How to Apply to Biology at Hong Kong Baptist University: Entering the Faculty of Science and Technology First, Then Moving in Year 2 to Applied Biology (Biotechnology or Environmental Science) or Bioresource and Agricultural Science, with Admission Routes and Prerequisites for Local, International (Including Chinese) and Transfer Applicants

Biology-related undergraduate study at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) is offered by the Department of Biology in the Faculty of Science and Technology (the Faculty of Science, renamed with effect from 1 September 2026 according to the website), and the degrees are B.Sc. (Hons). This guide sets out how to apply and what prerequisites the website gives, for Hong Kong local applicants, applicants with international qualifications (including those studying international curricula in China), Mainland Gaokao candidates and transfer applicants. Several pages are labelled for 2026 or 2027 entry; check the latest versions. The Bachelor of Chinese Medicine and B.Sc. (Hons) in Biomedical Science double degree and the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons) in Chinese Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences belong to the School of Chinese Medicine and are outside the scope of this guide; see the website.

1. The programmes

• B.Sc. (Hons) in Applied Biology (Department of Biology page): a four-year degree offering training in the biological sciences with two concentrations: Biotechnology (cellular, molecular and developmental biology, organismal biology, genetics, molecular biotechnology and others, with laboratory courses) and Environmental Science (biodiversity, ecology, environmental impact assessment, waste management and biological resources management, including field sampling, water and soil analysis and instrumental analysis). The minimum for graduation is 128 units.
• Accreditation: the Environmental Science concentration has full accreditation from the Hong Kong Institute of Qualified Environmental Professionals (HKIQEP) in five areas; per the website, students admitted to the accredited programme from AY2021/22 are on a shorter route to becoming Qualified Environmental Professionals. Professional accreditation of the Biotechnology concentration is not given on the pages used for this guide.
• B.Sc. (Hons) in Bioresource and Agricultural Science (programme page): first intake in September 2019, covering agricultural science and bioresource management from a sustainability perspective. The website says all students have industry internships and receive basic farm training at the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) Experimental Station, with local and overseas technical training such as an organic certification and inspector course. The minimum for graduation is 129 units.
• Double Degree with the University of Lincoln (programme page): students in the Environmental Science concentration study three years at HKBU and Year 4 at the University of Lincoln (UK) in Ecology and Conservation, earning two B.Sc. (Hons) degrees. Eligibility: Year 3 students of Applied Biology (Environmental Science), excluding senior-year entrants, with a cGPA of 3.00 or above after Semester 1 of Year 3. No additional fee in Year 4; a scholarship of HK$20,000 for each accepted student; applications open every July–August and shortlisted students are interviewed.
• Related degrees in the same Faculty: the Faculty also has Biochemical and Testing Sciences (the website lists Biomedical Chemistry and Testing and Certification concentrations), Computer Science, Mathematics and Statistics, and Green Energy and Smart Technology. Biochemical and Testing Sciences is run by the Department of Chemistry, whose programme page is not among the pages used for this guide; check the website. The others are outside the scope of this guide.

2. What to apply for: Faculty-based admission, major assigned in Year 2

• The website says students are admitted on a Faculty basis with broad-based education in all scientific fields in Year 1, then choose a major in Year 2.
• Year 1 courses: mandatory science courses include Big Data and Smart Technology and Molecular Science in Daily Life; students also take 3 of 5 Science Year 1 electives — Introduction to Biology, Introduction to Chemistry, Essence of Computing, Understanding Mathematics and Statistics, and Introduction to Green Energy and Smart Technology.
• Criteria for major assignment: the Applied Biology page says students with a 5* in relevant science subjects are guaranteed admission to the relevant major, or else need a minimum cGPA of 2.2 by the end of Year 1, a grade of C in BIOL1005 Introduction to Biology, and interview performance if applicable. The Bioresource and Agricultural Science page lists only the last three (cGPA 2.2, C in Introduction to Biology, interview if applicable) and does not mention the 5* guarantee.
• Curriculum pattern: Year 2 covers courses such as Biological Chemistry, Microbiology, Cell Biology, Genetics and Evolution and Biodiversity; from Year 3 the concentrations diverge (for example animal physiology, immunology, molecular biology and plant physiology; or ecology, environmental health and toxicology, waste treatment and recycling); Year 4 has an Applied Biology project and concentration laboratories. The graduation units are Science Common Core 15, Major Core and Electives 50 (53 for Bioresource and Agricultural Science), University Core 13, General Education 18 and Free Electives 32 (30 for Bioresource and Agricultural Science).

