Many students preparing for university are curious about the Non-JUPAS pathway and often question what it entails and what the application process involves. With the number of applicants under Non-JUPAS steadily increasing in recent years, competition has become more intense, making prior preparation essential. Grove Education will discuss the admission trends for the eight major universities in Hong Kong, detailing the GPA requirements and admission scores for Non-JUPAS applicants, thereby helping students seize educational opportunities.
What Does Non-JUPAS Mean?
Non-JUPAS (Non-Joint University Programmes Admissions System) refers to the application process for universities that does not go through the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) and the JUPAS route. In simple terms, Non-JUPAS means that applicants are selected through independent channels rather than via the local unified admission system. This pathway is primarily applicable to the following categories of students:
- International Students: Non-local students holding international qualifications such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), A-Level, or SAT.
- Higher Education Graduates: Students with Associate Degrees or Higher Diplomas from local or overseas institutions who wish to pursue undergraduate studies in Hong Kong.
- Transfer Students: Students currently enrolled in other universities seeking to transfer to one of Hong Kong's eight major institutions.
- Working Professionals: Adults with relevant work experience who wish to enhance their qualifications through university education.
Non-JUPAS not only represents various application pathways but also signifies greater flexibility and diverse entry options. Each of the eight universities has its own Non-JUPAS application regulations and score criteria, necessitating that applicants prepare according to their individual backgrounds, qualifications, and the requirements of their desired programmes.
Growth in Non-JUPAS Admissions and Its Causes
While the eight major universities have not publicly disclosed the number of Non-JUPAS admissions, students can infer the competition through the number of Non-JUPAS applicants at each institution and the cap on Non-JUPAS admissions in Hong Kong. For example, in 2025, the Faculty of Science at the University of Hong Kong saw Non-JUPAS applications rise to 3,385, an increase of 55.7% from 2024, with estimates suggesting that only 60% of admissions were allocated through the JUPAS system [1]. This indicates a continued rise in the number of students gaining admission through Non-JUPAS. Furthermore, each university typically reserves 20% of their admissions for Non-JUPAS applicants, with institutions often perceiving these students as more capable and thus favouring their admission. The declining total number of JUPAS applicants has also contributed to the relative increase in Non-JUPAS admissions.
Overall, the number of bachelor's degrees awarded through JUPAS has reached a historic low of approximately 12,357, a decline of 4.8% from the previous year. Some high-achieving IB students are opting for the Non-JUPAS route to enter the eight major universities, further boosting the numbers of Non-JUPAS admissions [2].
Source: The University of Hong Kong
Non-JUPAS GPA Requirements (Associate Degree and Higher Diploma)
The GPA requirements for Non-JUPAS applications are primarily used to assess graduates holding Associate Degrees (ASSO) or Higher Diplomas (HD). Generally, the eight major universities in Hong Kong require students to have a GPA of 3.0 or above. Competitive programmes, such as Law, Medicine, and Business, may demand GPAs of 3.3 to 3.5 or higher. For instance, while the University of Hong Kong does not specify a GPA requirement, it is recommended that students aim for a GPA between 3.7 and 4.0 to enhance their chances of acceptance.
Students are advised to set their sights on the Non-JUPAS GPA requirements of their desired universities while pursuing their Associate Degree or Higher Diploma, striving for higher grades. Additionally, they should prepare language proficiency scores, personal statements, and relevant recommendation letters to strengthen their application competitiveness.
