• MPhil and PhD programs are research postgraduate programs (RPg) which involve intense research work and preparation of a thesis under the guidance of a supervisor.
• Taught postgraduate programs (TPg) lead to EMBA, MBA, MA, MSc, MPP and PGD degrees. TPg programs place more emphasis on coursework and are more career-oriented than RPg programs.

• All full-time MPhil and PhD students should not take up any employment or internship on top of their research studies.

• Guaranteed university accommodation will be given in the first 2 years of your full-time research postgraduate studies.

• Take either TOEFL or IELTS (Academic Module), unless
  • You are a native English speaker, or
  • You obtained your bachelor’s degree from an institution where the medium of instruction was English.
• Visit here for the general test score requirements.
• The following programs have different English proficiency requirements:
  • MSc in Global China Studies
  • MA in International Language Education (Teaching English as a Second Language)
  • MA in International Language Education (Teaching Chinese as a Second Language)

• Tell us your scheduled test dates in the online application, and upload the score report once the result is available.
• The test score is an essential factor in assessing your application. You are highly recommended to take relevant test and upload score report as soon as possible.

• Submit the application online. Be sure to observe different deadlines.
• Follow the step-by-step guideline for online application:
  • Research Postgraduate Program
  • Taught Postgraduate Program

• Yes. Please first submit your latest transcript online for assessment.
• Programs may extend conditional offers to selected applicants before the required qualifications are obtained.
• If you receive a conditional offer, you are required to submit the official, final transcripts and degree certificates for verification when available.

• Yes. Applicants may submit more than one application. However, we see the advantage of staying focused and getting prepared accordingly.
• If you decide to apply for more than one program, please submit an application for each of them. You are required to pay application fee, upload supporting documents and invite referees for each program.

• Application procedures and admission requirements are the same for both local and non-local applicants.
• However, some taught postgraduate programs may have different tuition fees for local and non-local students. Please click here and refer to “General Information” of in the particular program page for the details.
• For definition of non-local students, please click here.
• Also, most of the non-local students require student visa/ entry permit to study and stay in Hong Kong. For details, please click here.

• Visit here to find out what application materials are required to upload for application.
• We require hard copies of the documents for further verification only after you are given an offer.

• This document shows transcript legends/ keys/ grading scales which are helpful in assessing your candidacy.
• It is normally found at the back of the transcript or in the student handbook.

• For research postgraduate studies, CV/ personal statement is optional.
• For taught postgraduate studies, please check directly with the Program.

• All applicants of MPhil/PhD programs are required to outline their proposed research plan and past research experience in the application.
• However, it is mandatory for applicants of MPhil/PhD programs in Humanities and Social Science to submit an additional research proposal in a specific format.

• After submissions, only the following changes are allowed:
  • Change personal contact details,
  • Input final GPA/average mark after program completion,
  • Add new scores of IELTS/TOEFL or other public examinations which are not available earlier,
  • Upload supporting documents, and
  • Invite referees.

• Click “Forgot password/username” in the login page.
• Fill in the required information and you will receive the new password/username via your registered email address accordingly.
• Be sure to add “pgadmit@ust.hk” in your email address book so that you will not miss our email notification.

• Nominate at least two referees who can comment on your academic ability, personality and capacity for postgraduate study.
• For MPhil or PhD applicants, at least two academic referees are expected.

• Please “add a referee” in the system, invite the same referee but use the correct email address.
• If your referee has already submitted the online reference report for you with the correct email address, please ignore the previous system-generated email reminder.

• We expect referees to send us the referee report online within 14 days of the invitation.
• For Hong Kong PhD Fellowship applicants, your reference reports should reach us by early December.

• We only consider reference report/letters received via the online system. Please let us know in case your referee needs assistance in online submission.

• Check if the referee’s email address is inputted correctly.
• Ask your referee to check his/her junk/spam mail folder.
• Make use of the "Resend" button to send another invitation to your referee.

• Check the status online through the "References" page. 
• If the referee's report has been received, the system will automatically change the status to "Reference report received".

