For students who wish to apply to local universities in Hong Kong but do not hold HKDSE qualifications, the Non-JUPAS route provides an alternative pathway. This application method enables students with international academic backgrounds to apply to Hong Kong’s top universities, including The University of Hong Kong (HKU). Through the Non-JUPAS scheme, HKU sets specific admission standards based on the subject requirements of each programme. Grove Education will outline the GPA benchmarks and subject-specific requirements for HKU Non-JUPAS applicants, helping students navigate their applications with greater clarity and focus.
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HKU Non-JUPAS Application Pathway
The Non-JUPAS (Non-Joint University Programmes Admissions System) scheme is an important admissions route offered by Hong Kong universities for students who do not apply via the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE). At the University of Hong Kong (HKU), this route is primarily designed for the following categories of applicants:
- Students with international qualifications: Including but not limited to the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, GCE A-Levels, and US-based qualifications such as the SAT and AP exams.
- Sub-degree or transfer students: Those who have completed an Associate Degree or are currently enrolled in a degree programme at another university and wish to transfer.
- Mainland Chinese students with Gaokao results: Students from mainland China applying with their National College Entrance Examination (Gaokao) scores.
Students applying through the Non-JUPAS route submit their applications directly to HKU, bypassing the local JUPAS centralised allocation system. Due to the diverse academic backgrounds of applicants, competition is intense, and academic performance as well as subject-specific requirements are held to high standards. Applicants should pay close attention to whether their qualifications meet HKU’s Non-JUPAS score benchmarks and subject prerequisites. It is also essential to take note of application deadlines and the submission of supporting documents.
Further Reading: CUHK Non-JUPAS Admissions Guide: Subject and GPA Requirements for IB, Local Sub-degree, and Mainland Applicants
Programmes Offered Under HKU Non-JUPAS
Compared to the JUPAS route, the number of programmes available through the HKU Non-JUPAS pathway is more limited, but it still covers key academic disciplines. Applicants may choose from the following faculties and their respective programmes:
- Faculty of Architecture: Programmes in Design, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Studies, and Surveying.
- Faculty of Arts: Offers dual-degree programmes in Humanities and Digital Technologies, Literary Studies, Chinese/English Education, Global Creative Industries, and Artificial Intelligence & Data Science.
- Faculty of Business and Economics: Popular business-related programmes such as Business Administration, Business Analytics, Accounting & Finance, Economics, Asset Management, and Marketing Analytics.
- Faculty of Law: Interdisciplinary programmes including Law, BA & Law, BBA & Law, BSc & Law, and BSocSc & Law.
- Faculty of Dentistry: Specialising in Dental Surgery.
- Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine: Programmes in Biomedical Sciences, Chinese Medicine, Medicine and Surgery, Nursing, and Pharmacy.
- Faculty of Education: English Education, Chinese Education, Early Childhood and Special Education, and Speech & Hearing Sciences.
- Faculty of Engineering: Programmes in Artificial Intelligence & Data Science, Mechanical, Civil, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, FinTech, Actuarial Science, and Global Engineering & Business.
- School of Data Science: Programmes in Applied AI, FinTech, Actuarial Science, Statistical Decision Making, and Computational & Data Science.
- Faculty of Social Sciences: Programmes in Psychology, Social Work, Social Sciences, Journalism, and BSocSc & Law.
For full programme details under the HKU Non-JUPAS route, please refer to the university’s official website. [1]
HKU Non-JUPAS Requirements for GCE, IB, and SAT/AP
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) accepts a wide range of international qualifications under the Non-JUPAS admissions scheme, with the IB Diploma, GCE A-Levels, and SAT/AP results being the most commonly recognised. These are internationally accepted credentials across many countries. Depending on the faculty and programme applied for, HKU Non-JUPAS score requirements may vary in competitiveness. The following are the indicative score ranges for Non-JUPAS applicants as published by HKU for the 2025 intake. For more detailed requirements, please refer to the official information. [2]
| Faculty | IB Diploma | GCE A-Level / Int’l A-Level | SAT/AP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business | 36 - 41 | 3A-3A*1A | At least 4 AP subjects with score of 5 + SAT 1470–1560 |
| Education | 32- 37 | 3A | At least 3 AP subjects with score of 3 + SAT 1380 |
| Engineering | 36- 38 | 3A-3A* | At least 3 AP subjects with score of 4 + SAT 1380 |
| Dentistry | 41 | 2A*1A | At least 4 AP subjects with score of 5 + SAT 1510 |
| Law | 39-40 | 3A* | At least 3 AP subjects with score of 5 + SAT 1500 |
| Science | 32-41 | 3A-4A* | At least 3 AP subjects with score of 5 + SAT 1400–1450 |
| Social Sciences | 32-40 | 3A-3A* | At least 3 AP subjects with score of 3/4 + SAT 1380–1530 |
| Medicine | 32-43 | 3A-4A* | At least 3 AP subjects with score of 3–5 + SAT 1380–1480 [2] |
HKU Non-JUPAS Subject-Specific Requirements
Applicants should be aware of subject-specific requirements under the HKU Non-JUPAS route. For example, English requirements vary across programmes and may range from IB scores of 4 to 6 depending on the course. [1] Specific subject thresholds are also set for different disciplines. Common requirements for popular fields are listed below:
- Business: Strong mathematics foundation required. For instance, IB HL Mathematics at Level 5 or above, or GCE A-Level Mathematics with Grade A.
