Documents for a Hong Kong University Application
What Hong Kong universities ask for, using the University of Hong Kong (HKU) for bachelor's degrees and the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) for master's and PhD study. Each programme can ask for more, so check its own page. Money is in Hong Kong dollars (HKD).
Most Hong Kong applications need papers from these four groups.
Study Records
Transcripts, certificates and exam results.
English Proof
A test score, or for master's and PhD study, a letter that your degree was taught in English.
Personal Papers
Personal statement, CV and reference letters.
ID and Money
Passport, fee payment and, later, money proof for the visa.
Your marks and certificates are the core of every application.
- HKU asks for your high school transcript.
- A school counsellor, the staff member who guides students at your school, can upload it and your predicted results.
- Upload the certificates of your Class 12 or other school-leaving exams.
- CUHK asks for your degree certificate and any other course certificates.
- Transcripts must carry your university's official stamp (seal).
- Add the grading scheme so the university can read your marks.
- Final-year students at CUHK send their final official transcript before starting.
Type Your Results In
These show who you are beyond your marks.
- HKU asks for one personal statement.
- HKU lets you upload your CV and proof of awards.
- HKU: optional, sent by your school counsellor or referee.
- CUHK: two letters from referees, and three for a research PhD.
Essays
- Write one personal statement for HKU, whatever the number of programmes you choose.
- Say why you want each subject and what you have done in it.
Recommendations
- Ask your referees early. A referee is a teacher who writes about you.
- At HKU, the online system invites your school counsellor or referee to send papers.
What you pay when you apply, and what money proof you need later for the visa.
- HKU bachelor's: HKD 780 one time for each application. You do not get it back.
- You can pay by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay) or by an app such as Alipay or WeChat Pay.
- HKU asks students from outside Hong Kong to pay a HKD 20,000 deposit after an offer. You do not get it back.
- Bank statements, savings passbooks or other papers that show your money, such as a parent's tax papers or salary slips.
- CUHK bachelor's students should show at least HKD 276,000 in the bank for the visa.
Average Cost Overview for Hong Kong SAR
HKU 2027 entry: first-round deadline
25 November 2026, noon Hong Kong time
HKU 2027 entry: marks and reference letters from school counsellors
By 1 December 2026
HKU 2027 entry: applications close
25 August 2027, noon Hong Kong time
Hong Kong universities check that your papers are real before you start.
Originals Come Later
- Transcripts not in English or Chinese need a certified English translation.
- Visa papers not in English or Chinese need a certified translation too.
- E-transcripts must come straight from your university.
- Paper transcripts must come in a sealed envelope from your university.
- CUHK must confirm your degree is real at least one month before classes start.
- You sign a form letting CUHK check your qualifications.
Document Verification Timeline
Collect your papers
Before you apply
Transcripts, certificates, English proof and your personal statement.
Upload copies
When you apply
Upload clear copies and pay the application fee.
Send originals
After an offer
Send originals or official transcripts by the deadline in your offer.
•Uploading a transcript without your university's official stamp.
•Sending a paper not in English or Chinese without a certified translation.
•Leaving results only in an uploaded file at HKU instead of typing them in.
Tick off each paper as you get it.
Bachelor's (HKU)
Master's and PhD (CUHK)
After an Offer
For the Student Visa
Keep It Simple
Make one folder per university. Scan each paper once, clearly, and name the file after what it is.
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