• Successful applicants will receive an email notification. Please log in to the online system to keep track of your application status.
• Unsuccessful applicants will normally be notified of the outcome towards the end of the admission cycle. For instance, unsuccessful applicants who seek admission in Fall term will normally be notified in the summer right before the program commences.

• HK$180. Please settle the application fee online by credit card (Visa or MasterCard). We do not require the applicant and the card holder to be the same person.

• Yes. Most of our full-time MPhil and PhD students are granted studentship.
• Also, the HK Government has introduced the Tuition Waiver Scheme for Local Research Postgraduate Students. Starting from Fall 2018/19, local students (both new and current ones) who meet the criteria as follows, will be given the tuition waiver, i.e. they are not required to pay the tuition.
  • Enrolled in a full-time MPhil or PhD program
  • Hold a local student status, defined as follows:
    • Having (i) right of abode (A), (ii) right to land (R) or (iii) unconditional stay (U) in Hong Kong as shown in an HKSAR smart ID beneath the date of birth.
    • Aged below 18 and holds a dependent visa before 1 September of the calendar year in which they are admitted.
    • Having a single entry permit to Hong Kong.
• Please visit http://pg.ust.hk/funding for details.

• All full-time MPhil/PhD students are automatically considered for the Postgraduate Studentship.
• No separate application is required.
• Also, the HK Government has introduced the Tuition Waiver Scheme for Local Research Postgraduate Students. Starting from Fall 2018/19, local students (both new and current ones) who meet the criteria as follows, will be given the tuition waiver, i.e. they are not required to pay the tuition.
  • Enrolled in a full-time MPhil or PhD program
  • Hold a local student status, defined as follows:
    • Having (i) right of abode (A), (ii) right to land (R) or (iii) unconditional stay (U) in Hong Kong as shown in an HKSAR smart ID beneath the date of birth.
    • Aged below 18 and holds a dependent visa before 1 September of the calendar year in which they are admitted.
    • Having a single entry permit to Hong Kong.
• Please visit http://pg.ust.hk/funding for details.

• HK$42,100 per year for both full-time and part-time MPhil/PhD studies.
• Also, the HK Government has introduced the Tuition Waiver Scheme for Local Research Postgraduate Students. Starting from Fall 2018/19, local students (both new and current ones) who meet the criteria as follows, will be given the tuition waiver, i.e. they are not required to pay the tuition.
  • Enrolled in a full-time MPhil or PhD program
  • Hold a local student status, defined as follows:
    • Having (i) right of abode (A), (ii) right to land (R) or (iii) unconditional stay (U) in Hong Kong as shown in an HKSAR smart ID beneath the date of birth.
    • Aged below 18 and holds a dependent visa before 1 September of the calendar year in which they are admitted.
    • Having a single entry permit to Hong Kong.
• Please visit http://pg.ust.hk/funding for details.

• No separate application is required.
• The University will waive the tuition fees for eligible in-time local students who enroll in full-time MPhil or PhD programs.
• Please visit http://pg.ust.hk/funding for details.

• Yes for non-local students, but the studentship should well cover your tuition fee and living costs here.
• Also, the HK Government has introduced the Tuition Waiver Scheme for Local Research Postgraduate Students. Starting from Fall 2018/19, local students (both new and current ones) who meet the criteria as follows, will be given the tuition waiver, i.e. they are not required to pay the tuition.
  • Enrolled in a full-time MPhil or PhD program
  • Hold a local student status, defined as follows:
    • Having (i) right of abode (A), (ii) right to land (R) or (iii) unconditional stay (U) in Hong Kong as shown in an HKSAR smart ID beneath the date of birth.
    • Aged below 18 and holds a dependent visa before 1 September of the calendar year in which they are admitted.
    • Having a single entry permit to Hong Kong.
• Please visit http://pg.ust.hk/funding for details.

• HK$42,100 per year.
• Also, the HK Government has introduced the Tuition Waiver Scheme for Local Research Postgraduate Students. Starting from Fall 2018/19, local students (both new and current ones) who meet the criteria as follows, will be given the tuition waiver, i.e. they are not required to pay the tuition.
  • Enrolled in a full-time MPhil or PhD program
  • Hold a local student status, defined as follows:
    • Having (i) right of abode (A), (ii) right to land (R) or (iii) unconditional stay (U) in Hong Kong as shown in an HKSAR smart ID beneath the date of birth.
    • Aged below 18 and holds a dependent visa before 1 September of the calendar year in which they are admitted.
    • Having a single entry permit to Hong Kong.
• Please visit http://pg.ust.hk/funding for details.

