How to Apply to Computer Science at the Chinese University of Hong Kong: Gaokao, A-level/IB/AP, Canadian High School and Transfer Requirements and Timelines for Department-Based Admission to Computer Science and Engineering

At the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), undergraduate computer science is taught by the Department of Computer Science and Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering. First-year applicants do not apply to “Computer Science” directly; they apply to Computer Science and Engineering (BCSEN, JUPAS code JS4412) and choose a major after year one. The degree takes four years. Here is what you need to know for 2027 entry, based on CUHK’s official information, for Gaokao students in mainland China, students taking A-level, IB or AP, students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver students), and transfer students.

1. Department-based admission: enter the department, choose a major after a year

• Computer Science and Engineering (BCSEN): a department-based admission route introduced in 2022, open to JUPAS, non-JUPAS year-one, mainland Gaokao and international applicants. After year one, students declare a major in Computer Science (CSCI) or Computer Engineering (CENG). The mainland programme list says the department decides majors based on first-year results and its own rules.
• Computer Science (CSCI): launched in 1978, which CUHK describes as Hong Kong’s first computer science programme, and accredited by the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE). It covers artificial intelligence, big data analytics, bioinformatics, computer and network security, databases, programming languages, software engineering, theoretical computer science and more, with six optional streams: Intelligence Science; Database and Information Systems; Rich Media; Distributed Systems, Networks and Security; Algorithms and Complexity; and Data Analytics. Students can take placements of up to a year and exchanges abroad, and can stay one more year after the BSc to add an Integrated BBA degree.
• Computer Engineering (CENG): established with the Faculty of Engineering in 1991 and also HKIE-accredited, covering both hardware and software, with training in mobile embedded systems, microprocessors, VLSI design, hardware-aided security and supercomputing.
• Related programmes: the same department offers Artificial Intelligence: Systems and Technologies (AIST, JS4468), a four-year programme with streams in Biomedical Intelligence, Intelligent Multimedia Processing, Large-scale AI Theory and Systems, and Intelligent Manufacturing and Robotics. The Faculty of Engineering also offers Computational Data Science, Financial Technology and Information Engineering.
• Two-year Computer Science (CSCIN): open only for local non-JUPAS senior-year entry, not for international applicants; see “Transfer students” below.

2. Gaokao students: the early batch of national admissions

• No direct application: CUHK admits mainland Gaokao students through the national unified admissions plan, in the early admission batch. You do not apply to CUHK directly; after the results are released, you list CUHK in the early batch through your provincial examination authority, institution code 81002.
• The international scheme does not accept Gaokao candidates: mainland students sitting the 2027 Gaokao must use the national system; applications through the international scheme will not be processed.
• Score requirements: your score must reach the first-tier, undergraduate or special-type control line. Under the 2026 plan, you need 120 out of 150 in English.
• Category and subjects (2026 programme list): Computer Science and Engineering is in the engineering category (Faculty of Engineering) and can be chosen as a major in year one. In traditional Gaokao provinces you apply in the science stream; in “3+1+2” provinces you need the physics track, with no further subject requirement; in “3+3” provinces your elective subjects must include at least one of physics, chemistry or biology.
• Scholarships (2026 rules): only for candidates who list CUHK as their first-choice institution. You need a Gaokao score (excluding bonus points) of 630 or above on the physics track or 600 or above on the history track (out of 750), or a place in the top 0.5% of your provincial group, plus 130 or above in English. The top 0.05% receive a full scholarship (four years’ tuition plus HK$66,000 a year for accommodation and living costs), the top 0.1% receive full tuition, and the highest-scoring admitted candidates in each province, up to a set number, receive half tuition.
• Not taking the Gaokao: mainland students on international curricula apply with A-level, IB, SAT and similar through the international scheme below.

3. International qualifications: the international admissions scheme

• University minimum: passes in three A-levels, or two A-levels plus two AS-levels (programmes may set subject requirements); the IB Diploma with 30 points; for the US curriculum, a high school diploma with SAT 1190 or ACT 24 plus two AP subjects at grade 3. These are minimums only; admission is competitive.
• Admitted score reference: CUHK publishes university-wide ranges (25th–75th percentile) for international qualifications. For 2025 entry these were IB 37–43 (including TOK and EE points) and UCAS tariff 144–168 for three A-levels. CUHK says results vary by programme and year and are for reference only. Separate scores for Computer Science and Engineering are not published.
• IB subject preferences (2027 entry): Computer Science and Engineering and AIST both prefer any Mathematics subject at HL, plus one of Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science or Physics. CUHK says these are references, not requirements, and applications are reviewed holistically. Subject preferences for A-level and AP are not listed separately; check with the admissions office.
• Advanced standing: eligible A-level, IB and similar holders can apply to reduce graduation requirements by up to 24 units (shortening study by up to a year), noted in the application form.
• Assessment: CUHK looks at educational background and academic and non-academic achievements; some programmes invite applicants to interview. You submit a personal statement of up to 6,000 characters and one reference. All choices are considered at the same time, but you can hold only one offer at a time.

