HKU Non-JUPAS Requirements 2027: IB, A-Level & GPA Scores

Here’s a quick overview of the typical academic requirements and key application dates for 2027/28 HKU Non-JUPAS applicants:

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). Under the Non-JUPAS scheme, HKU sets specific admission standards based on each programme's subject requirements. 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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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 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

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:

For full programme details under the HKU Non-JUPAS route, please refer to the university’s official website. [1]

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 2027 intake. For more detailed requirements, please refer to the official information. [2]

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:

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]

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. 

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 2027/28 admission cycle:

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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 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: 

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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 2026 

3. The University of Hong Kong - Grades and Honours Classifications 

4. The University of Hong Kong - Mainland Students Admission Scheme