1); 1 Apr 2023 (Round 2) For Spring Term: Full-time: 1 Nov 2023 Part-time: 1 Nov 2023
Masters of Arts in Social Science UG degree or equivalent , ELP score Full-time: 1 year Part-time: 2 years 126,000 For Fall term: Full-time: 8 Feb 2023 Part-time: 8 Feb 2023 For Spring Term: Full-time: 11 Nov 2023 Part-time: 11 Nov 2023
Masters of Science in Environmental Health and Safety UG honors with 55% in life science, chemistry, environmental science or relevant with strong interest in environmental health and safety issues, ELP score. Full-time : 1 year Part-time : 2 years 130,000 For Fall Term: Full-time: 1 Jun 2023 Part-time: 1 Jun 2023

Prospective international candidates applying for programs at HKUST have the benefit of enjoying top- notch education in one of the finest campuses in Hong-Kong with state- of the art facilities and research technologies.

The programs at HKUST are designed to enhance and foster students' research and multidisciplinary approach focusing on global influence and impact thus increasing their career capabilities in job markets.

FAQs

Ques. Is HKUST expensive?

Ans. Honk Kong is an expensive city in terms of education and accommodation, but various scholarships and loans can help international students with their financial burden.

Ques. Do I need standardised test scores while applying for programs at HKUST?

Ans. Yes, international applicants need to submit SAT/ Act test scores (for undergraduate programs), GMAT/ GRE (post- graduate programs) while applying at HKUST.

Ques. Is English Language Test scores a mandatory requirement while applying at HKUST?

Ans. International applicants having completed their education from an English medium school can skip the English Language test scores.

Ques. What is the application fee at HKUST?

Ans. The application fee is between 180 HK$- 450 HK$ for programs at HKUST.

Ques. Can I apply for more than one program at HKUST?

Ans. Yes, HKUST offers dual degree programs and also interdisciplinary programs to international students.

Ques. Is there any visa application fee for international applicants or does the university cover the costs with other fees?

Ans. International candidates have to cover their own visa application fee i.e. 550HK$.

Ques. What is the application intake/ application deadline for programs at HKUST?

Ans. HKUST has application intakes during fall and Spring season and the application deadlines vary from programs to programs.