Sending your child to study in HK?
First understand the three tracks

Dependant with local status, self-funded non-local, or associate degree first — the track changes tuition by 3× and the entire application process. This page covers both undergraduate and postgraduate.

Start with undergraduate

Undergraduate · three tracks

2026/27: the eight funded universities offer about 15,000 funded first-year places; local tuition is $47,000/yr

TrackWho it fitsTuition (per year)How to apply
Dependant (local status) Parents hold TTPS / QMAS / ASMTP etc.; child comes as a dependant $47,000 (subsidised local rate) Via JUPAS (HKDSE) or Non-JUPAS (Mainland gaokao / international qualifications), competing in the same pool as local students
Non-local self-funded Parents don't have HK status; child comes on a student visa $170,000–$249,000 (HKU 2026/27 ≈ $224,000–$249,000) Apply directly via universities' international admissions. Places count against the non-local cap (raised from 20% to 40%, then 50% from 2026/27; ~7,500 places across the eight universities)
Associate degree 2+2 Gaokao score not enough for direct entry; study 2 years of associate degree then 2 years of a bachelor's Associate ≈ $40,000–$80,000/yr; bachelor's then charged per your status Apply with gaokao score + interview to HKU SPACE, PolyU HKCC, CityU SCOPE etc.; transfer to a bachelor's once GPA requirements are met
⚠️ Key change for dependants: the "local tuition" eligibility for dependant-visa holders is tightening — from 2027/28 entrants must have resided in HK for 1 year; from 2028/29, 2 years (with no more than 90 days away per year) to qualify for local tuition. New status holders need to plan the timing carefully.
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Non-local gaokao bar (reference)

Direct entry to the eight universities: total score usually needs to exceed the provincial first-tier line by ~130–150 points, English 130+ (higher for HKU, CUHK popular programmes). Associate degree bar is lower: above the undergraduate line + English ~110.

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Application timing

Non-local undergraduate applications typically open Sep–Oct each year, first-round deadlines around late November, rolling after that. Gaokao students often submit extra documents after results in June, but places are mostly gone by then — start preparing in the first semester of Year 11.

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Over-quota scheme

The Education Bureau allows a 4% "over-quota" admission (about 600 places) for non-locals with special talents or circumstances — sports, arts and competition winners can take this route.

Postgraduate · taught master's

The mainstream choice for Mainland fresh graduates and working professionals — one-year taught postgraduate programmes

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Application window

Openings roll out Sep–Nov each year; main rounds Dec–Mar. Business programmes open earliest and fill earliest — apply within 4 weeks of opening for popular majors. Rolling admissions, first come first served.

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Academic bar (reference)

GPA 3.0/4.0 to start, 3.5+ for popular programmes; IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), business usually 6.5–7.0; some business schools suggest GMAT 650+ or equivalent GRE. A few schools accept CET-6 but it's not an advantage.

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Costs & budget

Arts & social sciences $150,000–$220,000/yr, business $250,000–$400,000+, science & engineering in between. Add rent and living costs — total yearly budget roughly RMB 300k–450k.

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Document checklist

Undergraduate transcripts + degree certificate / proof of enrolment (sealed, EN+CN), IELTS score, personal statement, CV, 2 recommendation letters; some programmes need a portfolio or interview. Non-985/211 applicants compensate with internships/research.

One-year application timeline

Example: enrolling the following autumn, working backwards

WhenWhat to do
Jan–AprSet direction: shortlist schools and programmes, first IELTS attempt, organise internships/research
May–AugScore push: retake IELTS, draft PS/CV/recommendation letters, contact referees
Sep–NovSubmit: apply as soon as portals open, seal and send documents, first business deadlines
Dec–FebInterview season: video interviews, written tests; offers start arriving
Mar–JunAccept, pay deposit, apply for student visa (school-sponsored, ~6–8 weeks), find housing
Jul–AugPre-departure: receive e-visa, travel to HK to activate, get HKID, Octopus, enrol

Staying after graduation · IANG visa

Study is just the entry point — stay and work for 7 years and you can apply for permanent residency

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What is IANG

The Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates: after graduation you can stay in HK for 24 months to find a job (36 months for STEM graduates), unrestricted by industry or employer; switch to an employment visa once hired.

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Renewal rhythm

IANG renewal requires an employer. From 1 Mar 2026, renewal applications can be submitted up to 3 months before expiry. The typical path to 7 years: "1 year study + 2 years IANG + 4 years work".

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7-year permanent residency

After 7 years of ordinary residence (study time counts) you can apply for permanent residency — then a HKSAR passport and Mainland Travel Permit. Dependants' time counts too.

📌 Remember the path in one line: study 1 year → IANG gives you 2 years (3 for STEM) to find work → renew employment visa → apply for permanent residency at 7 years. Study status is the entry point to the whole chain.