• Yes for non-local students, but the fellowship should well cover your tuition fee and living costs here.
• Also, the HK Government has introduced the Tuition Waiver Scheme for Local Research Postgraduate Students. Starting from Fall 2018/19, local students (both new and current ones) who meet the criteria as follows, will be given the tuition waiver, i.e. they are not required to pay the tuition.
  • Enrolled in a full-time MPhil or PhD program
  • Hold a local student status, defined as follows:
    • Having (i) right of abode (A), (ii) right to land (R) or (iii) unconditional stay (U) in Hong Kong as shown in an HKSAR smart ID beneath the date of birth.
    • Aged below 18 and holds a dependent visa before 1 September of the calendar year in which they are admitted.
    • Having a single entry permit to Hong Kong.
• Please visit http://pg.ust.hk/funding for details.

• Application fees vary for each program, please visit here (“Application”) for more details.
• Please settle the application fee online by credit card (Visa or MasterCard). We do not require the applicant and the card holder to be the same person.

• Individual programs may offer program-specific scholarships. Please check directly with the Program you are interested in.

• Tuition fees vary for each program, please visit here (“General Information”) for details.

• The deposit will be refunded based on official documents showing that there is a shortfall.
• If you did not attempt to take the test specified in the admission condition, we are sorry that the deposit will not be refunded.
• The refund process will take time. Refund will normally be made in November for Fall admission and April for Spring admission to the applicant as shown in the admission system.

• The cost of living varies with each student, depending on the accommodation and lifestyle choices. Please visit here for more ideas about the living cost in Hong Kong.

• Accept the offer online by the reply deadline.
• Pay the deposit to confirm your acceptance.
• Check the offer letter for other important actions to take.

• Submit relevant documents as proof as early as possible and no later than mid-July for Fall admission, or end December for Spring admission.

• Deposit payment instructions will be available, after you click “Accept Offer and Pay” at your application in the system.
• Please choose one of the methods to settle the deposit and upload the payment proof by the deadline stipulated in the offer letter.

• Check the Document Checklist which will appear after you have accepted the offer.
• Refer to Document Requirements for details and tips.
• Arrange for official documents to be sent as soon as possible and no later than the deadline stipulated in the offer letter.
• Check the document receipt status in the Document Checklist.

• Copies officially imprinted, signed and certified by the issuing authority concerned, or
• Documents that have been duly declared as true copies before a notary public (for example a Commissioner of Oaths at any local District Office in Hong Kong).

The codes below apply to all HKUST PG programs:

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

• Score Recipient Code: 0170
• Dept Code: any code other than 00, e.g. 01 = Educational Administration

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

• Name of department: Office of Postgraduate Studies
• Name of institution: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
• Address: Room 6418 (Lifts 25/26), The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong (No postal code is required for Hong Kong)
• Please request your test center to add our details to your score report and make sure they reprint the TRF.

GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)

• The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology - HKUST Business School
• Select:
  • PhD degree programs or
  • Other master's programs, Full-Time or
  • Other master's programs, Part-Time

GRE (Graduate Record Examination)

• University Code: 3834
• Dept Code: any code

Please send your documents to:

Office of Postgraduate Studies
Room 6418 (Lifts 25/26)
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Clear Water Bay, Kowloon
Hong Kong

• Check the delivery status with the issuing authority or courier service provider; ensure that the documents have been sent to the right mailing address.
• Login to the application system to check the document receipt statuses.

• Error messages might pop up during document uploading process.
• Use another internet browser and disable any pop-up blocker.
• If the total file size exceeds the allowed size, you may try to reduce the file size or resolution for the documents you uploaded. Each file should not exceed 1.00 MB.