4. Students at Canadian high schools (including BC)

• BC: the Senior Secondary Graduation Diploma with an average of 80% in five Grade 12 or BC provincially examinable subjects. Ontario requires six Grade 12 U/M courses averaging 80%, and most other provinces five Grade 12 courses averaging 80%.
• This is the university minimum; specific scores and subjects for Computer Science and Engineering for the Canadian curriculum are not published. Contact the admissions office or the department (ug-admiss@cse.cuhk.edu.hk).
• English: Grade 12 English at 70% meets the university English requirement.

5. English requirements

• IELTS Academic: overall 6.0; IELTS One Skill Retake, IELTS Indicator and IELTS Online are not accepted.
• TOEFL iBT: 80 for tests before 21 January 2026; 4.5 (out of 6) on the new scale after that date. Home Edition and MyBest Scores are not accepted.
• Other ways: SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 590; ACT English Language Arts 23; GCSE/IGCSE English C or 4; A-level/AS English E; IB English 4.
• These are university minimums; some programmes may ask for more.

6. Transfer students

• All international students enter year one: CUHK’s FAQ says current bachelor’s students may apply, but international students who are admitted all start in year one. You can apply for credit exemption for previous university courses after registering; each case is reviewed and approval is not guaranteed.
• Among the university minimums, at least one year of bachelor’s study at a recognised university, or one year of an associate degree or higher diploma, is also an accepted basis for applying.
• The two-year senior-year Computer Science entry (CSCIN) is for local non-JUPAS applicants such as Hong Kong sub-degree graduates and is not available through the international scheme.

7. Timeline (2027 entry, international admissions scheme)

• 2 October 2026: applications open.
• 12 November 2026: Advance Offer round deadline. Applicants not given an advance offer move automatically to the regular round. The important dates page says advance offer results go out from December 2026, while the application guide says applicants will be notified by mid-January 2027.
• 7 January 2027: regular round deadline. Regular offers are released from February 2027, with a clearing round in July.
• You can apply before your exam results are out, then update your results and upload transcripts within 3 days of release. Only one application is allowed.
• Admitted students pay a first tuition instalment of HK$10,000 and complete acceptance by the stated deadline.
• Gaokao students follow their province’s early-batch application schedule.

8. Fees and scholarships

• Application fee: HK$500 for the international scheme, non-refundable.
• Tuition: HK$230,000 for international students in 2027-28, with yearly increases for the 2027 cohort capped at 3%. The mainland Gaokao page currently shows the 2026/27 first-year non-local fee of HK$214,000.
• Accommodation and living costs: hostel fees from about HK$17,000 in 2026-27, and about HK$48,500 a year for living and other expenses.
• Scholarships for international students: admitted full-time undergraduates are automatically considered for admission scholarships, with no separate application; results come with the offer. International students are not eligible for financial aid.

Checklist

Students at high schools in China:

• Taking the Gaokao: no direct application; after results, list CUHK (81002) in the early batch, engineering category; 120 in English; on the physics track (3+1+2) or with physics, chemistry or biology (3+3)
• Taking international qualifications: apply to Computer Science and Engineering (BCSEN); for IB, HL Mathematics plus a science or Computer Science is preferred; IELTS 6.0 or above; apply by 12 November 2026 for an advance offer, or by 7 January 2027

Students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver):

• An 80% average in five BC Grade 12 courses is the minimum; Grade 12 English at 70% meets the English requirement; apply by 12 November 2026 or 7 January 2027

Transfer students:

• International students all enter year one; apply for credit exemption after registering

Sources: The Chinese University of Hong Kong undergraduate admissions, Computer Science and Engineering; Artificial Intelligence: Systems and Technologies; Computer Science (senior-year entry); International admission requirements; Important dates; FAQ; Mainland recruitment plan (Chinese); Mainland programme list (Chinese); Mainland scholarship rules (Chinese); IB subject preferences (2027 entry); Admissions score reference; International application guide. International information is for 2027 entry; the mainland Gaokao plan, programme list and scholarship rules currently shown are the 2026 versions. Check CUHK for the latest details.