University admission in Hong Kong SAR China

Official entry requirements

As classified by the country with UNESCO (ISCED 2011), reference year 2024. Universities may set higher requirements.

School-leaving qualification (upper secondary)

• Secondary 4 to 6 (Local curriculum)3 years, from age 15

  Minimum entry: Completion of Secondary 3

  Awards: Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) / Completion of Secondary 6

• Grade 12 to 13 (Non-local curriculum)2 years, from age 16

  Minimum entry: Completion of Grade11

  Awards: General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (A Level) / International Baccalaureate (Diploma Programme) (IBDP)

• Diploma Yi Jin programme1 years, from age 18

  Minimum entry: Completion of Secondary 6 (but have failed HKDSE examination); or adult learners aged 21 or above

  Awards: Diploma Yi Jin

Bachelor's or equivalent (first degree)

• Bachelor's degree4 years, from age 18

  Minimum entry: Completion of Secondary 6 or equivalent

  Awards: Bachelor's degree

• Bachelor's degree (non-local institutions)2 years, from age 18

  Minimum entry: Completion of Secondary 6 or equivalent

  Awards: Bachelor's degree

• Bachelor's degree (continuation of sub-degree programmes)2 years, from age 20

  Minimum entry: Associate degree, Higher diploma or equivalent qualification

  Awards: Bachelor's degree

• Bachelor's degree (continuation of sub-degree programmes) (non-local tertiary institutions)1 years, from age 20

  Minimum entry: Associate degree, Higher diploma or equivalent qualification

  Awards: Bachelor's degree

Short-cycle tertiary (diplomas)

• Certificate programmes offered by HKAPA1 years, from age 18

  Minimum entry: Completion of Secondary 6 or equivalent

  Awards: Certificate

• Associate degree or Higher diploma (non-local tertiary institutions)1 years, from age 18

  Minimum entry: Completion of Secondary 6 or equivalent

  Awards: Associate degree or Higher diploma (non-local tertiary institutions)

• Associate degree or Higher diploma2 years, from age 18

  Minimum entry: Level 2 in five HKDSE subjects including Chinese Language and English Language

  Awards: Associate degree or Higher diploma

• Advanced Diploma offered by HKAPA2 years, from age 19

  Minimum entry: Diploma awarded by the HKAPA

  Awards: Advanced diploma