3. Routes: local, international and Mainland China applicants

• Hong Kong local applicants (HKDSE): apply through JUPAS. The Department of Biology page lists: Level 3 in English Language and Chinese Language, Level 3 in any two elective subjects (it says preferably good results in science-related subjects), Level 2 in Mathematics (Compulsory Part), and Attained in Citizenship and Social Development.
• Non-JUPAS: applicants with international qualifications, local sub-degree holders and non-local non-Mainland applicants use the non-JUPAS route; the programme pages list separate entries for non-local international applicants, local applicants and Mainland applicants.
• Mainland Gaokao candidates: HKBU does not take part in the Mainland unified enrolment; it admits independently and applicants apply to the University directly (see below).
• The website states that the University has not authorised any agents or agencies to manage admissions, and that applications and fees must be submitted directly to HKBU.

4. Local applicants (JUPAS): details

• General entrance requirements (HKDSE page, 2027 entry): Chinese 3, English 3, Citizenship and Social Development Attained, Mathematics Compulsory Part 2; two electives at level 3, one of which must be a Category A subject excluding Extended Part Mathematics (M1/M2), the other any Category A subject including M1/M2.
• Scoring: Category A conversion 5**=7, 5*=6, 5=5, 4=4, 3=3, 2=2, 1=1. Programme formulas and subject weightings are in the website’s score calculator; the weightings for the Faculty of Science and Technology are not given on the pages used for this guide.
• Interviews: the 2027-entry JUPAS interview schedule on the website does not list any Faculty of Science and Technology programme (in the pages used for this guide); check the website or the JUPAS site on whether an interview applies.
• Special consideration: Band A applicants who miss the general entrance requirements by one level in one subject (other than Citizenship and Social Development) but obtain two stars in total (one 5** or two 5*) or above may also be considered. The University also accepts School Principal’s Nominations, the Talented Athletes Direct Admission Scheme (TADAS) and the School Nominations Direct Admission Scheme (SNDAS); not covered here.
• JUPAS entry scholarships (Fees and Scholarships page): one-off full-tuition scholarship for an aggregate of 28 or above from the best 5 Category A subjects, or 27 plus a 5**; half-tuition for 26. Subject-excellence awards: HK$30,000 for two 5** and HK$15,000 for one 5** (not combinable with the full or half scholarship). Tuition for local students in 2027/28 is HK$49,500.

5. International qualifications and language requirements

• University general requirements (International Qualifications page): British — Grade E or above in three A-Level/International A-Level subjects, or two plus two Advanced Supplementary subjects (excluding Chinese and English Language); the 25th–75th percentile of admissions scores for 2026 entry was 128–160 UCAS Tariff points (3 A-Levels). American — high school graduation diploma with SAT of 1,190 or above out of 1,600 (new SAT), or at least Grade 3 in two AP subjects, or ACT composite of 23; the 2026 SAT 25th–75th percentile range was 1,460–1,540. IB — IB Diploma, with a 2026 entry 25th–75th percentile range of 30–34 (including TOK and EE points). Canadian, Australian and European Baccalaureate qualifications and many national examinations are also listed. The ranges are university-wide references, not programme thresholds.
• Programme-specific subjects: the Department of Biology pages only link to the entries for international qualifications; subjects and grades specific to Applied Biology and Bioresource and Agricultural Science (for example whether advanced-level biology or chemistry is required) are not given on the pages used for this guide, so check the website or ask the admissions office.
• English: TOEFL iBT 79; IELTS Academic overall 6.0 (from 2027 entry the test must be taken within two years before the start of the academic year; TOEFL MyBest scores and IELTS Indicator are not accepted); SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 590; ACT 23 in both English and Reading; AP English Language or Literature grade 4 or above; GCE O-Level/GCSE grade C or 4; GCE AS/A-Level grade E; other regional results are also listed.
• Timeline: the page says applications received in the early round are shortlisted for advance assessment, offers are released from late December 2026, and applicants without an offer by late January 2027 are considered together with Main Round applicants. The application deadlines themselves are not given on the pages used for this guide; check the admissions website.

6. Applicants from Mainland China

• Current Gaokao candidates (Mainland JEE page, Chinese): HKBU does not take part in the Mainland unified enrolment; the 2027 Mainland intake is open with a deadline of 13 June 2027. Current Gaokao candidates (including repeat candidates) from the 31 provinces, municipalities and regions apply directly to the University. The application fee is HK$450, paid online and non-refundable.
• Gaokao requirements: a Gaokao score at or above the first-tier key university cut-off line (or the special-type admission control line) for the candidate’s province, and 110 out of 150 in English. Admission is based on Gaokao results, with interviews for some programmes only.
• Faculty of Science and Technology: science-track students only; the programme listed is the B.Sc. (Hons), shown as having no admission interview; in provinces without a science/arts split, applicants must have taken physics, chemistry, biology, life science or technology.
• Offers and scholarships: applicants with no offer by 7 July 2027 may be regarded as unsuccessful (dates may change with national and provincial policy); accepted applicants pay a confirmation fee. Scholarships for Mainland students are based on Gaokao and interview results; those with 120 or above in English and the strongest overall performance in the Faculty may receive one, with no separate application, and only for Mainland students who need a student visa to study in Hong Kong.
• Tuition: the page gives HK$240,000 per year for 2027/28, payable by semester and subject to change.
• Applicants using earlier Gaokao results or the Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan joint examination must use the non-JUPAS route. The page notes that Mainland universities will no longer admit students who have confirmed acceptance of an HKBU offer. Other guidance on Chinese transcripts, school-leaving examination materials and credential verification is not given on the pages used for this guide; ask the admissions office.

