Are the English test scores I need the same at HKU, CUHK, HKUST and CityUHK?
For undergraduate entry, HKU typically asks for IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 93, CUHK for IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 80 or 80% in Class 12 English, and CityUHK for IELTS 6.5. HKUST sets scores by programme. Check each official page for current requirements.
No, the four universities set their own English bars. For undergraduate entry, HKU typically asks for IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 93, while CUHK accepts a lower IELTS score and also lets Indian students use 80% in Class 12 English.
English Requirements Compared
| University | Undergraduate English requirement |
|---|---|
| The University of Hong Kong (HKU) | IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 93 |
| The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) | IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 80, or 80% in Class 12 English |
| The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) | Set by programme (postgraduate: IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80) |
| City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) | IELTS 6.5 |
Reading the Comparison
- HKU has the highest English bar of the four for undergraduate entry.
- CUHK is the only one of the four here that mentions the Class 12 English route.
- For a master's, your own programme page matters more than the general university minimum.
My Advice
Match your test plan to the highest bar among your shortlisted universities, so one score can serve several applications. Since each university sets its own rules and they can change, check each official admissions page before the 2027 or 2028 intake.
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