Desiring to study in Asia is a brilliant choice. You can achieve that by studying at one of Hong Kong’s most renowned universities, the University of Hong Kong. This well-detailed article provides all the information you need to study at this institution. In this guide, you will discover the University of Hong Kong’s (HKU) acceptance rate, tuition fees, scholarships, and courses.
This article answers all the questions that plague your mind and more. It’s going to be an educational ride; let’s get started!
Overview
Location: Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
Year of Establishment: March 30th, 1911
Research Output: Very High
Motto: “Sapientia et Virtus” (Latin), translated into English as “Virtue and Wisdom.”
Number of staff: Academic staff 7,622, Administrative staff 4,123
Number of Students: 29,791 (Undergraduates 17,106, Postgraduates 9,813)
School type: Public
Campus style: Urban
Land Mass: 53.5 hectares, about 0.535 km2
Colors: Dark green
Academic Affiliations: ASAIHL, ACU, AACSB, APRU, EQUIS, JUPAS, UGC, Heads of Universities Committee, Joint Quality Review Committee, Washington University in St. Louis McDonnell International Scholars Academy, Universitas 21,
Website: https://hku.hk
Also known as HKU, the University of Hong Kong is a public research university. We know HKU to be the oldest tertiary institution in Hong Kong. Not just the oldest, it was also the first University established by the British Empire in East Asia.
Renowned for its high research output, HKU was the first team in the world to successfully isolate the coronavirus SARS-CoV, the causative agent of SARS.
HKU has consistently ranked in Asia University rankings and the world at large. Owing to its uniqueness, I’m teaching style; the University uses English as the primary language of instruction. This makes it a welcoming place for international students.
So, yes! You’re right to choose HKU, but you must have the correct information. Keep reading!!!
History
We can trace the university’s origins back to the Hong Kong College of Medicine for Chinese, founded by Ho Kai in 1887. In 1907, they renamed the Kong College of Medicine the Chinese Hong Kong College of Medicine. In 1911, the college was again renamed Hong Kong’s medical school.
Following the proposal made by Governor Sir Frederick Lord Lugard to establish a university in Hong Kong that will compete with other universities in China. Sir Hormusjee Naorojee Mody, an Indian Parsi business executive in Hong Kong, pledged to donate HK$30,000 for additional costs and HK$150,000 for construction.
In alignment with this great opportunity, the government of Hong Kong and the business sector in southern China also supported them. The Hong Kong Government contributed a site at West Point. With other donations from other groups, they established the University of Hong Kong on March 30th, 1911.
They found the University of Hong Kong to be a tertiary institution for the male gender, and after ten years of its existence, they admitted female students. The university held its first convocation in December 1916. The university graduated 23 graduates and five honorary graduates.
Following the Japanese invasion of Hong Kong in 1914, the university closed. This was because of the destruction of the university buildings. After the Second World War, the university reopened in 1945.
The University of Hong Kong celebrated its 100th anniversary from 2010 to 2012. It also celebrated the opening of the Centennial Campus at the western end of the university site in Pok Fu Lam.
In 2015, the university declared itself the first university in the world to join HeForShe: a UN initiative urging men to achieve more female rights. This is to aid or serve as an avenue to promote female rights and activism.
They established the University of Hong Kong with just three faculties, but today the university prides itself on having ten faculties with divisions and credible online courses. Today, we regard the university as one of the most internationalized universities in the world and one of the most prestigious universities in Asia.
The university’s research level consistently ranks high in global university rankings. It was one of the first universities to isolate the SARS-CoV coronavirus. Its accomplishments and paradigm shifts speak for themselves.
Before sending your application to the university, consider the University of Hong Kong’s tuition fees, acceptance rate, and scholarships. Find out about them below!
Why Should I Study at HKU?
- You can handle other extracurricular activities. HKU encourages social engagement via volunteering.
- HKU has a broad network of international employers who offer internships to its students and graduates. This is a huge plus!
- There is a provision by the University to advance the bounds of scholarships. This means any student of HKU applies for its scholarships, building upon its proud traditions and strengths.
- HKU provides comprehensive education, often referred to as the highest international standards.
- The University is engaged in high-impact, innovative, and leading-edge research within and across disciplines.
