Pursuing a Taught Master's in Hong Kong: CUHK 2027/28 Applications Now Open, Graduates Can Stay in Hong Kong for 24 Months
CUHK postgraduate applications for the 2027/28 academic year opened on September 1, 2026. Most taught master's programs are offered in multiple rounds until places are filled. After graduation, non-local graduates can apply to stay in Hong Kong for 24 months through the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG). Applications made within 6 months of graduation do not require securing a job first. This article outlines the application timeline and IANG rules.
For students planning to pursue a one-year taught master's degree in Hong Kong, the application season for the 2027 intake has already begun. Applications for postgraduate studies at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) for the 2027/28 academic year opened on September 1, 2026. Most taught master's programs admit students on a rolling basis or in rounds, until all spots are filled. After graduation, non-local graduates can apply for the IANG visa: those who apply within 6 months of graduation do not need to secure a job first and can stay in Hong Kong for 24 months. Details are explained in two parts below.
I. CUHK 2027/28 Taught Master's Programs: Apply Early for Better Chances
According to information released by the CUHK Graduate School:
- Opening Date: Applications for the 2027/28 academic year will be accepted starting September 1, 2026 (Hong Kong Time), with the exception of the Professional Certificate in Laws (PCLL) program.
- Deadline Format: Varies by program. Many taught master's programs have 2 to 3 application rounds; some have only a single deadline.
- Rolling Admissions: Most taught programs state that applications are processed on a rolling basis until all spots are filled, so the university strongly encourages early application.
A few published examples:
| Program | Deadline Arrangement |
|---|---|
| MA in English (Applied English Linguistics) | Priority round: November 16, 2026; Final round: December 31, 2026, followed by rolling admissions until spots are filled |
| MA in Chinese Studies | February 28, 2027 |
| Master of Chinese Medicine | February 28, 2027 |
These examples show that within the same university, deadlines for different programs can vary by two to three months. The deadline listed on the website also does not guarantee you can wait until that day: if spots are filled, the program may stop accepting applications early.
For 2027 taught master's applications at other Hong Kong universities such as The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), opening and closing dates vary by program. Please refer to the respective graduate schools and program pages for details.
Application Preparation Tips:
- List your target programs and check the deadline rounds for each. Treat the earliest round as your personal deadline.
- Prepare your English proficiency scores (IELTS or TOEFL) in advance. English requirements vary by program, so refer to the specific program page.
- Prepare materials such as undergraduate transcripts, degree certificates, letters of recommendation, and personal statements ideally one month before the first round deadline.
- Keep an eye out for interview notifications, as some programs require interviews.
II. Working in Hong Kong After Graduation: How to Use the IANG Visa
IANG stands for "Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates," which is managed by the Hong Kong Immigration Department. According to the Immigration Department's official website:
Who Can Apply
- Non-local students who have completed a full-time, locally accredited program in Hong Kong and obtained a bachelor's degree or higher.
- The study period for master's and doctoral degrees must be no less than one academic year.
- Graduates from campuses of Hong Kong universities operating in the mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (Greater Bay Area Campuses) are also eligible.
- There is no quota for this arrangement, nor are there any industry restrictions.
Differences Between Recent and Non-Recent Graduates
| Category | Definition | Need a Job Offer First? | Initial Stay Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recent Graduate | Applies within 6 months from the date on the graduation certificate | No | 24 months, without other conditions of stay |
| Non-Recent Graduate | Applies more than 6 months after the graduation date | Yes, must be employed. The job is typically held by the degree holder with remuneration and benefits at market level | 24 months |
Recent graduates who have not yet received their graduation certificates can apply using a graduation proof document issued by their institution. The Immigration Department typically processes applications from recent graduates in about two weeks after receiving all documents and the application fee, and about four weeks for non-recent graduates; processing may take longer during the peak season from June to August each year.
How to Renew After Expiration
After the initial 24 months, if you wish to continue staying in Hong Kong, you must apply for an extension of stay. According to the government's response to the Legislative Council, applicants for an extension must already be employed in Hong Kong, with the job typically held by the degree holder and remuneration and benefits at market level; those who have established or joined a business in Hong Kong must provide proof of business. The Immigration Department's FAQ states that each extension is generally granted for no more than three years, or until the expiration of the employment contract, whichever is shorter. During a Legislative Council session, lawmakers summarized this pattern of stay as "2+3+3" years.
How Many People Are Using It
According to the government's response to the Legislative Council in June 2025, as of the end of April 2025, the IANG scheme had received a cumulative total of 177,567 applications, with 172,043 approved. Over 90% of these were from recent non-local graduates, and an additional 2,825 applications came from graduates of the Greater Bay Area Campuses of local universities. In 2024 alone, there were 26,973 new applications, of which 25,475 were approved.
A Common Misconception
There are claims online stating that "starting January 1, 2026, the IANG visa will be extended from 18 months to 24 months." This is inaccurate. The current regulation of the Immigration Department is that the initial approval allows a 24-month stay. We have not found any 2026 new policy regarding a "change from 18 to 24 months" on the Immigration Department's official website or in government gazettes.
Relevant Arrangements in the 2026 Policy Address
The Policy Address released on September 16, 2026, proposed extending the pilot arrangement to include graduates from the Greater Bay Area Campuses of local universities under the IANG scheme for another two years. Graduates studying at local campuses in Hong Kong are subject to the general rules mentioned above.
This article is for informational purposes regarding policy only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Specific requirements are subject to the latest announcements from the Immigration Department.
Need Help?
If you plan to pursue a master's degree in Hong Kong in 2027 and want to plan your application rounds and prepare your English proficiency scores, check out our Hong Kong University Admissions Services and IELTS Courses, or Book a Consultation directly. If you want to gain work experience before graduation, you can also learn about our Internship Programs.
References
- CUHK Graduate School: Application Deadlines
- Hong Kong Immigration Department: Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates
- Hong Kong Immigration Department: IANG FAQ (English)
- Hong Kong Government Press Release: LCQ19: Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (2025-06-11)
- 2026 Policy Address of the Chief Executive (Full Text)