City University of Hong Kong (CityU) is a public research university dedicated to providing students with innovative and professional education. GROVE Education introduces the CityU Non-JUPAS subjects, admission scores and GPA requirements, along with details on CityU’s intake numbers and application timeline, to help students gain a clearer understanding of the university’s admissions information.
CityU Background and Notable Alumni
Founded in 1984 as the City Polytechnic of Hong Kong, CityU was officially granted university status in 1994. It has since committed to nurturing professionals across diverse fields such as business, engineering, science, and creative media, supported by state-of-the-art facilities including the Run Run Shaw Creative Media Centre and the Multi-functional Teaching and Research Building. CityU has produced many influential figures in public administration, law, and the creative arts, including former Secretary for Justice Rimsky Yuen and former Under Secretary for the Environment Christine Loh.[1] In addition, CityU offers multiple admission pathways and welcomes international students through the Non-JUPAS route, further enhancing campus internationalisation and academic exchange.
Source: iStock
CityU Non-JUPAS Subjects and QS Rankings
In the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject, CityU achieved outstanding results, ranking 63rd globally [2], with several disciplines placed within the world’s top 60 [3]. These strong academic areas are closely linked to the CityU Non-JUPAS application pathway. Below is a list of selected Non-JUPAS subjects at CityU, their QS rankings, and distinctive features:
| CityU Non-JUPAS Subject | QS Ranking 2025–2026 | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Social Policy & Administration | 37 | Strong emphasis on practical and policy applications, with significant influence on social policy research |
| Linguistics | 38 | Internationally recognised research achievements, with high standing in cross-cultural language applications |
| Data Science and AI | 45 | Focuses on AI technologies and data analytics, integrating cross-disciplinary innovation, ranking among Asia’s and the world’s leaders |
| Communication & Media Studies | 48 | Strong in digital and new media technologies, closely aligned with the creative industries and internationalised teaching |
| Materials Science | 52 | Backed by leading research teams, with collaborations with top international research institutions, producing notable global results |
| Law & Legal Studies | 56 | Committed to training outstanding legal researchers, with excellent faculty and teaching quality |
| Computer Science & Information Systems | 59 | The Department of Computer Science and Information Systems is dedicated to advancing research in artificial intelligence and data science, integrating innovation with practical application to nurture technology professionals with a global perspective. |
| Accounting & Finance | 60 | Provides rigorous professional programmes that combine theory and practice, cultivating competitive skills in financial analysis and management. |
| Mathematics | 60 | Focuses on developing logical thinking and applied skills, covering statistics, data modelling, and computational science, providing a solid foundation for research and industry development. |
CityU’s academic strengths are built on cross-disciplinary research and innovation. Several faculties hold international accreditations (AACSB, EQUIS), supported by diverse admission pathways and advanced research facilities, making the university highly competitive both locally and globally [4].
CityU Non-JUPAS Admission Scores and GPA Requirements
After exploring CityU’s academic strengths, many students may already have a clearer understanding of this internationalised university with rich teaching resources. For non-local secondary school graduates, those without HKDSE results, or students who already hold an Associate Degree (AD) or Higher Diploma (HD), admission via the CityU Non-JUPAS route is available. The university evaluates applicants based on GPA and subject-specific admission requirements, offering two main application pathways: “Year One Entry” and “Advanced Standing Entry” [5][6].
- Year One Entry: Intended for non-local secondary school graduates, holders of international qualifications (e.g. IB Diploma, GCE A-Level, other recognised secondary qualifications), mature students aged 25 or above with relevant academic/professional background, and lower-year transfer students. Students begin from Year 1, completing approximately 120 credits for graduation.
- Advanced Standing Entry: For holders of an Associate Degree, Higher Diploma, or equivalent to first-year university studies. High-achieving IB or A-Level candidates may also qualify. Admitted students typically start from Year 2 or 3, completing around 60–91 credits for graduation.
Both routes accommodate diverse applicants, including transfer students, international students, and mature learners. Below is GROVE Education’s summary of CityU Non-JUPAS GPA requirements and admission standards [6]:
Associate Degree / Higher Diploma (AD/HD) Students or Graduates:
- Academic Requirement: Completion of an AD/HD programme, or final-year enrolment (must be recognised by government or accredited institutions).
- Admission Scores / GPA Requirement: GPA 3.0 or above is typically required; competitive programmes may demand 3.3–3.8.
- English Requirement: IELTS 6.5 overall, or GCSE English grade C.
- Required Documents: AD/HD transcripts, reference letters, CV and personal statement, English test results.
IB Diploma Holders:
- Admission Scores: For Year One Entry, applicants must submit a full IB Diploma (6 subjects plus core: EE, TOK, CAS). For Advanced Standing I entry, a minimum total of 30 points is required.
- English Requirement: English A / Language & Literature HL/SL score of 4+, or equivalent (IELTS 6.5 overall, GCSE English grade C).
- Required Documents: IB transcript, personal statement, recommendation letters, English test results.
GCE A-Level Holders:
- Admission Scores: Typically requires at least 3 A-Level subjects with Grade E or above. Equivalent UCAS tariff range: 128–160 points (approx. 1A2B to 2A*1A).
- English Requirement: IELTS 6.5 overall, or GCSE English grade C.
- Required Documents: A-Level/HKDSE results, personal statement, recommendation letters, English test results.
Transfer Students (Local or Overseas)：
- Requirement: Completion of one or more years of recognised university-level study.