The University of Hong Kong Admission Process
Admissions to HKU are competitive, but the process is straightforward. The basic admission process for UG and PG programs is similar. To apply to the University of Hong Kong, follow the following steps;
- Create an application account
- Complete the online application: Personal details, Academic profile, Academic qualifications, Choice of programs, Extracurricular achievement, References, and Other certifications.
- Payment of application fee
- Upload documents
- Submit application
Knowing the process, let’s consider the documents required to apply to HKU.
What are the Requirements to apply to HKU?
Documents to get ready
- English language proficiency
- Letters of recommendation
- High school transcripts
- Unofficial copies of translated transcripts/mark sheets.
- Financial statement
- Post-secondary grades, mark sheets, and certificates.
- Visa certification
Know that they require international applicants to submit specific scores to be considered for admission; they briefly outline other additional requirements for international admissions on the school’s website.
What’s the University of Hong Kong Acceptance Rate?
The University of Hong Kong’s acceptance rate is 10%. This means that admissions to HKU are very competitive and highly selective. Many prospective students consider it a slim chance to gain admission because of the HKU acceptance rate. HKU’s acceptance rate shows she accepts students who are a little “extra” in academics.
We recommend you forget the HKU acceptance rate and focus on getting the right requirements and entry documents. Many have been admitted with this HKU acceptance rate, why not YOU?
When is the Deadline for Application for HKU?
For HKU, applications open in September. Undergraduates and prospective postgraduate students can send their applications, attaching the required documents.
The application deadline for undergraduate applicants is November 23 of every year. From December to February, program interviews for shortlisted applicants are held. All applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Hong Kong Time).
How to apply to the University of Hong Kong
If you want to apply to the University of Hong Kong, you must do so online using the university’s official website and pay a cost of HKD300. Several of the supporting documents required as part of the application procedure are listed below:
- Personal statement
- High school transcript
- CV, certificates, and awards
- Certificates of public examinations and proof of English language proficiency
- Reference letter(s)
Test Score Requirements
IELTS SCORE = 6.5
TOEFL = 93 (IBT), 583 (PBT)
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English/Â Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English = 180
| GCSE / GCEO / IGCSE = Grade C in English Language at GCSE/GCEO Grade C in English First Language at IGCSE; or Grade B in English as a Second Language at IGCSE |
| GCE/International AS-level / GCE/International A-level = Grade C in English Language or English Literature at GCE/International AS/AL |
What’s the Tuition Cost at HKU?
In this section, we discuss HKU tuition fees. Aside from the application fee, other fees, such as the caution fee, are paid by HKU prospective students. Talking about HKU tuition fees the fee varies based on program, mode, and course of study.
Below is up-to-date information on HKU tuition fees for the 2023/2024 academic session;
Full-time undergraduate programs cost HK$42,100 (payable in 2 installments), and postgraduate studies cost HK$171,000 (payable in 2 installments).
HKU tuition fees are relatively high compared to other schools in Asia, such as Tsinghua University, Peking University, and Tokyo Denki University.
The University of Hong Kong Rankings in 2023
For an institution that has existed for 109 years and has demonstrated excellence and mastery in teaching and research, HKU consistently ranks #55 in The World’s Best Universities. Here’s a list of the University of Hong Kong’s order in 2023.
- Ranks 151 in ARWU World ranking (2023)
- Â Positions 21nd in QS World ranking (2023)
- #2 in Best Global Universities in Hong Kong
- Â Ranks 31th in The World University ranking (2023)
- Ranks 83rd in USNWR Global ranking
- Â Ranks 6rd in QS Asia University ranking (2023)
- Positions 4th in the Asia ranking (2023)
- Ranks 41st in Impact Rankings 2023
- Ranks 51st in World Reputation Rankings 2023
They identify 13 HKU academics as among the top 1% in their field in Clarivate Analytics’ list of ‘Highly Cited Researchers 2019.’
Through internationalization, innovation, and interdisciplinarity, HKU prides itself on attracting and nurturing global scholars through excellence in research, teaching, learning, and knowledge exchange. Hence it’s high rankings in this stead.
Note: We do not limit the rankings to the list above.
The University of Hong Kong Programs
We know the University of Hong Kong for research and innovation. They give students a chance to actualize that via the following programs;
- Undergraduate programs
- Master’s programs
- Doctoral programs
- Online courses. (they limit The University of Hong Kong online courses. Find out below!)
