🔬Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Hong Kong, Hong Kong

QS World 2026 · #44

Hong Kong's youngest top-ranked university, built specifically around science, engineering and business.

About HKUST

HKUST was founded in 1991 specifically to build Hong Kong's capacity in science, engineering and business — decades younger than HKU and CUHK, but already ranked among Asia's best. Its purpose-built waterfront Clear Water Bay campus and strong Business School reflect that founding focus.

Why students choose it

  • Founded in 1991 specifically around Science, Engineering and Business
  • Purpose-built waterfront Clear Water Bay campus
  • Already ranks among Asia's best universities despite being the youngest of the HK five

🎓 Free application support for HKUST

Submit a free enquiry and Tutopiya's admissions team will guide you through your application to HKUST — personal statement, interview prep and deadlines — at no cost, no obligation. Application fees are typically waived through our university partnerships.

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Typical entry grades

AAA (A Level)  ·  IB 37

Top tier · indicative for the flagship courses below — always verify per-course requirements directly with the university.

Tuition (international, per year)

HK$150,000–HK$200,000/yr

high tier for Hong Kong — figures are typical ranges, not this specific university's published fee.

Language of instruction

English

Campus

campus campus, Hong Kong

🏆 Scholarships to look into

Informational only — scholarship amounts, deadlines and even which schemes are running change often (sometimes per intake), so treat this as a starting point, not a guarantee. Always confirm current details directly with the scholarship provider or HKUST's financial aid office.

Hong Kong's UGC-funded universities offer a limited number of highly competitive entrance scholarships for outstanding international/non-local students, generally covering a significant share of tuition or including a stipend.

  • University entrance scholarships for non-local students: e.g. HKU, CUHK and HKUST each run entrance scholarship schemes for top international applicants — competitive with a small number of awards each year, sometimes covering full or partial tuition plus a living stipend.
  • Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme: Government-funded, but for doctoral/research study, not undergraduate admission.

These are genuinely competitive with very few places — worth applying for, but don't rely on one as your funding plan.

Want help figuring out which of these you'd actually qualify for? Talk to a free Tutopiya counsellor.

Popular courses

Engineering

⏱️ Typical duration: Often 4 years rather than the country's standard Bachelor's length, especially where the programme includes an integrated Master's (e.g. UK MEng) or an industry placement year

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Typical entry: Requires Mathematics + Physics

Computer Science

⏱️ Typical duration: 4 years

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Typical entry: Requires Mathematics

Artificial Intelligence

⏱️ Typical duration: 4 years

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Typical entry: Requires Mathematics

Business

⏱️ Typical duration: 4 years

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Typical entry: Mathematics helps but usually isn't required recommended

Natural Sciences

⏱️ Typical duration: 4 years

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Typical entry: Requires two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths

Mathematics

⏱️ Typical duration: 4 years

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Typical entry: Requires Mathematics

Durations are typical for Hong Kong — always confirm the exact length (including any placement or integrated Master's year) on the course's own page before applying.

Not sure which course fits your grades and interests? Run the full shortlist builder →

How to apply

Main intake(s)
September
Typical deadline
December, via the non-JUPAS international route

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall

Most universities waive this requirement if you've completed 2+ years of English-medium schooling (e.g. IGCSE / A Level / IB) — always confirm the specific university's waiver policy before booking a test.

See where HKUST ranks on your personal shortlist

Enter your grades and budget in the free Hong Kong University Shortlist Builder to see whether HKUST is a reach, target or safety for you — alongside every other Hong Kong university that matches.

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More Hong Kong universities

HKUST FAQ

Quick answers about grades, tuition, deadlines and applying to HKUST as an international IGCSE / A Level / IB student.

What grades do I need to get into HKUST?

As a typical benchmark for international entry, HKUST expects around AAA at A Level or 37 points on the IB Diploma. This is indicative for HKUST's flagship courses — competitive subjects like Medicine and Law usually sit above this baseline, and the exact requirement varies by course, so always confirm the specific figure on HKUST's own admissions page before applying.

How much does HKUST cost for international students?

International tuition at HKUST typically falls in the HK$150,000–HK$200,000/yr range (high tier for Hong Kong). This is a typical range for the university's tuition tier, not HKUST's specific published fee for every course — confirm the exact figure for your intended programme directly with the university.

When is the application deadline for HKUST?

HKUST follows Hong Kong's typical intake calendar: September, with applications generally due december, via the non-jupas international route. Always verify the exact date on HKUST's own admissions page, since deadlines can shift year to year.

What IELTS score do I need for HKUST?

Hong Kong universities, including HKUST, typically ask international applicants for 6.5 overall. Most universities waive this requirement if you've completed 2+ years of English-medium schooling (e.g. IGCSE / A Level / IB) — always confirm the specific university's waiver policy before booking a test.

What is HKUST known for?

Hong Kong's youngest top-ranked university, built specifically around science, engineering and business. HKUST was founded in 1991 specifically to build Hong Kong's capacity in science, engineering and business — decades younger than HKU and CUHK, but already ranked among Asia's best. Its purpose-built waterfront Clear Water Bay campus and strong Business School reflect that founding focus.

Can I apply to HKUST with IGCSE, A Level or IB qualifications?

Yes — HKUST accepts applicants from IGCSE-to-A-Level, IGCSE-to-IB-Diploma, and directly from the IB Diploma. Tutopiya's free Hong Kong University Shortlist Builder matches your predicted or actual grades against HKUST and every other Hong Kong university we track, tagging each as reach, target or safety.

Need help applying to HKUST? Get free application support.

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