Canonical HTML: https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-applying-to-hong-kong-universities
Markdown URL: https://www.studyu.org/en/md/blog-applying-to-hong-kong-universities.md
Language: en
Meta title: Applying to Hong Kong Universities: 2027 Entry Guide
Meta description: How to apply to Hong Kong universities after school: certificate and national-exam rules at PolyU, CityUHK, CUHK, English tests, documents, fees, 2027 rounds.
Last modified: 2026-09-28

# Applying to Hong Kong Universities: School-Certificate Requirements, Documents and 2027 Deadlines for International Applicants

- [Home](https://www.studyu.org/en/)

- [Blog](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog)

You can enter a Hong Kong university straight after school, without a foundation year, if the university accepts your school-leaving qualification: PolyU and CityUHK list the Russian school certificate (attestat) together with the Unified State Exam (EGE), and CUHK requires a certificate average of at least 4.5 out of 5. Non-local students apply online to each university themselves, through the international (non-JUPAS) route. For 2027 entry HKU and PolyU opened on 23 September 2026 and HKUST on 2 October, and the first rounds close between 17 and 25 November 2026. Besides the school record you need English (usually IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5), translated transcripts and a personal statement; some programmes interview.

This guide covers what universities say about Russian, Kazakh and Kyrgyz qualifications, how to prepare documents, when to apply, what happens after the offer, and where applicants most often lose their place. To shortlist universities, start with [universities in Hong Kong](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-universities-in-hong-kong); for a country overview see [studying in Hong Kong](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-hongkong).

Part of the Chinese University of Hong Kong campus on a hillside, Hong Kong. Photo: Citobun / [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chinese_University_of_Hong_Kong_%E9%A6%99%E6%B8%AF%E4%B8%AD%E6%96%87%E5%A4%A7%E5%AD%B8.JPG), [CC BY-SA 3.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0).

## How the process works {#section-1}

| Stage | What happens | When (2027 entry) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Choose programmes | up to two programme choices in one PolyU or CityUHK application; a separate application for each university | summer–September 2026 |
| English test | IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT taken no more than two years before the start of study | before applying or before meeting offer conditions |
| Online application | enter all results in the system, upload documents, pay the fee | from 23 September (HKU, PolyU) and 2 October 2026 (HKUST) |
| First round | applications reviewed early, against the full set of places | by 17 November (PolyU) and 25 November (HKU, HKUST) |
| Interview | for some programmes only, often online | November–May depending on the university |
| Offer | conditional (on predicted results) or unconditional | from December 2026 |
| Accept the offer | non-refundable acceptance payment | by the date in the letter; HKU allows 3–4 weeks |
| Student visa | the university sponsors, the Immigration Department decides | right after accepting; allow 8–10 weeks |

There is no central system for international applicants. Local students with HKDSE results use JUPAS, but non-local applicants cannot, even with HKDSE results — CityUHK states that all non-local applicants must apply directly.

## Can you apply with a Russian school certificate? {#section-2}

Yes, but requirements differ, and almost every university reads the certificate together with the national exam.

| University | Russia | Kazakhstan | Kyrgyzstan |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [PolyU](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-polyu) | certificate of secondary general education and EGE | certificate and UNT, or NIS Grade 12 certificate | certificate and ORT |
| [CityUHK](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-cityu) | certificate with excellent grades and EGE | certificate with excellent grades and UNT, or NIS Grade 12 with three Higher Level subjects | certificate with excellent grades and ORT |
| [CUHK](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-chinese-university-of-hong-kong) (requirements page, September 2026) | certificate average of at least 4.5 out of 5; high EGE scores recommended for a competitive application | grade 4 or above in every subject and UNT of 80% or more | grade 4 or above in every subject and ORT of 80% or more |
| [HKU](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-university-of-hong-kong), [HKUST](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-hong-kong-university-of-science-and-technology) | Russia appears in their qualification lists; thresholds are shown per programme in interactive tables | same | same |

In practice a certificate without EGE is a weak application at these universities. Hong Kong universities do not publish EGE cut-offs, so focus on the subjects that matter for the programme: maths and physics or computer science for engineering and computing, maths for business. HKU and CityUHK also consider unlisted qualifications individually, and CityUHK generally recognises qualifications earned after 12–13 years of schooling.