Non-JUPAS Admission Score Requirements (International Baccalaureate)
In general, the IB scores required for Non-JUPAS applications to the eight major universities are predominantly above 30, with popular programmes requiring scores of 35 or even close to 40. Language proficiency scores typically range from IELTS 6.0 to 6.5, with some universities additionally requiring Chinese language test results. Different institutions and programmes have varying subject combination and score requirements, so students are advised to formulate a reasonable preparation strategy based on the detailed guidelines from their target schools and subjects. Below are the Non-JUPAS admission scores for various universities to assist students in understanding and preparing their applications:
The University of Hong Kong
The following are the Non-JUPAS admission requirements for The University of Hong Kong:
| IB Diploma | 32 to 43 |
| GCE A-Level／ International A-Level | AAA to A*A*A*A* |
| SAT／AP | Minimum SAT score of 1,380 + 3 AP subjects with a minimum score of 3 |
| Subject Requirements | Varies by programme, often requiring Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry [3] |
| English Language Requirement | IELTS 6.5／TOEFL iBT 93 [4] |
For more information, please refer to: HKU Non-JUPAS Guide: Subject Options and IB/GPA Admission Requirements
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
The following are the Non-JUPAS admission requirements for The Chinese University of Hong Kong:
| IB Diploma | Minimum 30 |
| GCE A-Level／ International A-Level | 3 A-Level subjects at pass, or 2 A-Level + 2 AS-Level subjects at pass |
| SAT／AP／ACT | SAT score of 1,190, ACT composite score of 24, 2 AP subjects with a score of 3 [5] |
| Language Requirements | English: IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL iBT 80; Chinese: IB level 4 / A-Level E [6] |
For more information, please refer to: CUHK Non-JUPAS Admissions Guide: Subject and GPA Requirements for IB, Local Sub-degree, and Mainland Applicants
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology indicates that for the 2025 intake, half of the students achieved IB scores between 35 and 40, SAT scores between 1,480 and 1,540, and A-Level scores between AAA and AAA*. The following are the Non-JUPAS admission requirements for The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology:
| IB Diploma | Pass |
| GCE A-Level／ International A-Level | 3 A-Level subjects at pass |
| SAT／AP／ACT | SAT score of 1,190, ACT composite score of 24, 2 AP subjects with a score of 3 |
| Subject Requirements | Varies by programme, often requiring Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science |
| English Language Requirement | IELTS 6.0／TOEFL iBT 80 [7] |
For more information, please refer to: How Competitive Are HKUST's Non‑JUPAS Entry Requirements? Available Programmes, GPA & Entry Criteria
City University of Hong Kong
In 2025, half of the students achieved an IB score between 32 and 38, with A-Level scores translating to UCAS Tariff Points between 144 and 168 [8]. The following are the Non-JUPAS admission scores for City University of Hong Kong:
| IB Diploma | Minimum 30 |
| GCE A-Level／ International A-Level | 3 A-Level subjects at minimum E |
| SAT／AP／ACT | SAT score of 1,190, ACT composite score of 24, 2 AP subjects with a score of 3 [9] |
| Subject Requirements | Dependent on programme category |
| English Language Requirement | IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 79; some programmes may require higher scores. |
For more information, please refer to: CityU Non-JUPAS: GPA Requirements, Subjects and Intake Quotas
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Half of the students achieved IB scores between 32 and 39, with A-Level scores translating to UCAS Tariff Points between 144 and 168 [10]. The following are the Non-JUPAS admission scores for The Hong Kong Polytechnic University:
| IB Diploma | Minimum 32 |
| GCE A-Level／ International A-Level | Minimum BBB |
| SAT／AP／ACT | SAT score of 1,190, ACT composite score of 23, and two AP subjects with a minimum score of 3 [11] |
| Subject Requirements | Dependent on programme category |
| English Language Requirement | IELTS 6.0／TOEFL iBT 80 [12] |
For more information, please refer to: PolyU Non-JUPAS Subject Guide: Admission Numbers and GPA Requirements for PolyU Non-JUPAS Applicants
Hong Kong Baptist University
For the 2025 intake, Hong Kong Baptist University’s IB admission scores ranged from 30 to 35, with A-Level scores translating to UCAS Tariff Points between 120 and 152 [13]. The following are the minimum Non-JUPAS admission requirements for Hong Kong Baptist University:
| IB Diploma | Pass |
| GCE A-Level／ International A-Level | Three A-Level subjects with a minimum grade of E, or two A-Level subjects achieving E plus two AS-Level subjects at pass |