• Most of the non-local students are required to obtain the following before coming to Hong Kong for study:
  • student visa (if you are from an overseas country)
  • entry permit (if you are from Macao, Taiwan or Mainland China)
• If you are currently studying in Hong Kong (including HKUST), you will have to submit an application for the new program of study at HKUST.
• However, you do not need the student visa/ entry permit if you have one of the following for the period of study:
  • (i) Right of Abode, (ii) Right to Land or (iii) “Unconditional Stay” status in Hong Kong. Check for the symbol “A”, “R” or “U” in the HKSAR smart ID.
  • Dependent visa/ entry permit
  • Visa under the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG)
  • Work Permit (for part-time students only)
• Please visit here for details.

• If you are from Mainland China, you must apply for an entry permit via HKUST.
• If you are from Taiwan, Macao or an overseas country, it is the simplest and most straightforward for you to apply for a student visa/ entry permit via HKUST.
• The University will act as your sponsor.
• Lodge your application via HKUST Visa System and submit all the application materials by courier to HKUST.
• If you choose to file an application on your own (e.g. through the consulate general of your country), you will need to find a sponsor and make your own arrangement to collect the visa label.
• Please visit here for the Application Timeline. 

• Send us the required paper documents as soon as possible to complete the application.
• Please refer to the Checklist of Documents Required for Visa/ Entry Permit Application or the FAQs in the “Supporting Documents” section below for details.
• Check the most up-to-date status in the Visa System.

• Application period:
  • Fall admission: March or soonest possible
  • Spring admission: mid-October or soonest possible
  • For exchange program, PG visiting student program and visiting internship: apply right after you have accepted the admission offer
  • For MBA, EMBA, HKUST-NYU MSc in Global Finance: respective program offices will advise you of the details separately
• It is important to submit your application early to ensure that you can obtain the visa/entry permit in time for program commencement.
• The following shows the rough timeline based on our past experience. This is for reference purpose only. The processing and approval processes rest with the Hong Kong Immigration Department and situation may vary from case to case.

• Log in to the Visa System which shows the latest visa/ entry permit application status
• Approved visa/ entry permit must be activated within 3 months. For Fall intake (commencing in September), the University will collect the visa/ entry permit on your behalf no earlier than June.
• Once the label is available, the University will send it to you by courier and the courier service provider will send you an email for delivery tracking.
• To help us focus on processing your application, please write to inquire only if your application takes a lot longer than the normal processing time.
• Visit here ("Application Timeline") to find out the estimated processing time. 

• Yes, you can log in to the Visa System and change the delivery address before the visa/ entry permit application is approved and the visa label is sent out. 

• We will send you the student visa/ entry permit together with clear instructions. It is important that you do the steps right.

• Sorry, you have to make your own arrangement to apply for dependent visa(s) for your family member(s).
• Also, your dependents are prohibited from taking up employment in Hong Kong unless they have obtained prior permission from the Director of Immigration.
• Visit here and submit ID997 to the Hong Kong Immigration Department.
• For more details, check with the Hong Kong Immigration Department [phone: (852) 2824 6111; email: enquiry@immd.gov.hk].

• Please refer to the Checklist of Documents Required for Visa/ Entry Permit Application. You will find more tips in the Visa System.
• Please make use of the Mailing Cover and send the form and all the supporting documents by courier to HKUST.

• It is important to show that you are well covered financially during your studies at HKUST (see sample application form).
• The Hong Kong Immigration Department requires documentary proof showing your financial standing, e.g. a photocopy of latest bank statement or passbook.
• If you receive a Postgraduate Studentship, please also indicate the amount in the application form.

Please send your documents to:

Office of Postgraduate Studies
Room 6418 (Lifts 25/26)
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Clear Water Bay, Kowloon
Hong Kong

• Login to check the status in the Visa System.
• Please be assured that we’ll closely monitor the progress of your application and update your status in the system to the following as promptly as we can:
  • "Pending documents from applicant" – you are advised to check with the courier service provider about the delivery status and ensure that you have sent the documents to the right mailing address (Please see above FAQ for the mailing address).
  • If delivery status shows that it has been delivered to correct address by your courier, please re-check the status in the HKUST visa application system a week from now.
  • “Processing by UST/Immigration” – things are in good order and we will further contact you when the application is approved.
  • Otherwise, please write to us via Enquiry Form and provide us the following information in your message:
    • Name and Application No.
    • Screenshot which could show the delivery status, tracking no., delivery address and recipient’s signature

• You should currently be a registered postgraduate student at a recognized tertiary institution outside Hong Kong.

