Intakes & Application Timelines in Hong Kong SAR
Plan your application strategy with our guide to Hong Kong SAR's university intake periods, application deadlines, and critical timelines for international students.
Hong Kong SAR Academic Calendar
Annual Intake Periods
Key Deadline Alert
For September 2027 entry, the University of Hong Kong (HKU) first round closes on 25 November 2026, noon Hong Kong time. The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) advance offer round closes on 12 November 2026.
Hong Kong universities normally start their academic year in September. Some master's courses with classes also take students for the second semester, which is half a school year.
Intakes in Hong Kong
Hong Kong has one main intake, in September.
Key Information
- Bachelor's, master's and PhD students can all start in September.
- Scholarships are decided with offers for this intake.
Application Period
Early rounds close between 12 and 25 November 2026 for September 2027 entry.
Key Information
- Only some master's courses with classes.
- At PolyU, you can send your visa papers from September if you start in January.
Application Period
Check each programme's own rounds.
Tip
Key Dates for 2027 Entry
The main dates for students applying for September 2027.
Applications open
HKU and PolyU applications opened on 23 September 2026, and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) on 2 October 2026.
Key Tasks
- • Pick the programmes you want.
- • Book an English test if you need one.
Early rounds close
Early application rounds close first: CUHK 12 November, PolyU 17 November, and HKU and HKUST 25 November 2026.
Key Tasks
- • Submit your application.
- • Ask your school counsellor for predicted results (the marks your school expects you to get) and a reference letter.
PhD and Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) deadline
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS), money for PhD students: initial application by 12:00 noon Hong Kong time.
Key Tasks
- • Get your HKPFS reference number.
- • Apply to up to two programmes.
Offers and visa
Accept your offer, then start your student visa through your university.
Key Tasks
- • Reply to your offer on time.
- • Send your visa papers.
Check your programme
The Academic Year
Hong Kong universities use two semesters, each half a school year. Here is the calendar of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) for 2026-2027, as an example.
Key Dates
Academic Structure
Each semester has classes, then time to study for exams, then exams and tests.
Reading and field trip week
A week with no classes in each semester at HKU: 12 to 17 October 2026 (finished) and 8 to 13 March 2027.
Lunar New Year break
No classes from 6 to 12 February 2027 at HKU.
Tip
Timelines by Student Type
When each type of student applies for September 2027.
| Application Process | Undergraduate Students | Graduate Students | International Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main deadlines | From 12 November 2026 (CUHK) to 11 February 2027 (PolyU) | Many master's courses with classes (not research) at CUHK run rounds from September 2026 to spring 2027 | Students from outside Hong Kong apply directly to each university |
| Offers | From December 2026 at HKU and late December 2026 at HKUST | Offers come as applications are checked, so apply early | Set by each university |
Allow time for the visa
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