| SAT／AP／ACT | SAT score of 1,190, ACT composite score of 23, and two AP subjects with a minimum score of 3 [13] |
| Subject Requirements | Dependent on programme category |
| Chinese and English Language Proficiency | English: IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL iBT 79; Chinese: A-Level E or other recognised Chinese qualifications (applicable to certain programmes) [13] |
For more information, please refer to: When Will BU Non-JUPAS Offers Be Released? Overview of BU Non-JUPAS Subjects and Application Requirements
The Education University of Hong Kong
The following are the Non-JUPAS admission scores for The Education University of Hong Kong:
| IB Diploma | Pass |
| GCE A-Level／ International A-Level | Three A-Level subjects achieving D or two A-Level subjects and two AS-Level subjects achieving D |
| SAT／AP／ACT | New SAT score of 1,190 or old SAT score of 1,650, ACT composite score of 24, and two AP subjects with a minimum score of 3 [14] |
| Subject Requirements | Dependent on programme category |
| Chinese and English Language Proficiency | IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL paper-based test 60; Chinese: A-Level E or other recognised Chinese qualifications [14] |
Lingnan University
The following are the Non-JUPAS admission requirements for Lingnan University:
| IB Diploma | Pass |
| GCE A-Level／ International A-Level | Three A-Level subjects at pass or two A-Level subjects plus two AS-Level subjects at pass (excluding Chinese and English subjects) |
| SAT／AP／ACT | SAT score of 1,190, ACT composite score of 24, and two AP subjects with a minimum score of 3 |
| English Language Requirement | IELTS 6.0／TOEFL iBT 79 [15] |
Source: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Comparison Table of Non-JUPAS Admission Scores for the Eight Universities
After reviewing the minimum thresholds and the latest admission scores for the eight universities under the Non-JUPAS scheme, the admission requirements are as follows:
| University | IB Diploma | GCE A-Level / International A-Level | SAT／AP／ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Hong Kong | 32 to 43 points | AAA to A*A*A*A* | Minimum SAT score of 1,380 plus three AP subjects with a minimum score of 3 |
| The Chinese University of Hong Kong | Minimum of 30 points | Three A-Level subjects at pass or two A-Level plus two AS-Level subjects at pass | SAT score of 1,190, ACT composite score of 24, and two AP subjects with a minimum score of 3 |
| The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology | 35 to 40 points | AAA to A*A*A* | SAT score between 1,480 and 1,540, ACT composite score of 24 (including science), and two AP subjects with a minimum score of 3 |
| City University of Hong Kong | 32 to 38 points | AAA to A*A*A* (converted to UCAS Tariff points*) | SAT score of 1,190, ACT composite score of 24, and two AP subjects with a minimum score of 3 |
| The Hong Kong Polytechnic University | 32 to 39 points | Between AAB and A*A*A (converted to UCAS Tariff points*) | SAT score of 1,190, ACT composite score of 24, and two AP subjects with a minimum score of 3 |
| Hong Kong Baptist University | 30 to 35 points | Between BBB and A*AA (converted to UCAS Tariff points*) | SAT score of 1,190, ACT composite score of 23, and two AP subjects with a minimum score of 3 |
| The Education University of Hong Kong | Pass | Three A-Level subjects achieving D or two A-Level subjects and two AS-Level subjects achieving D | New SAT score of 1,190 or old SAT score of 1,650, ACT composite score of 24, and two AP subjects with a minimum score of 3 |
| Lingnan University | Pass | Three A-Level subjects at pass or two A-Level plus two AS-Level subjects at pass | SAT score of 1,190, ACT composite score of 24, and two AP subjects with a minimum score of 3 |
*UCAS Tariff points conversion: A=56, A=48, B=40, C=32, D=24, E=16 [16]
Application Start and Deadline Dates for Non-JUPAS at the Eight Universities
The following are the application start and deadline dates for the eight universities under Non-JUPAS for the 2026 intake. For detailed information on application opening dates, admission announcements, and interview arrangements, please refer to each institution's admissions website:
| University | Application Start Date | Application Deadline |
| The University of Hong Kong | 24 September 2025 | 21 August 2026 [3] |
| The Chinese University of Hong Kong | 2 October 2025 | Early Round: 13 November 2025; Main Round: 8 January 2026 [17] |
| The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology | 3 October 2025 | Early Round: 20 November 2025; Main Round: 8 January 2026; Final Round: 30 June 2026 [7] |
| City University of Hong Kong | 25 September 2025 | First Round: 15 November 2025; Main Round: 15 January 2026 [9] |
| The Hong Kong Polytechnic University | 26 September 2025 | Early Round: 19 November 2025; Main Round: 5 February 2026 [18] |
