Study in Hong Kong SAR: Admissions

Language Tests for Hong Kong SAR University Admissions

A comprehensive guide to language proficiency requirements, accepted tests, and preparation resources for applying to universities in Hong Kong SAR.

Overview of English Language Requirements for Hong Kong SAR Universities

Hong Kong universities teach mostly in English. If English is not your first language, you usually show an English test score or an accepted school English result. Each university and programme sets its own minimum.

Who Needs Language Testing?

Bachelor's applicants without an accepted school English result.
Master's applicants whose degree was not taught in English.

Common Exemptions

India only: for CUHK bachelor's, 80% in Class 12 English from an Indian central or state board counts as English proof. Pakistan students: use an English test.
CUHK master's: a letter from your university's records office that says your degree was taught in English counts as English proof.

Important Considerations

Use the right test version

CUHK bachelor's: do not take a test at home or online (IELTS Online, IELTS One Skill Retake, TOEFL iBT Home Edition or TOEFL Best Scores). Book a test at a test centre.

Scores expire

CUHK wants TOEFL and IELTS scores that are less than two years old.

TOEFL 1 to 6 scale

TOEFL iBT tests taken from 21 January 2026 are scored 1 to 6. Older tests are scored 0 to 120. CUHK and PolyU ask for 4.5 on the 1 to 6 scale.

TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

TOEFL iBT is accepted by Hong Kong universities. Tests taken from 21 January 2026 are scored 1 to 6.

Scoring System

Total Score

0 to 120 for tests before 21 January 2026; 1 to 6 for tests from 21 January 2026

Score Requirements for Hong Kong SAR Universities

University Tier	Undergraduate	Graduate	Ph.D. Programs
CUHK	80, or 4.5 on the 1 to 6 scale	79, or 4.5 on the 1 to 6 scale	79, or 4.5 on the 1 to 6 scale
PolyU	80, or 4.5 on the 1 to 6 scale	-	-

These are general ranges. Always check the specific requirements of each institution and program.

Official Website & Registration

Visit the official ETS website to register for the TOEFL exam, view dates, and find testing centers.Visit TOEFL Site

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

IELTS Academic is the IELTS version Hong Kong universities ask for.

IELTS Test Versions

IELTS Academic

CUHK asks for IELTS (Academic) results.

Choose IELTS Academic for Hong Kong university applications.

Scoring System

Score Validity

Your score must be less than two years old when you apply to CUHK.

Hong Kong SAR University Requirements

Typical Minimum Requirements

Bachelor's

6.0 overall

e.g., The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)

Master's and PhD

6.5 overall

e.g., CUHK Graduate School (master's and PhD study)

Special Considerations

• Graduate programs may require higher scores
• Some schools require minimum scores in each section
• English-focused majors often have higher requirements

Official Website & Registration

Visit the official IELTS website to register for the exam, find test centers, and access preparation materials.Visit IELTS Site

Duolingo English Test

For CUHK bachelor's programmes, Duolingo results can be sent for the programme's reference only. You still need another accepted English test.

Official Website & Registration

Visit the official Duolingo English Test website to register, take practice tests, and learn more.Visit Duolingo Test Site

Score Requirements

Minimum scores at CUHK and PolyU. Some programmes ask for more.

University Category	TOEFL iBT	IELTS Academic
CUHK and PolyU bachelor's e.g., The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)	80, or 4.5 on the 1 to 6 scale	6.0
CUHK master's and PhD e.g., CUHK Graduate School	79, or 4.5 on the 1 to 6 scale	6.5

Score Requirements Variations

These are general ranges. Individual universities may have different requirements, and some programs (especially in areas requiring high communication skills like business, education, or healthcare) often require higher scores than the university minimum.