The University of Hong Kong Courses
HKU offers over 150 courses at the UG and PG levels. The University of Hong Kong courses can be stratified under the following University’s ten faculties;
- Architecture
- Arts
- Business
- Dentistry
- Education
- Engineering
- Law
- Medicine
- Science
- Social Sciences
To narrow your search for the course of your choice, visit the school’s website to learn more about the University of Hong Kong’s courses.
Does HKU offer Scholarships to Students?
Yes, the University offers scholarships to students. HKU scholarships are available to both international students and Chinese citizens. Many of her students have attested that the HKU scholarships are great financial aid. To qualify for the HKU scholarships, meet the requirements stated by the University. To apply, click on the link.
Securing any of the HKU scholarships is not 100% guaranteed. We recommend you look out for other scholarships such as;
- Hani Zeini Scholarship
- Jared J. Davis Grant
- Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship
The University of Hong Kong Notable Alumni
HKU Alumni
Since its inception, the University of Hong Kong has produced over 5000 graduates yearly. Among these, many have successfully ingrained themselves into society. Many have become public figures, politicians, and individuals with a reputation in Hong Kong and beyond.
Among them includes;
- Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee, Former Secretary for Security of Hong Kong (1998–2003) and Hong Kong Legislator (since 2008)
- Elizabeth Wong, Former Director of Social Welfare and Hong Kong Legislator, now a writer
- Anson Chan Fang On-sang, former Chief Secretary for the Administration of Hong Kong
- Mabel Cheung, Film director
- Lee Cheuk-yan, a member of the Legislative Council
- Fu Bingchang, a Nationalist and Chinese politician
- Chung Sze-yuen, Knight Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (GBE)
- Zion Tse
These and many more are all products of the University of Hong Kong.
Frequently Asked Questions About HKU
What’s the GPA Requirement to Get into HKU?
HKU accepts a minimum GPA of 4.3. This is a competitive score. For a prestigious university that has honors speaking for its competence, it’s a fair GPA.
Are Courses offered in English at HKU?
They teach many university programs in English, as the student bodies and faculties are incredibly international.
What are the English Language Requirements to get into HKU?
International students must show English language proficiency to gain admission to HKU. They can determine the English language requirements via either the TOEFL or IELTS for undergraduate studies. IELTS scores range from 6.0 to 7.0, depending on your program. ,
They require the GRE for master’s and doctoral programs.
What’s the SAT Score required to get into HKU?
To get into the University of Hong Kong, the SAT score required is between 550 and 700. Although it differs based on faculties, the range is as stated above.
We recommend you aim higher as it gives you a better chance against the competition.
How much is the HKU application fee?
The HKU application fee solely depends on the program, course, and duration. It ranges between 300 – 450 HK dollars.
The undergraduate application fee for HKU is 450 HKD, whereas the postgraduate application fee is 300 HKD.
Are there International Students at HKU?
Yes, the University of Hong Kong is known for its internationalization among staff and students. 43% of the total students at HKU are international students, meaning that 7,885 are international students. So yes, there is a place for international students at HKU.
How Long does it take to complete a course at HKU?
Course duration depends on your program, course, and mode of study. A part-time course takes longer to finish compared to a full-time course. Below is a draft of how long it will take to complete a course at HKU;
MBA (2 Courses) takes 14 – 20 Months
 MIM (1 Course) takes 1 Year
 BBA (1 Course) takes 4 Years
 BE/Btech (5 Courses) takes 4 Years
 MS (1 Course) takes 12 – 24 Months
 Other Courses (1 Course) take 4 Years
Conclusion
Studying at the University of Hong Kong is a splendid choice. We recommend you consider the HKU acceptance rate, the HKU courses, the HKU tuition fees, and other requirements that would aid you in preparing well.
We also recommend you apply for the HKU scholarships to aid you financially. (Everyone needs extra cash, even if they have plenty). We hope you found this piece enlightening, do well to reach out to us once you make it to Hong Kong as a student of the University of Hong Kong!!!
References
- https://collegedunia.com
- https://www.mastersportal.com
- https://web.edu.hku.hk
- https://www.scholarships.hku.hk/
