The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is a public research university founded in 1991 and focused on science, engineering, business and technology-driven social science. It is 33rd in the QS World University Rankings 2027. International applicants apply directly online, and 2027/28 non-local tuition is about $33,138 (HKD 260,000) a year.
HKUST is younger and more specialised than HKU or CUHK. Its identity is built on engineering, computer science, quantitative business and start-ups: the university counts more than 2,000 active start-ups founded or incubated through its community.
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HKUST's overall rank is lower than HKU's, but its engineering, computer science and business programmes carry more weight with technology and finance employers than the headline number suggests. Compare at subject level before you decide.
Non-local students are given university accommodation in their first year. For students admitted in fall 2026 the hall fee is about about $2,677–6,500 (HKD 21,000–51,000) per residential year, excluding meals, air-conditioning and laundry.
From the second year most international students rent off campus. HKUST's own estimate is about $574–2,294 (HKD 4,500–18,000) a month, so a shared flat in a nearby district is the realistic option for a mid-range budget.
HKUST lets you apply in three ways, and choosing well is half the strategy.
| Option | Examples | When you pick a major |
|---|---|---|
| School-based | Science (Group A or B), Engineering or Science with Extended Major in AI, Business and Management | spring of year 1 or fall of year 2 |
| Department-based | Computer Science and Engineering, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Mechanical and Aerospace, Civil and Environmental and three more engineering departments | within the department after one or more semesters |
| Program-based | BSc Biomedical and Health Sciences, BSc Risk Management and Business Intelligence, BSc Mathematics and Economics, BEng/BSc & BBA Dual Degree in Technology and Management | on admission |
You can list up to two choices. If you are sure about computer science, the department-based route is the direct path; if you are torn between physics and data science, the school-based Science option keeps both open.
| Date | Step |
|---|---|
| 2 October 2026 | Online application system opens |
| 25 November 2026 | Priority round deadline; also the deadline for non-academic scholarship applications |
| from 26 November 2026 | Applications considered on a rolling basis |
| late December 2026 onwards | Offers announced |
| 30 June 2027 | Application closes |
The application fee is about $76 (HKD 600). HKUST asks for school reports from grade 10 onwards, a personal statement, proof of English, public exam certificates where available, evidence of major prizes and the nomination of an academic referee.
HKUST's university-wide English minimum is IELTS Academic 6.0 overall, TOEFL iBT 80 for tests taken before 21 January 2026 or 4.5 on the new scale from that date, or equivalents such as C1 Advanced grade C or SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 590.
All applicants must also meet general admission and school- or program-specific requirements, which usually means strong mathematics for science, engineering and business. A school leaver with a high average but a weak maths record will struggle in any HKUST route.
Common mistakes:
| Item | Amount | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, non-local | $33,138 (HKD 260,000) | per academic year, 2027/28 |
| University accommodation | $2,677–6,500 (HKD 21,000–51,000) | per residential year, fall 2026 admits |
| Off-campus rent from year 2 | $574–2,294 (HKD 4,500–18,000) | per month, HKUST estimate |
| Personal expenses | about $7,647 (HKD 60,000) | per academic year |
| Application fee | $76 (HKD 600) | one-off |
For the first year, plan around $43,000–47,000 including tuition, a hall and personal spending. The second year is usually more expensive because of private rent.
Academic admission scholarships are awarded on merit, non-academic achievements and other criteria, and every applicant is considered automatically. Awards can be one-off or renewable; the maximum equals full tuition plus an allowance of $7,647 (HKD 60,000) a year for the normal length of study, subject to academic performance.
The Global Learners Scholarship adds a full tuition waiver for applicants from underrepresented nationalities, again without a separate form. Olympiad medallists have their own scheme, and the Future Leaders Award is a newer non-academic scholarship that needs its own application.
HKUST graduates are strongly represented in technology, engineering, finance and consulting, and the campus start-up ecosystem gives students early contact with founders. Non-local graduates can apply under IANG for up to 24 months of stay without a job offer, which is enough time for a proper job search.
Graduates aiming for research can continue at HKUST or apply to master's and PhD programmes abroad, where the university's engineering reputation carries well.
HKUST charges non-local undergraduates about $33,138 (HKD 260,000) per academic year in 2027/28. University accommodation adds about $2,677–6,500 (HKD 21,000–51,000) a year, and HKUST estimates personal expenses at around about $7,647 (HKD 60,000).
The online system opens on 2 October 2026 and the priority round closes on 25 November 2026. Applications after that are handled on a rolling basis until 30 June 2027, with offers from late December 2026.
The university-wide minimum is IELTS Academic 6.0 overall, or TOEFL iBT 80 for tests before 21 January 2026 and 4.5 on the new scale afterwards. Competitive programmes usually admit students well above the minimum.
Up to two choices, with the first treated as your highest priority. Each choice can be a school-based option such as Business and Management, a department-based engineering option or a specific program.
Yes. All applicants are considered for academic admission scholarships without a separate application; the largest cover full tuition plus $7,647 (HKD 60,000) a year. Students from underrepresented nationalities are also considered automatically for the Global Learners Scholarship, a full tuition waiver.
HKUST says non-local students are provided with university accommodation in their first year. From the second year, plan for off-campus rent of about about $574–2,294 (HKD 4,500–18,000) a month.
Want to study at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)?
Programme selection and application preparation are provided under an agreement with StudyU. Not sure whether to apply school-based or department-based? Send your maths and science grades and we map both HKUST choices against the 25 November 2026 priority round.
Other universities — studying in Hong Kong: University of Hong Kong (HKU) · The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). All options are on the page studying in Hong Kong.
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