The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), established in 1963, is a research-intensive university known for its bilingual and multicultural approach. Chinese University of Hong Kong emphasizes academic excellence, and its campus hosts extensive research facilities and offers comprehensive support to international students.
Location: Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
Ranking: Consistently ranks among the top 50 universities globally (QS and THE Rankings). CUHK is highly respected in Asia, especially in fields like business, medicine, and engineering.
Available Programs: Offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in a wide range of disciplines.
Program Duration:
- Bachelor’s: 4 years
- Master’s: 1–2 years
- Ph.D.: 3–4 years
Application Time:
- Undergraduate: Generally opens in September, with deadlines in January for international students.
- Graduate Programs: Applications typically open in September, with deadlines varying by program (often in December or January).
Study Areas: Program List
CUHK offers diverse programs across the following key areas:
- Arts and Humanities
- Chinese Language and Literature
- History
- Philosophy
- Business and Economics
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Hospitality and Real Estate
- Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Medicine and Health Sciences
- Medicine (MBChB)
- Nursing
- Public Health
- Science
- Life Sciences
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Social Sciences
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Journalism and Communication
- Education
- Early Childhood Education
- Language Education
- Educational Administration
Admission Requirements (Bachelor, Master’s, PhD): GPA, English Proficiency, Standardized Test Scores
Bachelor’s
- GPA: Competitive grades required; equivalent to a high school diploma with strong results.
- English Proficiency: TOEFL iBT 80+, IELTS 6.0+, or equivalent if English isn’t the first language.
- Standardized Tests: SAT or ACT scores may be required depending on the applicant’s country of origin.
Master’s
- GPA: Generally requires a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or equivalent.
- English Proficiency: TOEFL iBT 79–100, IELTS 6.5+, or equivalent.
- GRE/GMAT: Required for some programs, especially in business and engineering fields.
PhD
- GPA: Master’s degree or equivalent, with a strong academic background in the relevant field.
- English Proficiency: Similar to Master’s level, though some programs may require higher scores.
- Standardized Tests: GRE may be required, depending on the field.
Required Documents to Apply
- Application form
- Official transcripts and diploma from previous education
- Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
- Standardized test scores (if required by the program)
- Personal statement or statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation (usually 2–3)
- Resume/CV (for graduate programs)
- Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
- Portfolio (for programs in fine arts or design)
- Copy of passport
Tuition Fees for International Students
- Undergraduate: HKD 145,000 per year (~USD 18,500)
- Master’s: HKD 120,000–180,000 per year (~USD 15,400–23,000), depending on the program
- PhD: HKD 42,000 per year (~USD 5,400) if funded; otherwise, tuition fees vary by department
Living Expenses
Estimated monthly living expenses in Hong Kong:
- Accommodation: HKD 2,500–5,000
- Food: HKD 3,000–5,000
- Transportation: HKD 300–500
- Personal expenses: HKD 500–1,000
Total Estimated Monthly Cost: HKD 6,300–11,500 (~USD 800–1,500)
Annual Living Expenses: HKD 75,600–138,000 (~USD 9,700–17,700)
Why Choose This University?
CUHK is known for its strong academic reputation, research excellence, and beautiful campus environment. Its bilingual policy allows international students to benefit from both English and Chinese instruction, offering a unique cultural immersion in Hong Kong’s dynamic environment. The university’s extensive global network also opens up opportunities for internships and collaborations with industries worldwide.
Suggestions for International Applicants
- Learn Basic Cantonese or Mandarin: While most classes are in English, basic Chinese language skills can be useful for daily life.
- Prepare Documents Early: International admissions can be competitive, so complete applications early and double-check requirements.
- Explore Funding Options: Look into scholarships or research funding if you’re a graduate student, as costs in Hong Kong can add up.
Available Scholarships for International Students
- CUHK Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships: Merit-based scholarships for high-achieving international undergraduates.
- CUHK Postgraduate Studentships: For full-time PhD and MPhil students.
- Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme: For exceptional PhD candidates with financial support.
- CUHK Overseas Fellowships and Exchange Scholarships: For students participating in global exchange programs.
FAQ about CUHK
Q1: Does CUHK offer programs in English?
Yes, most programs, especially at the graduate level, are available in English.
Q2: Can international students work part-time while studying at CUHK?
Yes, international students can work part-time on campus or during semester breaks, with certain restrictions.
Q3: Is there on-campus housing available for international students?
Yes, CUHK provides on-campus housing options for both undergraduate and graduate international students.
Q4: Are there any specific scholarships for international undergraduates?
Yes, CUHK offers merit-based scholarships specifically for international undergraduate students.
Q5: How competitive is admission to CUHK?
Admission is competitive, particularly in popular programs such as Business, Engineering, and Medicine. Strong academic performance and well-rounded applications are essential.