Applicants from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Azerbaijan should check each university's requirements page first; PolyU, for example, lists these countries separately. Citizens of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan and Moldova also need a visa even for a short visit, so plan any trip for an interview or open day well ahead.

## Other routes: IB, A-levels, SAT and transfers {#section-3}

If you attend an international school, requirements are easier to read:

- IB Diploma. PolyU says successful applicants in recent years typically scored 32 or more, and candidates predicted 30+ may be invited to interview. CityUHK can admit IB holders with 30+ points with Advanced Standing I.
- A-levels. PolyU expects grade B or above in three subjects; CityUHK's minimum is grade E in three. The gap shows that the minimum and the real competition are different things.
- US high school diploma. PolyU asks for an 80% school average, SAT 1190+ or ACT 24+, and two AP exams at grade 3 or above; CityUHK uses a similar SAT/ACT threshold. See also [SAT or ACT](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-sat-or-act).
- Transferring after a first year at university. You normally apply as a first-year entrant; CityUHK may grant Advanced Standing I to holders of a 13-year school qualification or partially completed degree study. The programme decides which courses are exempted.
- Mature applicants. HKU treats applicants who turn 25 by 1 September of the admission year as meeting the minimum requirements, but asks for evidence of academic or professional experience.

## English requirements {#section-4}

| University | IELTS Academic | TOEFL iBT | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| PolyU | 6.0 | 80 (tests before 21 January 2026) or 4.5 on the new scale | test within two years of the start of study; IELTS Online, Indicator and One Skill Retake not accepted |
| CityUHK | 6.5 | 79, or 4.5 on the new scale | single test date, no MyBest scores; home and online editions not accepted |
| CUHK | 6.0 | 80 or 4.5 on the new scale (stated for 2026 entry) | TOEFL threshold under review for 2027 entry; IELTS Online, Indicator and One Skill Retake not accepted |
| HKU, HKUST | by programme | by programme | check the programme page |

A school education in English does not replace a test certificate at PolyU, which says so explicitly.

## Documents {#section-5}

1. Passport details in the application; a scan will be needed later for the visa.
2. Transcripts for the last two school years (or college/university transcripts) and the certificate if already issued. Before graduation, universities assess current and predicted results.
3. EGE, UNT or ORT results, or the date they will be available.
4. English translations. PolyU requires official translations of documents not in English or Chinese; CityUHK wants a translation certified by the awarding body, school or university. Your name must match your passport.
5. English test certificate or test date.
6. Personal statement. At CityUHK you write an Applicant Statement for each programme: why CityUHK, career goals, experience and service.
7. References and portfolio only if the programme asks. Schools can submit predicted grades and references through PolyU's Academic Referee section or HKU's counsellor portal.

HKU has an important rule: you must type all results, including predicted grades, into the application system; uploaded scans alone are not enough and may lead to rejection.

Do not post originals in advance. They are verified at the final stage: PolyU asks for official transcripts sent directly by the issuing bodies, and CityUHK may request originals before study begins. If documents cannot be verified, the place is withdrawn and fees are not refunded.

## What applying costs {#section-6}

| Payment | Amount | Refundable |
| --- | --- | --- |
| PolyU application fee | HK$600 (about $76), up to two programmes | no |
| CityUHK application fee, 2027 entry | HK$600 (about $76), up to two programmes | no |
| PolyU initial payment to accept the offer | HK$20,000 (about $2,550), credited to first-semester tuition | no |
| CityUHK acceptance fee | HK$15,000 (about $1,910), credited to tuition | no |
| HKU deposit | stated in the offer | no |
| Visa sponsorship at CityUHK | HK$600 (about $76) administrative fee plus the government visa fee | no |

Annual tuition, housing and living costs are covered in our [cost of studying in Hong Kong](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-cost-of-studying-in-hong-kong) guide. Applicants paying from Russia can read about legal payment routes in [how to pay for studies abroad from Russia](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-how-to-pay-for-studies-abroad-from-russia).