- Admission Scores / GPA Requirement: No fixed minimum GPA; varies by faculty and programme competitiveness. Successful applicants typically hold GPA 3.0 or above.
- English Requirement: Varies by faculty:
- Business, Science & Engineering faculties: IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL iBT 79+
- Humanities & Social Sciences: TOEFL iBT 88+ (R21, L21, W25, S21), or IELTS 6.5+ in all bands [7]
- Required Documents: University transcripts, personal statement, supporting documents.
International (Non-local) Secondary School Graduates [8]：
- Academic Requirement: Completion of 12 or 13 years of recognised secondary education (e.g. SAT, AP, ATAR, or equivalent).
- Admission Scores / GPA Requirement: Requirements vary by system:
- GCE-based applicants: minimum of three GCE A-Level (or International A-Level) passes at Grade E or above.
- Singapore GCE A-Level: passes in three subjects, with two H1 subjects considered equivalent to one H2.
- English Requirement: IELTS 6.5 overall or TOEFL iBT 79 (single-test result, MyBest scores not accepted).
- Required Documents: Secondary school diploma, transcripts, personal statement, recommendation letters.
Mature Applicants (Age 25 or Above)：
- Requirement: Applicants must demonstrate sufficient academic ability or relevant work experience to undertake undergraduate study. Admission Scores: Evaluated on a case-by-case basis, depending on qualifications and chosen programme; no fixed score threshold.
- English Requirement: IELTS 6.5 overall or above, or TOEFL iBT 79+, with other recognised English qualifications also accepted.
- Required Documents: CV, proof of academic/work qualifications, English proficiency evidence.
Source: iStock
CityU Non-JUPAS Intake Numbers and Application Process
With an increasing number of applicants from non-HKDSE backgrounds, students can consider CityU Non-JUPAS admission based on GPA requirements and subject-specific scores. GROVE Education provides an overview of CityU Non-JUPAS intake numbers and application procedures to give eligible students a clearer direction:
Intake Numbers
CityU does not publicly disclose specific annual Non-JUPAS intake totals or detailed figures. However, students can refer to data provided by the University Grants Committee (UGC) [9]. The UGC allocates approximately 5,000 undergraduate places each year across the eight funded universities in Hong Kong. Non-JUPAS students typically make up around 20% of a university’s intake, providing a diverse range of admission pathways.
Application Process
The CityU Non-JUPAS application process generally involves the following steps:
- Confirm eligibility and programme-specific requirements: Year One and Advanced Standing entry require different supporting documents. Year One entry has lower requirements, while Advanced Standing entry (primarily for AD/HD holders) requires relevant diploma documentation. Each Non-JUPAS programme may also have specific English language requirements, which applicants should check in advance.
- Prepare application documents: Submit full academic records, including transcripts, diplomas, graduation certificates, and recognised English language test results.
- Submit application online: Applications are submitted via CityU’s official Non-JUPAS application portal along with the application fee. Documents must be submitted within the stipulated timeframe, typically starting in late September, with the main deadline in mid-November [10].
- Review and interview: Applications are reviewed based on academic performance, English proficiency, and supporting documents. Some programmes may require interviews or written assessments.
- Admission notification: Successful applicants will receive notification via the email provided during application or through the application portal. Students must complete registration and payment within the specified deadline.
2026 Application Dates
For students ready to apply to CityU Non-JUPAS and who have reviewed their target programme requirements, it is important to track the application schedule. The key 2026 dates are as follows:
- Application opening date: 25 September 2025 (online applications open)
- Early Round deadline: 15 November 2025
- Main Round deadline: 15 January 2026
These dates apply to both Year One and Advanced Standing Non-JUPAS applications. Interviews and admission results will follow. Non-local applicants and transfer students may also adhere to this schedule.
Key Points for Mainland Chinese Students Applying via CityU Non-JUPAS
From 2026 onwards, CityU will implement a separate admissions system for Mainland Gaokao students (Mainland Gaokao Admission). Mainland applicants can apply directly through CityU’s official admission channels rather than relying solely on the centralised application system [11]. Admission will be merit-based with no quota limits per province. Interested Mainland students must submit their applications directly via the official website before the deadline. Currently, applications are expected to open in mid-November, and applicants should follow the information posted on CityU’s official website.
Source: iStock
Advance to Hong Kong’s Top Universities – Consult a Professional Education Agency
By now, students should have a basic understanding of CityU Non-JUPAS intake numbers and the GPA requirements for each programme. Since admission criteria vary across subjects, students with further questions about preparing for university are encouraged to consult GROVE Education for professional guidance and the latest information.
Reference：
- CityU- 3rd Distinguished Alumni Award Presentation Ceremony cum Alumni Story Book Launch
- QS World University Rankings 2026: Top global universities
- CityU - Four Subjects Secure Top 50 QS Ranking QS World University Rankings Subject 2025
- AACSB Accreditation - City University of Hong Kong
- CityU - Non-JUPAS Year 1 Admission
- CityU - Non-JUPAS Senior Year Admission
- CityU - English Proficiency Requirements International Admissions
- CityU - International Admissions
- Hong Kong Legislative Council - Education Panel Paper: 2025 Non-JUPAS Admissions
- City University of Hong Kong - Key Dates for International Admissions
- CityU - Non-LocalMainland Gaokao Admission
- City U - 2025 Undergraduate Admissions (NON-JUPAS)