| Hong Kong Baptist University | 2 October 2025 | Early Round: 16 November 2025; Main Round: 1 February 2026; Final Round: 31 May 2026 [13] |
| The Education University of Hong Kong | 2 October 2025 | First Round: 7 January 2026; Second Round: 18 May 2026 [19] |
| Lingnan University | 9 October 2025 | First Round: 30 November 2025; Main Round: 28 February 2026; Final Round: 30 June 2026 [20] |
Basic Application Process for Non-JUPAS at the Eight Universities
The basic application process for the eight universities under Non-JUPAS in Hong Kong generally includes several steps. The following outlines the process using The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology as an example; specific processes should be referenced on each university's website:
- Review Course Information and Admission Requirements: Visit the university's website to review course outlines and Non-JUPAS admission criteria, confirming whether you meet the required thresholds for your desired programme.
- Submit Online Application via University Website: As there is no unified registration system for Non-JUPAS, applicants must individually register accounts on the official admissions platforms of their target universities and complete the online application forms. It is advisable to use a permanent email address to avoid missing important notifications.
- Prepare and Upload Application Documents: This includes identification documents, personal statements, high school transcripts from the past three years, language proficiency certificates, public examination results, and evidence of significant awards.
- School Recommendations and Predicted Grades: Nominate a referee to complete the recommendation form, and IB/A-Level students must submit predicted grades.
- Pay Application Fee: An online application fee of HK$600 is required.
- Interview Arrangements: Some programmes may require an admission interview.
- Receive Admission Results and Pay Tuition Fees: Admission notifications for Non-JUPAS will be issued based on the application round. Successful applicants must pay tuition fees and complete the admission procedures as stipulated.
- Prepare for Admission: This includes registration, course enrolment, and participation in orientation activities for new students. [21]
Source: City University of Hong Kong
Planning Your Non-JUPAS Application Journey with GROVE Education
The above outlines the meaning of Non-JUPAS and the current admission statistics. With a reduction in JUPAS quotas, competition for the eight universities under Non-JUPAS has intensified, and the admission requirements have become more stringent. Students should develop their application strategies well in advance. If you would like to learn more about the GPA requirements for the eight universities under Non-JUPAS, please feel free to contact GROVE Education. Our professional consulting team is here to assist you in planning your educational strategy and enhancing your chances of success in gaining admission to the eight universities.
References:
3. The University of Hong Kong - International Qualification
4. The University of Hong Kong - English Language Requirement
5. The Chinese University of Hong Kong - General Requirements - CUHK Undergraduate Admissions
6. The Chinese University of Hong Kong - Language Requirements
7. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology - International Qualifications
8. City University of Hong Kong - Admissions Score Reference
9. City University of Hong Kong - Non-Local International Admission
10. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University - Admissions Grades/ Scores for GCE and IB
11. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University - International / Other Qualifications - General Entrance Requirements | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)
12. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University - English Language Requirements
13. Hong Kong Baptist University - International Qualifications
14. The Education University of Hong Kong - Overseas/International Qualifications: Admission Requirements
15. Lingnan University - Admission Information for Applicants Holding International Qualifications
16. QS Top Universities - Understanding UCAS Tariff Points (UK Higher Education Admissions Score Conversion System)
17. The Chinese University of Hong Kong - Important Dates
18. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University - Non-JUPAS Year 1
19. The Education University of Hong Kong - Non-JUPAS (Year 1 Admissions): Admission Schedule
20. Lingnan University - Applicants Holding International Qualifications from Overseas, Mainland, and Transfer Students
21. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology - Application Procedures for International Qualification Holders