## Timeline for 2027 entry {#section-7}

- September 2026: HKU and PolyU open on 23 September, HKUST on 2 October.
- By 17 November 2026: PolyU early round.
- By 25 November 2026, noon HKT: HKU first round and HKUST priority round. At HKU, predicted grades and school references should be in by 1 December.
- From December 2026: first HKU offers; HKUST from late December.
- 11 February 2027: PolyU main round.
- Spring–summer 2027: late applications if places remain — PolyU until 14 May, HKUST until 30 June, HKU until 25 August. PolyU says that if you have heard nothing by mid-July, the application was unsuccessful.
- June–August 2027: visas; HKU advises applying for the visa as soon as you hold a firm or conditional offer and allowing 8–10 weeks.

For 2027 entry CityUHK accepts applications from 24 September 2026: the early round closes on 15 November 2026 (results in December) and the main round on 15 January 2027 (results February–May).

A late round is almost always weaker than an early one, because applications compete for the remaining places. If your IELTS is still pending, it is usually better to apply in the first round with a test date than to wait for a higher score.

## Selection: what matters besides grades {#section-8}

Universities assess applications as a whole. CityUHK lists academic qualifications, results in relevant subjects, interview performance and portfolios, and treats activities and work experience as supplementary information. PolyU runs a separate scheme, STARS (Special Talents Admission and Recognition), for applicants with outstanding non-academic achievements. Interviews at PolyU are not compulsory for everyone: departments invite shortlisted candidates, and rescheduling may not be possible. CityUHK interviews, when required, can take place by phone or video.

Year one is often broad. At PolyU you can apply directly to a department or to a broad Bachelor's Degree Scheme (for example, engineering) and choose the major after year one based on academic ranking. If you want a specific major for certain, apply to it directly.

## After the offer: payment, visa and housing {#section-9}

1. Accept on time and pay the acceptance fee. PolyU and CityUHK let you hold only one accepted offer at a time; if you switch to a later offer at the same university, the fee is transferred.
2. Start the visa immediately. The university acts as local sponsor and submits to the Immigration Department; PolyU asks you to submit the visa package as soon as you have accepted the offer and paid the first debit note. You need financial evidence: the Immigration Department sets no minimum figure, but you must show you can pay tuition, housing and living costs without working. The university's first-year budget is a practical benchmark. See our [Hong Kong student visa and IANG](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-hong-kong-student-visa-and-iang) guide.
3. Apply for a hall. PolyU and HKUST house non-local students in year one. CityUHK guarantees no room: junior years get priority and you reapply every May–June. Budget for rent from year two, and at CityUHK keep a fallback even for year one.
4. If you are under 18. Parents sign a consent letter and appoint a guardian in Hong Kong; at PolyU this can be the university itself.

You cannot come to study on visa-free entry. Russian citizens may stay up to 14 days without a visa, but only as visitors, and visitors are not allowed to study.

## Common mistakes {#section-10}

- Applying with a certificate but no EGE or UNT. At PolyU and CityUHK the exam is part of the requirement.
- Waiting for the final certificate before applying. Universities accept predicted and current results, and first rounds close in November.
- Leaving results out of the HKU form. A scan without the fields filled in does not count.
- Taking a home edition of IELTS or TOEFL. PolyU, CityUHK and CUHK do not accept home or online versions.
- Trusting anyone who says admission is certain. HKU publicly states that it does not authorise intermediaries to admit students and has no "internal recommendation" route; only the university decides.
- Leaving the visa until summer. June–August is peak season at the Immigration Department, and a student without a visa cannot enrol.

## FAQ {#faq}

### Do I need a foundation year after Russian year 11?

Not for PolyU or CityUHK if you have the certificate, EGE and the required English: both list these as sufficient. For the most competitive HKU and CUHK programmes, a strong candidate with only the certificate may lose out to IB and A-level students, so a year in an international programme can improve your chances.

### What EGE scores do I need?

Universities do not publish an EGE threshold. Aim for high scores in the subjects your programme requires and a certificate average of at least 4.5, the minimum CUHK states.

### Can I apply to several Hong Kong universities?

Yes. Applications to different universities are independent and there is no overall limit. Within one university the number of programme choices is limited: two each at PolyU and CityUHK.

