In Hong Kong’s highly competitive education landscape, many students and parents are paying close attention to the Non-JUPAS admission route at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). Whether you hold international qualifications such as the IB, A-Levels, SAT, AP, or an associate degree, or are considering a transfer, understanding HKUST’s Non-JUPAS entry thresholds and subject-specific requirements is key to effective university planning.
Grove Education provides a detailed analysis of HKUST’s Non-JUPAS subject prerequisites, GPA expectations, and faculty-specific criteria—equipping you with the latest admissions insights to help you prepare thoroughly for your application to HKUST.
Source: HKUST
HKUST Non-JUPAS Application Process and Key Dates
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) offers a Non-JUPAS admissions route designed for students who do not hold local HKDSE qualifications. This pathway provides opportunities for applicants from a wide range of academic backgrounds to apply for undergraduate studies at HKUST. The Non-JUPAS route is suitable for:
- Students holding international qualifications (e.g. IB, A-Levels, SAT/ACT/AP)
- Students who have completed or are currently enrolled in an associate degree or higher diploma programme
- Graduates from overseas high schools or international schools
- University transfer students who have completed at least one year of undergraduate study
Applicants must apply directly via HKUST’s online application system and upload all required documents, including academic transcripts, qualification certificates, proof of English proficiency, recommendation letters, and a personal statement. Interviews are not a compulsory part of the Non-JUPAS application process and are conducted at the discretion of individual programmes. HKUST recommends submitting applications by mid-November—or ideally earlier—or no later than early January to allow time for early review. [1]
Below are the key dates for the 2025/26 Non-JUPAS admissions cycle for reference:
| Date | Details |
|---|---|
| 4 October 2024 | Online application system opens |
| 21 November 2024 | First-round application deadline |
| Late December 2024 | First-round offers released (unsuccessful applicants will be reviewed in main round) |
| 9 January 2025 | Main-round application deadline |
| February 2025 | Main-round offers released |
| 30 June 2025 | Final-round application deadline [2] |
Programmes Open to Non-JUPAS Applicants
HKUST accepts Non-JUPAS applications for nearly all undergraduate programmes, spanning disciplines in science, engineering, business, humanities and social science, and interdisciplinary studies. Students are encouraged to select programmes that align with their academic background and personal interests.
Major Schools and Popular Programmes at HKUST
- School of Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Biotechnology, Mathematics, Data Science, Extended Major in Artificial Intelligence, Ocean Science & Technology
- School of Engineering: Computer Science, Electronic & Computer/Mechanical/Civil/Chemical/Bioengineering, Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Engineering & Decision Analytics, Energy & Environmental Engineering
- School of Business and Management: Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Marketing, Accounting, Information Systems Management, Risk Management & Business Intelligence
- School of Humanities and Social Science: Global China Studies, Quantitative Social Analysis
- Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies: Environmental Management & Technology, Integrative Systems & Design, Biotechnology & Business, Extended Major in International Research Enrichment
- Joint Programmes: Business and Engineering, Mathematics and Economics, Risk Management and Business Intelligence, Sustainable and Green Finance [3]
Are HKUST Non-JUPAS Entry Requirements Competitive?
In general, HKUST’s Non-JUPAS admissions standards are highly competitive. As one of the world’s top universities, HKUST sets a high bar for academic excellence. Successful applicants often present results well above the minimum stated requirements. For example, associate degree holders applying to high-demand programmes such as Computer Science or Finance are typically expected to have a GPA between 3.5 and 3.8 to be considered competitive.
Whether you are an international high school graduate or a sub-degree student, strong academic performance is essential to stand out among a competitive applicant pool. Below, we will provide more detailed reference data on the entry requirements for applicants from different academic backgrounds to give a clearer understanding of what to aim for.
Source: HKUST
Applicants with International Qualifications, Sub-Degrees, or Transfer Backgrounds
Academic Entry Standards
For sub-degree holders or university transfer students, HKUST primarily evaluates GPA for Non-JUPAS admission. A minimum of a B+ grade or 80% is generally expected [4], which translates to a GPA of approximately 3.3 to 3.5.
