Whether you are an IB student, a sub-degree holder (Associate Degree or Higher Diploma), or possess academic qualifications from Mainland China or overseas, it is essential to understand the latest Non-JUPAS admission policies of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) if you wish to apply through this route.
At Grove Education, we categorise students based on their academic background and provide detailed analysis of CUHK’s Non-JUPAS admission criteria, including GPA benchmarks and subject requirements. Our goal is to help you systematically plan your academic progression, enhance your chances of admission, and take the first step towards your preferred programme.
Source: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
What is Non-JUPAS?
Non-JUPAS (Non-Joint University Programmes Admissions Scheme) is the admission route for students who do not apply via the HKDSE (Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education). Unlike JUPAS, Non-JUPAS applications are handled directly by each university, which sets its own admissions policies and requirements—such as minimum GPA thresholds. At CUHK, the standards for Non-JUPAS applicants are generally more competitive.
Applicants through the Non-JUPAS route must submit individual applications to each university. It is important to note that deadlines and requirements vary between institutions. Admission decisions consider a wide range of factors, including academic qualifications and personal background. Some programmes may also require interviews or additional documents such as personal statements and reference letters.
Who is the Non-JUPAS Route Suitable For?
The Non-JUPAS route is primarily suitable for the following types of students:
Students with IB or Other International Qualifications
Many students undertake international curricula either in Hong Kong or overseas. These students may apply for admission via the Non-JUPAS route based on their international qualifications, such as:
- IB (International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, IBDP) students
- GCE/International A-Level students
- U.S. high school diploma holders with SAT/ACT and AP scores
- Students with qualifications such as the Australian ATAR, Canadian OSSD/BC Diploma, Indian AISSCE/CBSE/ISC, among others
Local Students with Other Qualifications
Students who have completed local sub-degree programmes such as an Associate Degree or Higher Diploma can apply to CUHK’s undergraduate programmes through the “Non-JUPAS (Local) Senior Year Entry Scheme,” typically for admission into Year 3.
Students currently enrolled in other local universities face stricter restrictions when applying for senior year entry. According to the University Grants Committee (UGC), senior year places are usually granted only under exceptional circumstances. However, these students may still apply for first-year entry. Those who have previously enrolled in local universities (including withdrawn or graduated students) must declare all past post-secondary education. The rest of the application process follows standard Non-JUPAS procedures.
Mainland China Students
Students from Mainland China may also apply to CUHK via the Non-JUPAS route. Detailed application guidelines and requirements for Mainland applicants are provided in the following sections.
CUHK Programmes Available via the Non-JUPAS Route
CUHK clearly indicates which programmes accept Non-JUPAS applications for first-year and/or senior-year entry. In general, most programmes are open to both JUPAS and Non-JUPAS applicants. Below are examples of CUHK faculties and programmes available via the Non-JUPAS route:
1. Faculty of Arts
Programmes include Anthropology, Chinese Language and Literature, Cultural Studies, English, Fine Arts, History, Japanese Studies, Linguistics, Music, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Theology, Translation, and more.
2. Faculty of Business Administration
Programmes include Integrated BBA, Global Business Studies, Hospitality and Real Estate, Insurance, Financial and Actuarial Analysis, International Business and Chinese Enterprise, Professional Accountancy, Quantitative Finance, and more.
3. Faculty of Education
Programmes include Culture and Creative Arts, Early Childhood Education, Chinese Language Education, English Language Education, Physical Education and Sports Science, Mathematics and Mathematics Education, among others.
4. Faculty of Engineering
Programmes include Artificial Intelligence: Systems and Technologies, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Financial Technology, Information Engineering, Mechanical and Automation Engineering, and more.
5. Faculty of Medicine
Programmes include Biomedical Sciences, Chinese Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, and related fields.
6. Faculty of Science
Programmes include Earth and Environmental Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Risk Management Science, and others.
7. Faculty of Social Science
Programmes include Economics, Geography and Resource Management, Global Studies, Journalism and Communication, Psychology, Social Work, and more.
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CUHK Non-JUPAS Subject and Entry Requirements for IB and Other International Curriculum Students
General Admission Requirements
- Applicants must obtain a full international qualification (e.g. the IB Diploma) by 1 September of the year of admission.
- English Language Requirement: A minimum score of 4 in IB English is required.
- Chinese Language Requirement: A minimum score of 4 in IB Chinese is generally required. However, exemptions may be granted at the discretion of the Faculty Dean for IB holders.
Preferred Subjects
For IB applicants, CUHK departments specify Preferred Subjects for admission consideration, though these are not strict prerequisites. For example:
- Medicine: Biology or Chemistry at Higher Level (HL) is recommended; both subjects at HL are preferred.
- Faculty of Science: Two HL subjects among Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics are recommended.
- Faculty of Engineering: HL Mathematics and Physics are advised.
