University of Hong Kong Acceptance Rate

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) acceptance rate is estimated at around 10% to 20% overall. For international and non-local undergraduate applicants, it drops to around 8% to 12%. The exact figure depends on the applicant pool, the programme you choose and whether you apply as a local or international student.

HKU’s own admission numbers show just how tight the competition is. For 2025/26, it received over 25,000 undergraduate applications from non-local students. That was 17 times more than the places on offer, and HKU admitted over 1,600 non-local students. HKU is also ranked 11th in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2027.

In this article, you’ll find what the University of Hong Kong acceptance rate means for you, the HKU acceptance rate for international students, entry rules for Indian applicants, 2027 deadlines and fees, and how HKU compares with other top Hong Kong universities.

What Is the University of Hong Kong Acceptance Rate?

The University of Hong Kong acceptance rate is around 10% to 20% overall. The University of Hong Kong acceptance rate for international students is lower, at around 8% to 12%. HKU’s own figures for 2025/26 back this up, with 17 non-local applications for every undergraduate place.

Here’s a quick look at the key numbers:

Figure	Number
Overall acceptance rate (estimated)	Around 10% to 20%
HKU acceptance rate for international students (estimated)	Around 8% to 12%
Non-local undergraduate applications (2025/26)	Over 25,000
Growth compared with the previous year	Nearly 25%
Applications for every available place (2025/26)	17
Non-local students admitted (2025/26)	Over 1,600

The rate for international students is lower because non-local applicants compete for a limited share of places. Your own chances, though, depend on your full profile, not just the average.

Here’s what the acceptance rate tells you, and what it doesn’t:

• What it shows: The University of Hong Kong is very selective, especially for students from outside Hong Kong.
• What it can’t show: Your personal chances, since HKU reviews every applicant on their full profile.
• What HKU looks at: Your marks, along with your interview, personal statement and references.

Suggested Read: Best Countries to Study Abroad

University of Hong Kong Acceptance Rate by Course Level

The University of Hong Kong acceptance rate changes between undergraduate and postgraduate study. The two levels follow different admission routes, and each programme sets its own entry standards.

Here’s how each level works:

Undergraduate Acceptance Rate

The undergraduate University of Hong Kong acceptance rate for international students sits at around 8% to 12%. Demand from abroad keeps climbing, too. HKU’s non-local undergraduate applications rose by nearly 25% in a single year, from 2024/25 to 2025/26.

Here’s how undergraduate admission works for students from outside Hong Kong:

• Two routes: Local students apply through JUPAS (Joint University Programmes Admissions System). International students, including Indians, apply through HKU’s International/Non-JUPAS scheme.
• First-round review: Applications sent before the first-round deadline are reviewed and shortlisted first.
• Interviews: Shortlisted students may be invited for interviews between November and January.

This is why the HKU acceptance rate for international students is lower than the overall figure. You’re competing with a fast-growing pool of applicants from around the world. If you’re still deciding on a country, compare options in Bachelors Abroad.

Postgraduate Acceptance Rate

Postgraduate admission at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) is just as competitive, though it works differently. Each master’s programme sets its own rules on top of HKU’s general ones, so competition changes from course to course.

Here’s what shapes postgraduate admission:

• Degree: You need a bachelor’s degree from HKU or an equivalent degree from a recognised university.
• Programme rules: Each programme can add its own subject, work experience or test requirements.
• One real example: HKU’s Master of Public Policy interviews more than 100 candidates each year for around 80 to 90 places.

Popular programmes often get far more applications than seats, so a strong, programme-specific application matters. To compare master’s options in other countries too, see Masters Programs Abroad.

How Competitive Is Admission to HKU by Programme?

Competition at HKU changes from one programme to the next. The university publishes an “expected lower boundary” for each programme, which is the score it sees as competitive for entry. Medicine, Law and Business are among the most competitive areas.

Here’s what to check for each major subject area before you apply:

Programme Area	What Applicants Should Check
Medicine	Subject requirements, the interview stage and the 2027–28 non-local fee of HKD 590,000 (₹71.57 lakh) a year
Business and Economics	The programme’s expected lower boundary and any maths requirement
Law	Entry requirements and selection criteria on the Faculty of Law’s page
Engineering and Science	Required science and maths subjects, plus the STEM fee
Arts and Social Sciences	Programme-specific academic and English requirements

Meeting the expected lower boundary is only a starting point. HKU clearly says that meeting the minimum requirements doesn’t guarantee admission. Some business master’s programmes may also ask for a test score, so check whether yours needs the GMAT Exam.

University of Hong Kong Admission Requirements for Indian Students

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has its own entry rules for students with Indian board results. Indian students apply through the International/Non-JUPAS scheme, and HKU runs a dedicated admissions page for Indian applicants.

Here are the requirements at each level:

Undergraduate Requirements

HKU expects strong Class 12 results from Indian students. The minimum is an overall average of 90% or better in your best five subjects.

Here’s what HKU accepts from Indian applicants:

Requirement	What HKU Asks For
Board exam	AISSCE (All India Senior School Certificate Examination, CBSE), ISC (Indian School Certificate) or a state Higher School Certificate
Academic score	An average of 90% or better in your best five subjects
Programme subjects	Extra subject requirements for some programmes
Results entry	Predicted and actual results must be typed into the application system, not just uploaded

Postgraduate Requirements

HKU’s general rule for taught master’s degrees is simple. You need a bachelor’s degree from HKU or an equivalent qualification from a comparable university.

Here’s what else to plan for:

• Programme requirements: Each programme lists its own extra rules on its page.
• Relevant background: Some programmes ask for a degree in a related field.
• Documents in English: Transcripts and certificates not in English need a certified English translation.