- Computing and Data Science: IB HL Mathematics at Level 5 and one HL Science subject also at Level 5.
- Law: IB HL Mathematics at Level 5 and one HL Science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Economics, or Computer Science) also at Level 5.
- Medicine: Minimum of IB HL Chemistry at Level 4, though higher scores are strongly recommended due to intense competition.
- Dentistry: Must complete at least two of Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics at HL level with a minimum of Level 6 in each.
Programmes in Language Education, Design, Nursing, and Innovation and Technology also list recommended subjects and grade requirements. For full details, please consult HKU’s Non-JUPAS subject-specific requirements by faculty. [1]
HKU Non-JUPAS GPA Requirements
For students who are currently enrolled in or have completed an Associate Degree or Higher Diploma and are seeking senior-year entry to a bachelor’s degree programme at HKU, there is no fixed GPA threshold under the Non-JUPAS route. However, the university generally expects a minimum GPA of 3.0, which corresponds to above-average academic performance. This is roughly equivalent to a ‘B’ grade or a score of 73% or higher. [3]
Given the competitiveness of the application process, meeting the minimum GPA does not guarantee admission. To enhance your chances—particularly for highly sought-after programmes such as Business, Law, or Medicine—students are encouraged to aim for a GPA of 3.7 to 4.0.
HKU Non-JUPAS Application Timeline for the 2025/26 Academic Year
Students interested in applying to HKU via the Non-JUPAS route must pay close attention to important deadlines. Below are the key dates for the 2025/26 admission cycle:
| Date | Details |
|---|---|
| 27 September 2024 | Application opens |
| 27 November 2024 (12:00 noon) | First-round application deadline |
| 27 November – 1 December 2024 | Rolling review period — applicants must submit predicted or actual results and all supporting documents |
| From 1 December 2024 | First-round results released |
| 22 August 2025 (12:00 noon) | Final application deadline [1] |
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How Mainland Chinese Students Can Apply to HKU via the Non-JUPAS Route
Mainland Chinese students who wish to apply to the University of Hong Kong (HKU) using their Gaokao results must do so via the “Admissions Scheme for Mainland Undergraduate Students.” High-achieving applicants may also apply concurrently to the “HKU First-in-the-Family Education Fund Admissions Scheme,” designed to identify and reward outstanding students through early selection. If shortlisted under this scheme, students may be invited to attend early interviews and may have a higher chance of receiving an admission offer. [4]
HKU Non-JUPAS Admission Requirements for Mainland Chinese Students
HKU accepts applications from Mainland Chinese students across all undergraduate programmes, allowing students to choose their preferred discipline based on academic interests. In addition to standard undergraduate degrees, applicants may also apply to joint programmes co-offered by HKU and internationally renowned institutions.
Although HKU does not publicly disclose explicit score requirements under the Non-JUPAS route, the admissions process considers a combination of the following factors when assessing whether an applicant meets HKU Non-JUPAS criteria:
- Overall Gaokao score and English subject score
- Performance in interview
- Overall academic and non-academic profile (e.g. awards, extracurricular achievements, leadership roles, or talents in arts and sports) [4]
HKU Non-JUPAS Application Procedure for Mainland Chinese Students
- Complete and submit the online application form, uploading all required documents and Gaokao results before the deadline
- Pay the application fee of HKD $450
- Attend an English-language interview (if shortlisted)
Important Dates for HKU Non-JUPAS Applicants from Mainland China
| Date | Details |
|---|---|
| 4 October 2024 | Application opens for the Admissions Scheme and the First-in-the-Family Education Fund Scheme |
| 31 December 2024 | First-round deadline for First-in-the-Family Scheme applications |
| January – February 2025 | Interviews conducted in batches for the First-in-the-Family Scheme |
| 21 March 2025 | Final application deadline for the First-in-the-Family Scheme |
| May 2025 | All results for the First-in-the-Family Scheme announced |
| Late June 2025 | Upload Gaokao results |
| 28 June 2025 (12:00 noon) | Final deadline for the Mainland Admissions Scheme |
| Late June – 7 July 2025 | Admission results released [4] |
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HKU Non-JUPAS Applications — Grove Education Is Here to Support You Every Step of the Way
The HKU Non-JUPAS route offers multiple programme options, allowing students who do not apply via the traditional JUPAS system to gain admission to the University of Hong Kong. If you still have questions regarding HKU Non-JUPAS GPA benchmarks or the application process, Grove Education is your most reliable partner in academic planning. We are well-versed in HKU Non-JUPAS admission requirements, including GPA expectations, IB scores, subject-specific criteria, required documents, and key deadlines. Our expert guidance ensures you are well-prepared and strategically positioned to enhance your chances of admission.
References:
1. The University of Hong Kong - International Qualifications
2. The University of Hong Kong - International Admissions 2025
3. The University of Hong Kong - Grades and Honours Classifications
4. The University of Hong Kong - Mainland Students Admission Scheme