- Faculty of Business Administration: Some programmes prefer HL Mathematics and English.
- Faculty of Law: English A at SL/HL, or English B at HL.
- Faculty of Education: For example, Chinese Language Education requires HL Chinese, while English Language Education requires HL English.
For other programmes such as Psychology, Economics, Actuarial Science, and Data Science, preferred IB subjects and levels are also specified. For full details, please refer to CUHK's official admissions information [1].
CUHK Non-JUPAS GPA and Other Requirements for Local Sub-degree Holders
General Admission Requirements
- Academic Requirement: Applicants must have completed an Associate Degree or Higher Diploma from a recognised institution by 1 September of the admission year.
- Application Channel: Applications must be submitted through CUHK’s Non-JUPAS (non-Joint University Programmes Admissions Scheme) pathway.
Year of Entry
- First Year Entry: Students who have completed one year or more of a sub-degree programme may apply, but preference is usually given to those who have graduated or are near graduation.
- Senior Year Entry: Applicants who have completed the entire Associate Degree or Higher Diploma may apply for Senior Year Entry (typically Year 3), subject to the programme and academic performance.
Academic Performance Requirements
- GPA: CUHK does not publish fixed GPA thresholds for each programme. However, based on past admissions data, a minimum GPA of 3.0 is generally necessary for competitive consideration. Popular programmes such as Medicine, Law, and Business may have significantly higher GPA expectations.
- Relevant Academic Background: Applicants’ sub-degree disciplines should be relevant to the intended undergraduate major. Unrelated academic backgrounds may reduce the chances of admission.
- Subject Results: Some programmes may require specific grades in major subjects, and submission of full academic transcripts is mandatory.
Language Requirements
- English: Applicants must have passed English courses in their sub-degree studies or possess equivalent international qualifications (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL).
- Chinese: Some programmes (e.g. Chinese, Education) may have specific Chinese language requirements.
As each CUHK programme sets its own admission criteria, there is no standardised GPA threshold for Non-JUPAS applicants. Nonetheless, academic performance—especially GPA—is a critical factor in the selection process.
Non-JUPAS Admission Requirements for Mainland Chinese Students
Mainland students applying to CUHK through the Non-JUPAS route typically fall into three categories:
Mainland Gaokao Applicants
Mainland students applying with Gaokao results must do so via the National Unified Admissions Scheme under the Early Admission Batch. They do not apply directly to CUHK. Instead, upon the release of Gaokao results, they must list CUHK (Institution Code: 81002) in the Early Admission section of their provincial or regional application system.
Admissions are merit-based and determined solely by Gaokao scores (excluding bonus points); interviews are not required. Specific dates for submission should be confirmed via local exam authority announcements.
Mainland Gaokao Students with "Local Student" Status in Hong Kong
Mainland students holding Hong Kong "Local Student" status (e.g. One-way Permit holders, dependents under the Admission Scheme for Talents or Top Talent Pass Scheme—granted before age 18) must also apply through the Early Admission Batch following the release of Gaokao results.
If admitted, tuition and accommodation fees will follow the local student standard. Students must inform CUHK immediately of any status change during their studies, though their admission offer remains valid despite such changes.
Mainland Students Without Gaokao Results
Mainland applicants who did not take the Gaokao but hold other internationally recognised qualifications (e.g. GCE A-Levels, IB Diploma, SAT, etc.) must follow the guidelines for “Non-local/Other Academic Qualifications” and apply via the Non-JUPAS route.
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Grove Education – Strategically Enhancing Your Chances of Admission to CUHK
Now that you’re familiar with CUHK’s Non-JUPAS subject requirements and GPA expectations for IB, sub-degree, and international qualifications, it’s time to take the next step towards a successful application.
Grove Education is your professional education consultant. Our experienced team specialises in supporting students with diverse academic backgrounds—including IB, Associate Degree, Higher Diploma, as well as Mainland Chinese and overseas qualifications. We are dedicated to designing tailored progression plans to help each student maximise their chances of admission.
Contact Grove Education today to book a personalised consultation with our university admissions advisors. Let us guide you through CUHK’s Non-JUPAS pathway and help you take that crucial first step towards your academic goals.
Reference:
1. CUHK Undergraduate Admissions - For International Baccalaureate (IB) Candidates (2025 Entry)
https://admission.cuhk.edu.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IBsheet_2025.pdf
2. General Requirements - CUHK Undergraduate Admissions
https://admission.cuhk.edu.hk/application/non-jupas/general-requirements/
3. Apply Here - CUHK Undergraduate Admissions
https://admission.cuhk.edu.hk/application/non-jupas/application-guide/
4. Admission Guidelines – Undergraduate Admissions at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)
https://admission.cuhk.edu.hk/sc/application/mainland-gaokao/overview/