7. Transfer and sub-degree pathways

• Associate Degree / Higher Diploma (post-secondary and transfer page): non-final-year AD/HD students may apply for Year 1 only; final-year students and graduates may apply for Year 1 or Year 3. The Year 3 places are publicly funded articulation places that the page describes as for local sub-degree students. The page lists the sub-degrees accepted for Applied Biology (both concentrations) and Bioresource and Agricultural Science, for example the Associate of Science (Life Science) from HKBU College of International Education.
• Senior-year entry data for 2026 (normalised mean cGPA, capped at 4.00): Applied Biology — Biotechnology 8 entrants, 3.11; Environmental Science 3 entrants, 3.04; Bioresource and Agricultural Science 5 entrants, 3.08. Numbers and grades change each year; for reference only.
• Transfer of units: the recommended transfer for senior-year entrants is 51–64 units (or up to 50% of the programme’s units), with at least 15 units for the major, 22–28 General Education units for AD graduates or 13 for HD graduates, and the rest as free electives. Students admitted to Year 1 with advanced standing may also apply to transfer units, and a small number of applicants may be considered for Year 2 depending on vacancies.
• Transfer students: students currently enrolled in a bachelor’s or higher degree at a local or non-local university may apply, but under University Grants Committee (UGC) guidelines repeating UGC-funded undergraduate study across institutions is generally discouraged, and the page says such transfers are considered only on the basis of over-enrolment. Whether international transfer students can enter Year 3 directly is not given on the pages used for this guide; ask the admissions office.

8. Fees and scholarships

• Tuition (Fees and Scholarships page): HK$49,500 for local students and HK$240,000 for non-local students in 2027/28 (local or non-local status is defined by the University and requires identity documents).
• Estimated yearly costs for non-local students: on-campus, accommodation of HK$24,000–30,000 for 9 months and personal expenses of HK$22,500–50,000, so HK$286,500–320,000 in total with tuition; off-campus, accommodation of HK$72,000–144,000 for 12 months and personal expenses of HK$70,000–93,000, so HK$382,000–477,000 in total. These are estimates; check the website.
• Admission Scholarship Scheme for Overseas Applicants: a Full Scholarship (tuition HK$240,000 plus living subsidies of HK$52,500), a Tuition-waiver Scholarship and a Half Scholarship; no separate application, renewable for the normal study period subject to good results. Reference scores for non-local non-Mainland applicants: A-Level AAA or above (full) and AAB or above (half); IB 37 (full) and 35 (half); SAT 1,430 (full) and 1,360 (half), with equivalents listed for countries such as Kazakhstan, India, Mongolia and Viet Nam. Awards follow a holistic review and are competitive; reference scores do not guarantee an award. The Hong Kong Government’s Belt and Road Scholarship and faculty-level scholarships are also mentioned; see the Office of Student Affairs website.
• Deadlines and application fee for non-Mainland applicants: not given on the pages used for this guide; check the admissions website for 2027 entry and do not rely on earlier years’ figures.

Application checklist

Applicants with international qualifications (including those on international curricula in China):

• Use the non-JUPAS route and apply directly to the University; meet the University general requirements and the English requirement (for example TOEFL 79 or IELTS 6.0); check programme subject prerequisites on the website
• Complete the Year 1 Faculty courses; major assignment at the end of Year 1 is based on criteria including a cGPA of 2.2 and a C in Introduction to Biology

Current Mainland Gaokao candidates:

• Apply directly to the University by 13 June 2027, not through the unified enrolment; Gaokao at the first-tier cut-off and English 110/150; science-track students apply for the B.Sc. (Hons), shown as having no interview

Hong Kong local applicants:

• JUPAS: Chinese and English level 3, Mathematics level 2, two electives at level 3, Citizenship and Social Development Attained

Transfer applicants:

• Local sub-degree students may apply for Year 1 or Year 3; other transfers are limited by UGC guidelines, and rules for international transfer applicants should be confirmed with the admissions office

Sources: Hong Kong Baptist University websites, Department of Biology Applied Biology page; Bioresource and Agricultural Science page; Double Degree with the University of Lincoln page; International Qualifications page; HKDSE page; Mainland JEE page (Chinese); Post-secondary and transfer page; Fees and Scholarships page. Check the website for the version that applies to 2027 entry.