Home › Colleges › Hong Kong › University of Hong Kong (HKU)
20%
Acceptance rate
~$22k
Tuition / yr
6
IELTS required
40%
Intl students
1911
Founded
#17
QS World rank
Asia's leading English-taught university; gateway to Greater China. This guide covers University of Hong Kong (HKU)'s courses, fees, English & academic requirements, scholarships, the step-by-step admission process, student-visa and post-study-work rules, and tips to get in — everything in one place.
▶ Predict my admission chances (free)📚 Courses & programs at University of Hong Kong (HKU)
University of Hong Kong (HKU) is best known for Business, Computer Science, Law. Popular programs for international students include:
- MSc Computer Science
- MSc Data Science
- MSc Financial Eng
- MBA
- MSc Electrical Eng
Class profile: Competitive Asian hub; English-taught. Notable alumni: Sun Yat-sen.
✅ Entry requirements
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 |
| TOEFL iBT | 80 |
| PTE Academic | 60 |
| Duolingo English Test | 105 |
| GRE | Recommended |
| GMAT (MBA) | 650 |
| Min GPA / grade | 3.0/4.0 |
| Work experience | 2–4 yrs (MBA only) |
💡
Below the English score? Don't pay to find out — take a free full-length IELTS mock (or PTE / TOEFL) and see your gap instantly. Full breakdown: IELTS score for University of Hong Kong (HKU).
💰 Fees & cost of studying
| Tuition (international) | ≈ HKD 170k/yr |
| Application fee | HKD 300 |
| Living costs (est.) | ≈ HKD 50,000–80,000/yr |
| Scholarships | HKU Foundation & entrance scholarships |
Plan your budget for tuition + living + health insurance + the visa fee. Compare funding with the free scholarship finder.
📝 Step-by-step admission process
📄 Documents checklist
- Transcripts
- SOP
- LORs
- CV
- IELTS / TOEFL
- GRE/GMAT (if required)
- Proof of funds
- Admission letter
- Passport
🛂 Student visa & post-study work · Hong Kong
- Student visa: Student visa
- Work while studying: On-campus + approved internships
- Post-study work: IANG: 24-month stay-back to work (no job offer needed)
🎯 Tips & tricks to get admission
- Beat the bar. With about 20% acceptance, aim above the minimums — target IELTS 6.5+ and a strong GPA, and lead with research, projects or publications.
- Write a tailored SOP. Name the exact program and 1–2 professors/labs at University of Hong Kong (HKU) and connect your background to them — generic essays are the #1 reason strong profiles get rejected.
- Hit the English score first. University of Hong Kong (HKU) needs IELTS 6 / TOEFL 80 / PTE 60. Take a free full-length mock to find your weakest section before you book the real test.
- Prepare finances early. Budget for tuition (≈ HKD 170k/yr) plus living costs (≈ HKD 50,000–80,000/yr); visa officers want clear, stable proof of funds.
- Apply in the right intake. University of Hong Kong (HKU)'s main intakes are Fall (Sep) — applying 4–6 months ahead keeps scholarships and on-campus housing open.
📅 Intakes & deadlines
| Intakes | Fall (Sep) |
| Typical deadline | Dec–Feb (varies) |
| Acceptance rate | 20% (competitive) |
All figures are indicative and change year to year — always confirm on the official site (hku.hk) before applying.
Frequently asked questions
- What IELTS score do I need for University of Hong Kong (HKU)?
- University of Hong Kong (HKU) typically requires IELTS 6 (TOEFL 80, PTE 60). GRE: Recommended.
- How much does University of Hong Kong (HKU) cost?
- International tuition is approximately ≈ HKD 170k/yr, plus living costs of ≈ HKD 50,000–80,000/yr. Application fee: HKD 300.
- What is the acceptance rate at University of Hong Kong (HKU)?
- University of Hong Kong (HKU) has an indicative acceptance rate of about 20% (Competitive Asian hub; English-taught).
- What are the intakes and deadlines at University of Hong Kong (HKU)?
- Intakes: Fall (Sep). Typical deadline: Dec–Feb (varies).
- Is University of Hong Kong (HKU) hard to get into?
- University of Hong Kong (HKU) is competitive, with an indicative acceptance rate of about 20%. Aim above the minimum scores and build a standout profile.
- Does University of Hong Kong (HKU) require GRE or GMAT?
- GRE: Recommended. GMAT (for MBA): 650. Always confirm the exact policy for your specific program on the official site.
- Can I work after studying at University of Hong Kong (HKU)?
- IANG: 24-month stay-back to work (no job offer needed) (Hong Kong). You can typically also work part-time while studying: On-campus + approved internships.
- What documents do I need to apply to University of Hong Kong (HKU)?
- Typically: Transcripts, SOP, LORs, CV, IELTS / TOEFL, GRE/GMAT (if required), Proof of funds, Admission letter, Passport. Check program-specific requirements before applying.