### Are there entrance exams?

Generally no separate exams for international applicants: universities assess documents, English and, for some programmes, an interview or portfolio. Creative programmes, such as those of CityUHK's School of Creative Media, require a portfolio.

### How long does assessment take?

HKU first-round results start in December; PolyU replies by mid-July at the latest. HKU suggests allowing 4–6 weeks for assessment and another 8–10 weeks for the visa after the offer.

### Is there a spring intake?

Not for PolyU bachelor's degrees, which have a single September intake, and bachelor's programmes at other universities also mainly start in autumn.

### Do olympiads and activities help?

They count as supplementary information, and at PolyU they can support a STARS application. HKUST runs a separate scholarship scheme for international olympiad medalists.

## Sources {#section-12}

- [HKU: International Qualifications (2027 dates, application rules, statement on intermediaries)](https://admissions.hku.hk/apply/international-qualifications)
- [HKUST: International Qualifications](https://join.hkust.edu.hk/admissions/international-qualifications); [HKUST: Fees and Scholarships (Olympiad Medalists)](https://join.hkust.edu.hk/fees-and-scholarships)
- [PolyU: General Entrance Requirements](https://www.polyu.edu.hk/study/ug/admissions/international-other-qualifications/international-other-qualifications-general); [English Language Requirements](https://www.polyu.edu.hk/study/ug/admissions/international-other-qualifications/international-other-qualifications-english); [Application Procedures](https://www.polyu.edu.hk/study/ug/admissions/international-other-qualifications/international-other-qualifications-application-0); [Tuition Fees](https://www.polyu.edu.hk/study/ug/admissions/international-other-qualifications/international-other-qualifications-tuition-fees); [FAQ](https://www.polyu.edu.hk/study/ug/admissions/international-other-qualifications/international-other-qualifications-frequently); [Students Under 18](https://www.polyu.edu.hk/study/ug/admissions/international-other-qualifications/international-other-qualifications-students-under); [2027/28 information sheet (PDF)](https://www.polyu.edu.hk/saso/docdrive/Public/AdmissionLeaflets/HK%20PolyU_infosheet_2728.pdf)
- [CityUHK: International Admission](https://www.cityu.edu.hk/admo/admissions/international-admissions); [Accommodation](https://www.cityu.edu.hk/admo/accommodation); [Non-local FAQ](https://www.cityu.edu.hk/admo/faq?kind=nonlocal_applicants); [Fees and Scholarships](https://www.cityu.edu.hk/admo/fees-and-scholarships)
- [CUHK: Requirements for international qualifications](https://admission.cuhk.edu.hk/application/overseas-other-qualifications-non-local-international-team/requirements/)
- [Immigration Department: Students](https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/study.html); [Visit visa requirements](https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/visit-transit/visit-visa-entry-permit.html)
- [ECB reference rates](https://www.ecb.europa.eu/stats/eurofxref/eurofxref-daily.xml); [HKMA: Linked Exchange Rate System](https://www.hkma.gov.hk/eng/key-functions/money/linked-exchange-rate-system/)

USD amounts use the ECB reference rate of 28 September 2026 (about HK$7.845 per $1; the Hong Kong dollar is pegged to the US dollar within a 7.75–7.85 band). Larger amounts are rounded to $10.

If you want to check whether your certificate and exam results fit your chosen programmes and whether you can make the November rounds, [send us a request](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply).

During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step.

## Next steps

- [Cost of Studying in Hong Kong for International Students: University Fees, Housing, Living Costs and One-Off Payments for 2026/27 and 2027/28](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-cost-of-studying-in-hong-kong)
- [Hong Kong Student Visa and IANG: How Universities Sponsor Your Entry Permit, What It Costs and How to Stay After Graduation](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-hong-kong-student-visa-and-iang)
- [Universities in Hong Kong for International Students: the Eight Public Universities, Self-Financing Options and How to Choose](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-universities-in-hong-kong)
- [How to Pay for Studies Abroad from Russia: What Works in 2026](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-how-to-pay-for-studies-abroad-from-russia)
- [SAT or ACT: Which Test to Take for US Admission in 2026–27](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-sat-or-act)
- [Studying in Hong Kong for international applicants](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-hongkong)

Updated: September 2026