6 Advantages of Studying in Hong Kong
1. Direct Admission
One of the major advantages of pursuing a Master's degree in Hong Kong is the opportunity for direct admission. As long as applicants meet the requirements and pass the application materials and interviews, they are generally accepted into the program.
2. One-Year Full-Time Programs
Courses that typically take two years to complete in China can be finished in just one year in Hong Kong. Most Master's programs in Hong Kong are full-time and well-structured, offering a compact schedule and practical knowledge that is highly relevant to the workplace.
3. Cost-Effective Education
Compared to the high tuition and living expenses in Europe and the UK, studying in Hong Kong is more affordable. Except for popular business programs that may have higher fees, the average annual tuition for other disciplines ranges from 110,000 to 160,000 RMB (140,000 to 190,000 HKD), which does not pose a heavy financial burden.
4. Internationally Recognized Degrees
Master's degrees from Hong Kong universities are internationally recognized by educational institutions worldwide. Graduates can continue their studies abroad and pursue a doctoral degree. Currently, some Master's degrees from mainland Chinese universities may not yet have international recognition.
5. One-Year Unconditional Stay after Graduation
Since 2008, the Hong Kong Education Bureau has implemented a new policy allowing non-local graduates to stay in Hong Kong unconditionally for up to 12 months. As long as they submit an application to the Immigration Department, graduates can enter the job market during this period, providing a valuable advantage and opportunity for students interested in developing their careers in Hong Kong.
6. Recognition of Diplomas between Hong Kong and Mainland China
Hong Kong and mainland China mutually recognize higher education diplomas. Graduates have the option to return to mainland China for work or gain work experience in Hong Kong before returning to the mainland. Regardless of the employment location, they enjoy a certain degree of advantage.
The advantages mentioned above make Hong Kong an attractive destination for pursuing a Master's degree, offering excellent academic opportunities and a promising future.
Cost and Duration of Undergraduate and Master's Studies in Hong Kong
【Undergraduate Students】Tuition Fees and Study Programs
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Undergraduate Tuition Fees: HKD 120,000-150,000 per year (approximately 900,000-1,200,000 RMB).
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Undergraduate Living Expenses: HKD 80,000-100,000 per year (approximately 600,000-800,000 RMB).
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Sub-degree Tuition Fees: HKD 50,000-70,000 per year (approximately 400,000-600,000 RMB).
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Sub-degree Living Expenses: HKD 80,000-100,000 per year (approximately 600,000-800,000 RMB).
Undergraduate Study Programs:
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For students in Grade 10, Grade 11, and Grade 12
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They can participate in A-Level training programs in China or enroll in Sino-foreign cooperative high schools and then apply for undergraduate programs in Hong Kong.
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Grade 12 students can also take the domestic college entrance examination (Gaokao). As long as their scores meet the requirements for second-tier universities, they can apply for sub-degree programs. If their scores meet the requirements for first-tier universities, they can apply for undergraduate programs in Hong Kong. However, they need to achieve a score of 100 in the English subject (out of a total of 150).
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High school graduates or current undergraduate students can apply for master's programs at the eight major public universities in Hong Kong.
【Master's Programs】Study Costs and Duration
1. Coursework Mode Master's Programs:
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Duration: 1-2 years, depending on the individual university and program.
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Total Tuition Fees: HKD 120,000-200,000 (approximately 1,000,000-1,600,000 RMB).
2. Mix-mode Programme Master's Programs:
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Duration: 1.5-3 years, depending on the individual university and program.
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Total Tuition Fees: HKD 70,000-150,000 (approximately 500,000-1,200,000 RMB).
Living Expenses:
Living expenses cover accommodation, utilities, meals, transportation, etc. The general cost of living for international students in Hong Kong is approximately HKD 80,000-100,000 per year (approximately 700,000-800,000 RMB).
Master's Program Application Requirements in Hong Kong
Hong Kong's education system is highly regarded, with five universities ranking among the top 100 in the world. The standard of education is on par with that of European and American countries. Coupled with Hong Kong's unique geographical location, it has naturally become the preferred destination for many students seeking to study abroad. So, what are the requirements for applying to Hong Kong universities? And what aspects of students' strengths do the institutions, especially prestigious ones, value the most?
1. GPA (Grade Point Average):
Grades play a crucial role and serve as a prerequisite for admission to Hong Kong universities. It is recommended that students maintain a GPA of 80 or above to have a basic competitive edge. For students applying to postgraduate programs, higher scores are preferred, especially with outstanding undergraduate performance, as it significantly enhances the chances of being admitted.