For international high school graduates, admission is based on academic transcripts and external examination results such as IB, A-Levels, SAT, or ACT. Depending on the applicant’s background, HKUST may require either a GPA or public examination results. Below is a summary of typical academic benchmarks for various qualifications under the Non-JUPAS route:
| Qualification Type | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|
| SAT+AP | SAT total score of at least 1430 + minimum score of 3 in 2 AP subjects |
| ACT | Composite ACT score of at least 24 (must include Science) |
| AP | Minimum score of 4 in 5 AP subjects |
| IB | Total score between 35 and 40 |
| GCE A-Level / International A-Level | AAA 至 3A* [2] |
English Language Requirements
As HKUST’s medium of instruction is English, all students must demonstrate English proficiency. Below are the typical Non-JUPAS English requirements:
| Qualification | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 80 |
| TOEFL Paper-based Test | 60 |
| GCE AS/A-Level | Grade E (English / English Literature) |
| GCE O-Level/GCSE/IGCSE | Grade 4/C (English / English Literature); Grade 5/B (English as a Second Language) |
| IB English | Level 4 (English B SL Level 5) |
| SAT Evidence-Based Reading & Writing | 590 |
| ACT | Listening and Reading scores of at least 23 [2] |
Subject Requirements by Faculty (Non-JUPAS)
Subject requirements vary by faculty. Science and engineering programmes typically require strong backgrounds in mathematics, physics, or chemistry. Business programmes recommend strong mathematics performance. While arts and social science programmes do not have compulsory subject requirements, students are advised to have relevant backgrounds in language or social sciences. [3]
| Faculty | Key Subject Requirements |
|---|---|
| School of Science (Group A) | Advanced Physics or Mathematics |
| School of Science (Group B) | Advanced Chemistry or Biology |
| School of Engineering | Achieved advanced level in Mathematics, and advanced level in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Computer Science. |
| School of Business & Management | No specific subject required, but strong Mathematics is recommended for Finance/Economics |
| School of Humanities & Social Science | No specific subject requirements |
| Interdisciplinary Programmes | Strong Mathematics and one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science or Design & Technology |
| Joint Programmes | Strong Mathematics and one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science or Design & Technology [3] |
Applicants should always refer to the official Non-JUPAS subject requirements to confirm their eligibility before applying.
Applicants Using Mainland Gaokao Results via Non-JUPAS
Mainland Chinese students applying via the Non-JUPAS route are assessed based on the following key criteria:
- Gaokao Scores: Evaluated against the key university admission thresholds in each province, with variation based on annual competition and regional quotas.
- English Proficiency: Gaokao English scores are accepted only if English is the designated foreign language. If another language is selected, additional proof (e.g. IELTS or TOEFL) is required. English benchmarks align with those for other international applicants.
- Interview Performance: Most applicants from Mainland China are required to attend interviews, which assess psychological readiness, communication and critical thinking skills, and awareness of current affairs or relevant academic fields. [6]
Unlike other international Non-JUPAS applicants, Gaokao students typically undergo interviews, which play a significant role in the final admission decision. Applicants are advised to prepare thoroughly to demonstrate confidence and well-rounded capabilities. [6]
In general, Mainland Chinese applicants to HKUST should balance their Gaokao results, English proficiency, and interview performance, and select programmes that align with their strengths to enhance their chances of admission.
Application Process for Mainland Chinese Students
Mainland applicants must apply directly via HKUST’s online application system under the Non-JUPAS scheme. This route is independent of the Gaokao national admissions system and does not count toward Mainland university quotas. Admission is merit-based. Key dates for the 2025 entry cycle are as follows:
| Date | Details |
|---|---|
| 4 October 2024 | Online application system opens |
| 10 June 2025 | Deadline for application submission and Gaokao ID entry |
| Late June 2025 | Submit Gaokao results; shortlisted applicants invited for interviews |
| Late June – Early July 2025 | Offer notifications issued [5] |
Subject Requirements for Gaokao Applicants
Mainland students applying via Non-JUPAS may choose from the same range of HKUST programmes as international diploma holders. These include science, engineering, business, humanities and social sciences, and interdisciplinary studies. Applicants should select programmes based on their interests and strengths. However, certain subject and stream requirements apply, depending on the intended programme. Details can be found in the official HKUST admission guide for Mainland applicants. [5]
| Faculty | Required Subjects (any one) | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| School of Science (Group A) | Physics, Chemistry, or Biology/Life Science | Science |
| School of Science (Group B) | Chemistry or Biology/Life Science | Science |
| School of Engineering | Physics | Science |
| School of Business & Management | No subject requirement | Arts or Science |
| School of Humanities & Social Science | No subject requirement | Arts or Science |
| Interdisciplinary Programmes | Physics, Chemistry, or Biology / Life Science | Some programmes require Science stream |
| Joint Programmes | Physics, Chemistry, Biology / Life Science | Some programmes require Science stream [5] |
Source: HKUST
Applying to HKUST via the Non-JUPAS Route – Consult Grove Education
The above has provided a comprehensive overview of HKUST's Non-JUPAS application process, subject prerequisites and English language requirements. If you still have questions regarding the academic thresholds or details of the application when planning your UST Non-JUPAS pathway, feel free to reach out to Grove Education.
Our team of experienced consultants will tailor a personalised study plan based on your academic background and support you throughout the application process to your desired programme at HKUST. Contact Grove Education today and approach your Non-JUPAS application journey with clarity and confidence.
Reference:
1. HKUST Undergraduate Admissions - FAQ
2. HKUST Undergraduate Admissions - International Qualifications
3. HKUST Undergraduate Admissions - HKUST Undergraduate Admissions 2025 - International Qualifications
4. HKUST Undergraduate Admissions - Post-Secondary Qualifications
5. HKUST Undergraduate Admissions - The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology 2025 Mainland Gaokao Admission Guide
6. HKUST Undergraduate Admissions - HKUST Mainland Gaokao Admissions