• Step 1: identify the School/ Program Office you are interested in.
• Step 2: seek agreement from an HKUST faculty member to accept you as a visiting intern and make use of the “Support from Home University/ Institution” Form to obtain agreement from your home institution before starting your application.
• Step 3: submit your application online at least 3 months in advance.

• PG Visiting Internship Students are in general expected to have adequate financial means to support themselves while they are in Hong Kong.
• The University may provide sponsorship to selected international visiting interns. The sponsorship is subject to the agreement of supervisor and funding availability. For details, please refer to http://pg.ust.hk/ivisp.

• Most of the non-local students are required to obtain the following before coming to Hong Kong for study:
  • student visa (if you are from an overseas country)
  • entry permit (if you are from Macao, Taiwan or Mainland China)
• If you are currently studying in Hong Kong (including HKUST), you will have to submit an application for the new program of study at HKUST.
• However, you do not need the student visa/ entry permit if you have one of the following for the period of study:
  • (i) Right of Abode, (ii) Right to Land or (iii) “Unconditional Stay” status in Hong Kong. Check for the symbol “A”, “R” or “U” in the HKSAR smart ID.
  • Dependent visa/ entry permit
  • Visa under the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG)
  • Work Permit (for part-time students only)
• Please visit here for details.

• Priority for university housing is given to MPhil/PhD students. Please be prepared that you may have to arrange your own accommodation off-campus.
• For details, please consult the School/ Program Office you wish to apply to.

• You should currently be a registered postgraduate student at a recognized tertiary institution outside Hong Kong.

• Please visit http://pg.ust.hk/vpgs (“Application Procedures”) for details.

• Most of the non-local students are required to obtain the following before coming to Hong Kong for study:
  • student visa (if you are from an overseas country)
  • entry permit (if you are from Macao, Taiwan or Mainland China)
• If you are currently studying in Hong Kong (including HKUST), you will have to submit an application for the new program of study at HKUST.
• However, you do not need the student visa/ entry permit if you have one of the following for the period of study:
  • (i) Right of Abode, (ii) Right to Land or (iii) “Unconditional Stay” status in Hong Kong. Check for the symbol “A”, “R” or “U” in the HKSAR smart ID.
  • Dependent visa/ entry permit
  • Visa under the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG)
  • Work Permit (for part-time students only)
• Please visit here for details.

• Please consult the School/ Program Office you wish to apply to.
• Priority for university housing is given to MPhil/PhD students. Please be prepared that you may have to arrange your own accommodation off-campus.

• You should currently be a registered postgraduate student at our partner institutions.
• You should be nominated for the program by your home institution.

• Please visit http://pg.ust.hk/exchange (“Application Procedures”) for details.

• Most of the non-local students are required to obtain the following before coming to Hong Kong for study:
  • student visa (if you are from an overseas country)
  • entry permit (if you are from Macao, Taiwan or Mainland China)
• If you are currently studying in Hong Kong (including HKUST), you will have to submit an application for the new program of study at HKUST.
• However, you do not need the student visa/ entry permit if you have one of the following for the period of study:
  • (i) Right of Abode, (ii) Right to Land or (iii) “Unconditional Stay” status in Hong Kong. Check for the symbol “A”, “R” or “U” in the HKSAR smart ID.
  • Dependent visa/ entry permit
  • Visa under the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG)
  • Work Permit (for part-time students only)
• Please visit here for the details.

• Please consult the School/ Program Office you wish to apply to.
• Priority for university housing is given to MPhil/PhD students. Please be prepared that you may have to arrange your own accommodation off-campus.

• You should have a recognized bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification.
• You should meet the University’s English proficiency attainments. For details, please visit here.

• Please visit http://pg.ust.hk/assopgs (“Application Procedures”) for details.