It is worth mentioning that some universities in Hong Kong consider grades as a rigid criterion. For example, the Chinese University of Hong Kong sets a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0 (equivalent to 80 or above) for all programs. Students who fail to meet this minimum threshold will not be considered unless they demonstrate exceptional talents or contributions in certain fields.
In addition to the Chinese University of Hong Kong, other universities and programs that have strict GPA requirements include:
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Certain engineering programs at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
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All programs at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (good grades alone are not enough; they must be at an excellent level)
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Hong Kong Baptist University and City University of Hong Kong (require submission of grade score standards to prove excellent or good performance)
2. Institutional Background:
Under equal conditions, Hong Kong universities tend to prioritize applicants with a background from "985" or "211" universities. Generally, the higher the ranking of the Hong Kong university, the higher the requirements for the applicant's institution or undergraduate background. They prefer to admit students from 211 or 985 universities. For example, when applying to the University of Hong Kong, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, or the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, it is ideal to have a background from a 211 or 985 university.
This requirement is particularly evident in business-related programs. The admission statistics for the economics program at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology from previous years show that most admitted students come from prestigious universities.
However, it does not mean that students without a background from these top universities have no chance. As long as they have comprehensive qualifications such as strong English proficiency, numerous extracurricular achievements, etc., applying to prestigious institutions is still possible.
3. English Proficiency:
Competence in the English language is an important criterion for applying to Hong Kong universities. The University of Hong Kong accepts IELTS (6.0 or above) and TOEFL (80) scores.
In addition to IELTS and TOEFL, some Hong Kong universities also accept Level 6 results in the College English Test (CET), including the Chinese University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong, and Hong Kong Polytechnic University. However, not all programs accept CET Level 6 scores. For example, applicants to English language programs at City University of Hong Kong must achieve a minimum IELTS score of 7.0.
4. Other Advantages:
Internship Experience:
In addition to academic performance, having internship experience, especially in top companies related to the field of study, is highly advantageous. Therefore, it is recommended to intern at well-known companies in relevant positions. Data shows that more than 50% of students admitted to top universities worldwide have relevant internship experience.
Internship experiences not only provide practical experience but also combine theory and practice, contributing to personal growth. These experiences are also an important evaluation criterion for Hong Kong universities when selecting students.
While providing a formal internship certificate can enhance the admission rate, internships are not mandatory for all Hong Kong universities. The internship experience has a less significant impact on engineering programs but adds value to social policy, finance, and economics programs.
Extracurricular Activities and Awards:
Students' involvement in extracurricular activities, such as holding leadership positions in organizations, participating in clubs, engaging in community service, or participating in competitions, is also an important factor in enhancing their soft skills.
Higher-level competition participation adds more value, and winning awards or receiving honors significantly boosts the application to Hong Kong universities.
In recent years, Hong Kong has become an increasingly popular choice for study abroad, leading to intense competition. To increase the chances of being admitted, applicants need to excel not only in academic performance but also in institutional background, language proficiency, internships, and extracurricular activities.
In summary, it is best for applicants to strive for excellence and stand out among their peers to maintain a competitive edge and increase their chances of success.
Timeline for Applying to Master's Programs in Hong Kong
Application Deadline: Typically from March to May of the year of admission
Application Period: September to March of the following year
Start of the Program: September (using September as an example)
"Victorious warriors win first and then go to war." Before applying for a Master's degree, it is important to make thorough preparations to maximize efficiency and achieve the dream of studying in the metropolis and financial center of Hong Kong.
May-June: Language Exam Preparation
Hong Kong recognizes the IELTS or TOEFL language exams, so prepare for the language exam based on your application preferences and academic background. For IELTS, it is recommended to aim for an overall score of 6.0-6.5, with no individual band score lower than 5.5.
June-August: Drafting Application Documents
Confirm the schools and disciplines you want to apply to, make a plan, and pay close attention to the basic language score requirements set by each school. Then, start preparing application documents, including your resume, personal statement, and recommendation letters.
October-February:
Interviews/Acceptance Offers
Some disciplines may arrange interviews for students. If there are any updates or additional requirements for your application documents, make sure to address them promptly.
March-May: Payment of Tuition Deposit
Once you receive an offer of admission from the school and decide to enroll, make sure to respond to the offer and pay the tuition deposit.
June-July: Visa Processing
Prepare for the subsequent procedures, including visa application, student registration, and course selection. Generally, visa processing takes 6-8 weeks, and most programs in Hong Kong start in August, with student orientation activities. Therefore, it is recommended that students submit their visa applications in June or earlier to ensure they can join the program on time.