English Language Requirements

English is the language of teaching at HKU, so you’ll need to prove your level. Undergraduate applicants need an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 6.5 or a TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language, internet-based test) score of 93.

Here’s how the English requirements compare by level:

Level	IELTS Academic	TOEFL iBT	Other Accepted Route
Undergraduate	6.5 overall, in one attempt	93, in one attempt	90% in Class 12 English
Postgraduate	6.0 overall, no section below 5.5	80 (tests before 21 January 2026) or 4.5 (from 21 January 2026)	Grade C in GCE or IGCSE English
Postgraduate (Faculty of Arts)	7.0 overall, no section below 5.5	Writing score of 25 (old scale) or 5 (new scale)	Not applicable

Two rules are easy to miss:

• IELTS Indicator: HKU doesn’t accept the IELTS Indicator (home edition) for undergraduate admission.
• Test dates: For postgraduate admission, your IELTS or TOEFL test must be taken within two years before 1 September of your admission year.

What Affects Your Chances of Getting into HKU?

Your chances depend on much more than the University of Hong Kong acceptance rate. HKU makes its decisions based on your academics as well as your interview, personal statement and references.

Here are the main factors and why each one matters:

• Academic performance: Your marks carry the most weight. For Indian boards, 90% in your best five subjects is only the minimum.
• Programme choice: Each programme has its own lower boundary and subject rules, so the same marks can be strong for one course and weak for another.
• English level: Missing the IELTS or TOEFL score stops your application, however good your marks are.
• Application timing: Applications sent before the first-round deadline are reviewed first, while later ones are judged on a rolling basis.
• Supporting documents: A clear personal statement and strong references help HKU see who you are beyond your marks.
• Research fit: For research degrees, your interests need to match what HKU’s faculty work on.

Each of these factors shapes the University of Hong Kong acceptance rate for international students in your programme. That’s why two applicants with the same marks can get different results.

How to Improve Your Chances of Admission to HKU

The HKU acceptance rate for international students is around 8% to 12%, but a strong application can put you ahead of the pool. Applications for the 2027 intake opened on 23 September 2026, and the first-round deadline is 25 November 2026.

Here are the key 2027 dates and costs to plan around:

Item	Date or Amount
Applications open	23 September 2026
First-round deadline	25 November 2026, 12:00 noon HKT (Hong Kong Time)
Offers released	From December 2026 onwards
Final deadline	25 August 2027, 12:00 noon HKT
Application fee	HKD 780 (₹9,461), non-refundable
Deposit after accepting an offer	HKD 20,000 (₹2.43 lakh) for non-local students

Here are the steps that make the biggest difference:

1. Check your programme’s requirements: Look up the expected lower boundary and subject rules for every programme you choose.
2. Build a strong academic profile: Aim well above 90% in your best five subjects, since the minimum is only the starting line. Postgraduate applicants can check how their grades convert with upGrad’s CGPA to GPA Calculator.
3. Meet the English requirement early: Book your IELTS Exam or TOEFL Exam early, so your score is ready before the first-round deadline. Not sure which test suits you? Compare them in IELTS vs TOEFL.
4. Keep your test score valid: Check the Validity of IELTS Score, since HKU only accepts recent results.
5. Write a programme-specific personal statement: Explain why you want that exact programme, not just HKU.
6. Enter all your results correctly: Type your predicted and actual results into the system, since uploading them alone can lead to rejection.
7. Apply in the first round: Send your application before 25 November 2026, so it’s reviewed early.
8. Plan your visa early: HKU advises allowing 8 to 10 weeks for a visa application after you get an offer.

You’ll also need a solid budget. Non-local students admitted in 2027–28 pay HKD 250,000 (₹30.33 lakh) a year for non-STEM programmes and HKD 280,000 (₹33.96 lakh) a year for STEM programmes. You can plan your full cost with upGrad’s Expense Calculator.

Suggested Read: Study Abroad Scholarships

University of Hong Kong vs Other Hong Kong Universities

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is often compared with three other top Hong Kong universities. These are the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK). All four are highly competitive, and each sets its own entry rules.

Here’s how the four universities compare on rankings and English requirements:

University	QS World University Rankings 2027	Undergraduate English Requirement
The University of Hong Kong (HKU)	11th	IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 93
The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)	18th	IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 80, or 80% in Class 12 English
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)	33rd	Set by programme (postgraduate: IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80)
City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK)	52nd	IELTS 6.5

HKU has the highest ranking and the highest English bar of the four for undergraduate entry. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology acceptance rate, like the University of Hong Kong acceptance rate, depends heavily on the programme you choose. CUHK accepts a lower IELTS score and also lets Indian students use 80% in Class 12 English.

Suggested Read: Cost of Studying Abroad

Conclusion

The University of Hong Kong acceptance rate is around 10% to 20% overall, and the HKU acceptance rate for international students is around 8% to 12%. With 17 non-local applications for every undergraduate place in 2025/26, competition is tough and still growing.

Here’s where to focus based on your plans:

• If you’re applying after Class 12: Aim well above 90% in your best five subjects and get IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 93.
• If you’re applying for a master’s: Check your programme’s page carefully, since its rules matter more than HKU’s general minimum.
• If timing is in your hands: Apply before the first-round deadline of 25 November 2026.
• If you’re comparing universities: Look at rankings, entry rules and programme fit when choosing between HKU, CUHK, HKUST and CityUHK.
• If budget matters: Plan for HKD 250,000 to HKD 280,000 (₹30.33 lakh to ₹33.96 lakh) a year in fees for most programmes.

Still weighing up the move? Read Why Study Abroad to see what an overseas degree can offer.

Shortlisting the University of Hong Kong or another top Hong Kong university? Book a free 1:1 counselling session with upGrad’s study abroad experts to check your eligibility, sharpen your application before the first-round deadline and plan every step of your study abroad journey.