Home › Colleges › Hong Kong › Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (HKUST)
30%
Acceptance rate
~$26k
Tuition / yr
6.5
IELTS required
45%
Intl students
1991
Founded
#47
QS World rank
World-renowned for business & tech; #1 Kellogg-HKUST EMBA. This guide covers Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (HKUST)'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 Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (HKUST)
Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (HKUST) is best known for Business, Data Science, Engineering. Popular programs for international students include:
- MSc Computer Science
- MSc Big Data Technology
- MSc Financial Tech
- MBA (Kellogg-HKUST)
- MSc Electronic Eng
Class profile: STEM & business powerhouse; English-taught. Notable alumni: Fintech & tech founders.
✅ Entry requirements
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 80 |
| PTE Academic | 62 |
| Duolingo English Test | 110 |
| GRE | Recommended |
| GMAT (MBA) | 680 |
| 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 Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (HKUST).
💰 Fees & cost of studying
| Tuition (international) | ≈ HKD 200k/yr |
| Application fee | HKD 300 |
| Living costs (est.) | ≈ HKD 50,000–80,000/yr |
| Scholarships | Postgraduate scholarships & RA/TA |
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 30% acceptance, aim above the minimums — target IELTS 7+ 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 Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (HKUST) and connect your background to them — generic essays are the #1 reason strong profiles get rejected.
- Hit the English score first. Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (HKUST) needs IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 80 / PTE 62. Take a free full-length mock to find your weakest section before you book the real test.
- Prepare finances early. Budget for tuition (≈ HKD 200k/yr) plus living costs (≈ HKD 50,000–80,000/yr); visa officers want clear, stable proof of funds.
- Apply in the right intake. Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (HKUST)'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–Mar (varies) |
| Acceptance rate | 30% (competitive) |
All figures are indicative and change year to year — always confirm on the official site (hkust.edu.hk) before applying.
Frequently asked questions
- What IELTS score do I need for Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (HKUST)?
- Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (HKUST) typically requires IELTS 6.5 (TOEFL 80, PTE 62). GRE: Recommended.
- How much does Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (HKUST) cost?
- International tuition is approximately ≈ HKD 200k/yr, plus living costs of ≈ HKD 50,000–80,000/yr. Application fee: HKD 300.
- What is the acceptance rate at Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (HKUST)?
- Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (HKUST) has an indicative acceptance rate of about 30% (STEM & business powerhouse; English-taught).
- What are the intakes and deadlines at Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (HKUST)?
- Intakes: Fall (Sep). Typical deadline: Dec–Mar (varies).
- Is Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (HKUST) hard to get into?
- Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (HKUST) is competitive, with an indicative acceptance rate of about 30%. Aim above the minimum scores and build a standout profile.
- Does Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (HKUST) require GRE or GMAT?
- GRE: Recommended. GMAT (for MBA): 680. Always confirm the exact policy for your specific program on the official site.
- Can I work after studying at Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (HKUST)?
- 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 Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (HKUST)?
- Typically: Transcripts, SOP, LORs, CV, IELTS / TOEFL, GRE/GMAT (if required), Proof of funds, Admission letter, Passport. Check program-specific requirements before applying.
Keep going — free practice
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