Are you searching for undergraduate or postgraduate courses to sharpen your skills at prestigious universities of Asia? University of Hong Kong, also referred to as HKU is one of the most sought after universities in the Asian continent. The University of Hong Kong's acceptance rate is quite low to ensure high quality of education.
The University of Hong Kong was founded on March 16, 1910, by Sir Fredrick Lugard, who was the Governor of Hong Kong at that time. The official operations started in 1912 with Arts, Medicine, and Engineering Programs. Over time, several programs were added and today there are a plethora of courses available to choose from.
This blog will be your guide to the University of Hong Kong's admission requirements and acceptance rate. We will discuss the factors that can affect your chances of admission and how upGrad can be your education partner in this journey.
University of Hong Kong Acceptance Rate - Overview
University of Hong Kong acceptance rate for admissions is around 17%. The acceptance rate varies depending on the program selected. It is a reputed organisation which ranks 35th in World University Rankings as per Times Higher Education (THE) and 2nd in QS Asia University Rankings in 2025.
These accolades have led to an increase in demand from international students. General acceptance rate across different programs can vary from 17% - 40% for HKU applicants.
As per the university data, the number of admissions in different courses is:
Undergraduate: 4,860
Taught Postgraduate: 12,969
Research Postgraduate: 1,176
Let's take a look at the acceptance rate of HKU compared with other top universities in the Asian continent.
University
Acceptance Rate
University of Hong Kong
17%
Seoul National University
20%
Osama University
13%
Kyoto University
11%
University of Tokyo
36%
The acceptance rate of HKU signifies its high academic standards and global recognition. Applicants should provide proof of international exams along with scores of English proficiency tests. These rigid standards ensure that the quality of education stays up to the mark.
Around 53 HKU students have bagged “Highly Cited Researchers 2024” by Clarivate paving its way to be one of the leading research institutions globally.
Acceptance Rate for Undergraduate vs Postgraduate Programs
Acceptance rate differs for undergraduate as well as postgraduate courses. This rate can vary every year as the number of applicants can vary. Let's have a look at different programs and their acceptance rate.
Undergraduate Programs
The average University of Hong Kong acceptance rate for undergraduate courses is 39.6%. Some programs may have lower acceptance rates.
Some of the sought-after undergraduate programs at HKU are:
Some of the factors that affect the University of Hong Kong's acceptance rate are-
Competitiveness:University of Hong Kong admission requirements and acceptance rate vary depending on the program chosen. Some competitive exams, such as Law or Medicine, can have low acceptance rates and strict eligibility criteria.
Academic performance: Attaining high scores in IB, A- levels or equivalent is essential to be shortlisted for an interview. Apart from these, some programs might consider specific subject performances too.
Applicant pool: The University of Hong Kong acceptance rate is different for local and international applicants. Due to strong global competition, it might be tough for international students to gain admission.
Interview: Some programs such as Medicine or Law conduct interviews prior to admission. The interview performance can have a tremendous impact on acceptance rate.
Other requirements: Apart from academic requirements and language proficiency tests, there are other requirements such as:
Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
References
Personal statement
Focus on getting these documents up-to-date with professional help.
Here are some tips that can improve your chances of getting accepted into your choice of university.
Choosing the course: You need to choose a course that aligns with your goals, interests, and strengths. You need to exhibit a strong foundation to succeed in your career.
Crafting a spectacular statement: A compelling personal statement can help you stand out from the crowd and increase your chances of acceptance. This statement should emphasize your goals, interests, and motivations.
Securing references: You need to secure strong reference letters from your mentors or professionals who can attest to your capabilities and provide a strong recommendation.
Preparing for an interview: If you are lucky enough to be shortlisted for an interview, you need to prepare well for that. Research common interview questions and practice with a friend or family member. You need to show confidence and enthusiasm during the interview.
Importance of academic results: Academic performance has a high weightage in the shortlisting process. Strive for a strong academic record as well as some extracurricular activities or voluntary work that prove your dedication.
How upGrad Can Help
upGrad is an online educational platform that aids in learning and career development. We offer numerous benefits to students and aspiring job seekers, which help you in gaining admission in prestigious institutions if you want to study abroad.
Let's have a look at some benefits of using upGrad:
Online learning: We offer a range of online courses that you can complete at your convenience. This flexibility can improve the chances of learning.
Expert counselors: upGrad offers expert counseling support by evaluating your profile and ensuring that you meet all the entry requirements.
Interview preparation: upGrad can assist you in preparing for your interview, as it can make or break your future.
Test preparation: Our expert coaching services can help you in preparing for IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, or any other tests required for your choice of institution.
FAQs
Is it hard to get into the University of Hong Kong?
Yes, it is quite competitive to get admission to the University of Hong Kong. Your chances of admission depend on various factors such as your educational qualifications, financial stability and test scores. Around 39% of students are accepted into this university from all the applicants.
How to get into HKU from India?
To get admission in HKU from India, you need to have passed the national examination from a certified Indian board along with English Language and a second language proficiency score.
Is Hong Kong University expensive?
Yes, studying at University of Hong Kong can get expensive depending on the course selected. There are generous scholarship options available for deserving students.
Annual fees in non STEM courses such as Architecture, Arts, Education, Law or Social sciences can be around HKD 1,98,000 (INR 21,53,946.96).
Annual fees in STEM courses such as Dentistry, Engineering, Medicine, or Computing and Data Science can be around HKD 2,18,000 (INR 23,71,517.36).
Is the University of Hong Kong good for international students?
Yes, the University of Hong Kong acceptance rate is quite low, as there are several applications from students globally. It is a good choice as international students get to learn about new cultures and broaden their knowledge base.
Can you work while studying in Hong Kong?
There are some restrictions on working while studying at Hong Kong universities. International students are allowed to undertake internships, part- time jobs or summer jobs during their education. You can confirm with the admissions team as it can vary depending on your chosen program.
Is it worth it to study in Hong Kong?
Yes, studying in Hong Kong universities can benefit your career as you can land high-paying jobs. Some of the high-paying jobs in Hong Kong are:
How much is the application fee for Hong Kong University?
The application fee for Hong Kong University is HKD 450, and it is non-refundable.
Which course is best in Hong Kong?
Some of the best courses in Hong Kong are:
Dentistry
Law
Education
Clinical and Health
Does everyone get an interview at HKU?
No, applying for a course does not guarantee that you will receive an interview call. If the Admissions team selects a candidate, they will be called for an interview around the month of March. The performance in the interview will determine if the student gets admitted for the course or not.
How to prepare for an HKU interview?
To prepare for an interview at HKU, you need to carefully review the course objectives, admission criteria, and practice common interview questions. Some courses might also require group discussions.
Some of the common interview questions are:
Why do you want to study at this university?
Why are you interested in this course?
What are your plans for your career?
Why should we choose you?
What is HKU famous for?
HKU is famous for its breakthrough in various disciplines as it attracts top scholars from the world. It ranks 10th globally for its research influence.
In the year 2023/2024, the prizes and awards granted to the following disciplines were:
Biology and Medicine: 102
Physical Sciences: 10
Humanities, Social Sciences and Business Studies: 57
University Admission Expert |154 articles published
With over10 years of experience in the ed-tech sector, Sachin holds expertise in operations management, ensuring the smooth functioning of study abroad programs. He has deep understanding of the globa...
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