Hong Kong master’s applications:start with thedeadlines

For autumn 2027 entry, most programs open in September–October 2026 and a few as early as July–August. Deadlines mostly fall between October 2026 and June 2027, with January and February the busiest. Many programs review on a rolling basis and close when full, so applying early helps. Exact dates are on the calendar and each program page.

It varies: some programs publish a single deadline, others two, three or more rounds, and the names differ (Round 1, Main Round, Early Round…). Many review on a rolling basis and close when full, so fewer places remain in later rounds — submit as soon as your documents are ready. Each program page lists all its rounds in order.

All dates here are in Hong Kong time, the same as Beijing time. Some programs set separate deadlines for local and non-local applicants; mainland students count as non-local. The calendar and home page show only non-local rounds, and program pages note where local dates differ. The exact cut-off hour is whatever the application system shows.

Yes, but only for a few programs. Among the 2027-entry programs we track, spring (January–March) intakes are mostly at PolyU, with some at HKUST, Lingnan and elsewhere. Their deadlines come much earlier than autumn ones, mostly around October of the year before, and they are tagged “Spring intake” in the calendar and program lists.

A recognised bachelor’s degree (final-year students can apply with current transcripts), grades that meet the program’s bar, and proof of English — usually IELTS or TOEFL, with some programs accepting CET-6. Some also ask for a related major or work experience. Each program page quotes the official requirements with a source link.

Yes. Universities publish requirements on degree, grades and English; how much weight your undergraduate institution carries isn’t disclosed and differs widely between programs. To see real outcomes, filter the admission results by undergraduate tier and look at applicants with backgrounds like yours.

For some programs, yes. We check each official page and mark the programs that accept CET-6; most set the bar at 430 or 450, some higher, and anything the page doesn’t state is marked “Unverified”. Some accept CET-6 under the university’s general rule, and some also require an interview. The full list is on the CET-6 page.

Most programs we track ask for an overall 6.0 or 6.5; a few want 7.0 and a handful 5.5. Where a sub-score minimum is set, it is usually 5.5 per band. TOEFL requirements are listed on each program page. The IELTS page lets you pick 6, 6.5 or 7 and see what you can apply for.

Most are taught in English, but some state Putonghua or bilingual teaching on their official pages — EdUHK has the most, mainly in education, the humanities and social sciences, with a few in business and management. Chinese-medium programs often still require IELTS or CET-6. See the taught-in-Chinese list.

Yes. Final-year students usually apply with their current transcripts and, if admitted, typically receive a conditional offer that asks for the graduation certificate, degree certificate and final transcript before enrolment — sometimes a language score too. The conditions are set out in the offer letter.

Roughly five steps: (1) shortlist programs by subject, tuition and language requirements; (2) prepare transcripts, proof of enrolment or your degree, English scores, a personal statement, a CV and references; (3) apply through each university’s online system, upload documents and pay the fee; (4) wait for review — some programs interview; (5) accept your offer by the deadline (many ask for a deposit), then arrange your student visa and enrolment. Check each program’s official page for its exact documents and dates.

Each program sets its own number: some want two, some one, some none. Usually you enter your referees’ emails in the online system and they submit directly. Other common documents are transcripts, proof of enrolment or your degree, English scores, a personal statement and a CV; some programs also want a portfolio, writing sample or proof of employment. We don’t track the number of references yet, so check the program’s application guidelines.

Some programs interview, usually online by video, and some require an English interview; many decide on documents alone. Whether and when you’ll be invited is up to the program and is normally explained on its site or by email. Admission results also show interviews applicants have reported.

A conditional offer admits you provided you meet stated conditions before enrolment — most often submitting your graduation and degree certificates and final transcript on time, or reaching a required English score by a set date. Meet them and the offer becomes unconditional; miss them and the university can withdraw it. The offer letter sets out the conditions and deadlines.

Many programs ask for a deposit by a set date to confirm your place. The amount, deadline, refund terms and whether it counts toward tuition are set by each program and stated in the offer; many deposits are non-refundable, so if you hold several offers, check each one’s deadline and terms before paying. We don’t track deposits yet.

Yes. You normally pay it online when you submit; the amount differs by university and can differ between programs at the same one, and it is usually non-refundable. The application system shows the exact amount.

Most are one year full-time; some engineering, computing, architecture and business programs run 1.5–2 years, and part-time study usually takes 2–3 years. Each program page quotes the official duration.

Fees are charged for the whole program, and most programs last one year, so the total is roughly the annual cost. Most programs we track charge between HK$150k and HK$600k; business and finance sit at the top, education and the humanities at the bottom. “Proposed” marks a university’s provisional 2027/28 fee. Living costs are extra. The tuition list sorts every program from lowest to highest.

Everything comes straight from the universities’ graduate-school and program pages. Each field shows its source link and check date; anything not rechecked for 30 days is flagged, and anything the official page doesn’t state is marked “Unverified” rather than guessed. We are not affiliated with any university and offer no agency services. Always confirm on the official site before you apply.