Applying to HKU with International Curricula: Round 1 Deadline on November 25, STEM Tuition at HK$280,000 per Year
Students with A-Level, IB, SAT, or AP scores apply to HKU through the Non-JUPAS channel. Taking the HKU Business School as an example, applications for the 2027 intake open on September 23, 2026, with the Round 1 deadline at noon on November 25. HKU tuition for non-local students in the 2027/28 academic year: HK$280,000 for STEM programs, HK$250,000 for non-STEM programs, and HK$590,000 for Medicine and Dentistry.
Students taking international curricula (A-Level, IB, SAT/AP, etc.) applying to HKU do not apply through the Gaokao track, but rather through the Non-JUPAS (International Qualifications) route. Taking the timeline announced by the HKU Business School as an example: applications for the 2027 intake opened on September 23, 2026, with the first-round assessment deadline at noon on November 25, 2026, followed by rolling admissions until August 25, 2027. There is less than two months left until the first-round deadline.
Meanwhile, HKU has announced the tuition fees for the 2027/28 academic year: HKD 280,000 per year for non-local students in STEM programs and HKD 250,000 for non-STEM programs. Details are provided below.
Application Timeline (Using HKU Business School as an Example)
The following dates are from the HKU Business School undergraduate admissions page (Non-JUPAS). Interview and result release dates may vary across different faculties and programs at HKU. Please refer to the specific program page for accurate information. All times are in Hong Kong Time.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| September 23, 2026 | Applications Open |
| October 24, 2026 | HKU Information Day 2026 |
| November 25, 2026, 12:00 PM | First-Round Assessment Application Deadline |
| December 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027 | Interviews for First-Round Applicants (Tentative) |
| December 28, 2026 – March 31, 2027 | Admission Results Release for First-Round Applicants |
| After First-Round Deadline to 12:00 PM on August 25, 2027 | Rolling Admissions |
Why Apply in the First Round
HKU continues to accept applications on a rolling basis after the first round, but there are a few key points to consider:
- Earlier results. First-round applicants may receive their results as early as late December 2026, giving them more time to compare other schools and plan their next steps.
- More flexible interview scheduling. The first-round interview window runs from December to March of the following year, allowing for a more relaxed schedule.
- Highly competitive programs. Rolling admissions mean spots are filled as applications are processed, leaving fewer options the later you apply.
It is recommended to confirm your predicted grades, the timeline for recommendation letters, and when your standardized test scores (SAT/AP, IELTS, or TOEFL) will be sent with your school counselors now. For specific grade and English language requirements, please refer to the program page on the official HKU website.
HKU Tuition Fees for the 2027/28 Academic Year
The table below shows the tuition fees for the 2027/28 academic year (per annum, in HKD) published on the HKU admissions website. Non-local students, as well as local students who do not qualify for government-subsidized tuition, will be charged the rates listed.
| Category | Applicable Faculties | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| STEM Programs | Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Medicine (excluding MBBS), Faculty of Science; Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, School of Computing and Data Science, The Academy; and STEM-related double degrees jointly offered with the Faculty of Arts | HKD 280,000 |
| Non-STEM Programs | Faculty of Architecture, Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Business and Economics, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Social Sciences; School of Future Media, School of Governance and Policy | HKD 250,000 |
| Medicine and Dentistry | Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) | HKD 590,000 |
For comparison, local students eligible for government-subsidized tuition will pay HKD 49,500 per year for all programs in the 2027/28 academic year.
Rough estimate for a four-year undergraduate degree: Tuition for STEM programs is approximately HKD 1.12 million over four years, and for non-STEM programs, about HKD 1 million. Medicine and Dentistry have different program durations and fee structures; please refer to the specific program page. Tuition fees are announced annually and may be adjusted in subsequent years.
Accommodation and Living Expenses
The reference ranges provided on the HKU admissions website (per annum, in HKD):
| Item | Reference Amount |
|---|---|
| Halls of Residence and Colleges | 17,290 to 37,940 (based on 285 days, excluding summer term) |
| Off-Campus Housing | 30,000 to 50,000 (depending on room type and location) |
| Living Expenses | Up to approximately 50,000 |
HKU has 17 halls of residence and colleges, as well as non-hall residential facilities located in three residential zones.
Scholarships
HKU offers merit-based scholarships to both local and non-local students, covering tuition fees and, in some cases, living expenses. Specific scholarship categories and application methods can be found on the scholarships page of the HKU admissions website. Students with outstanding academic records and rich extracurricular experiences are encouraged to prepare thoroughly.
What You Can Do Now
- Identify your target program and check its specific subject and English language requirements.
- Confirm the timeline for your predicted grades and recommendation letters with your school counselors.
- Try to complete your online application before the first-round deadline on November 25.
- Keep an eye out for interview notifications and practice introducing yourself and explaining your program choices in English in advance.
- Estimate your four-year budget based on the tuition and living expenses above, and explore scholarship opportunities.
Need Help?
If you are studying A-Level, IB, or AP and aiming for HKU, explore our A-Level courses, IB courses, AP courses, and SAT courses. For application planning, check out our Hong Kong university admissions services, or book a consultation directly.