Pre-University Program Notes

HKUST Pre-University Program

For Year 11 / Grade 10 / Form 4 or above

The HKUST Pre-University Program offers high school students a broad introduction to academic exploration and campus experiences through a variety of engaging opportunities.

Definition of Non-local Students

You are considered as a non-local student if you are a holder of the following documents issued by the Immigration Department of the HKSAR:

a student visa/entry permit; or
a visa/entry permit under the Immigration Arrangement for Non-local Graduates; or
a dependant visa/entry permit who were 18 years old or above when they were issued with such visa/entry permit by the Director of Immigration.

Please click here for definitions of local and non-local students.

Local and non-local applicants are considered under various admissions schemes and are required to pay different rates of tuition fee. Applicants are required to provide identity documents to support their claim of local / non-local status during the admissions process.

Any changes in local / non-local status after submission of application will lead to a corresponding change in the admissions scheme. Offers made under the initial admissions scheme may be revoked, and applicants will be re-considered in competition with other eligible applicants under the appropriate admissions scheme.

entry-requirements

Entry Requirements

fee-and-payment

Fee & Payment

residential-package

Residential Package

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Visa

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Important Notes for Students

Eligibility

The HKUST Pre-University Program 2026 offers various programs for secondary school students, including local and international students in Year 11, Grade 10, or Form 4 and above from around the world, as well as students eligible to study in Hong Kong. Key eligibility requirements include being 15 years or older for residential options and meeting the English language requirements.

English Language Proficiency

If you have been taught in English, your high school transcript/certificate must show that the language of instruction was English. In this case, you are not required to submit separate evidence of language proficiency.

Students whose first language or teaching medium in the home institution is NOT English are required to submit one of the following test types to prove your mastery of the English Language:

IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent)
TOEFL internet-based test: 60 TOEIC: 570-680
International Baccalaureate: Higher Level 4/ Standard Level 5
Cambridge Advanced Certificate: Grade C or B2 certificate
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English: Grade C or C1 certificate
Cambridge First Certificate: Grade C
Duolingo English Test: 125 overall

Offer Announcement

Admission results will be announced on a rolling basis. The earlier you apply, the better your chance of securing a place in the programs.

Next Steps:

We will review your application and inform you of the outcome after the assessment process.
If your application is successful, we will request payment of the program fee.
Once we receive your payment before the payment deadline, your place in the program will be confirmed.
The program itinerary will be shared with admitted students one month before the program starts.

Portrait Rights: By participating in the program, you agree that any photographs taken of you during the event may be used by HKUST for promotional and publicity purposes. This includes, but is not limited to, use on the university's website, social media, and other marketing materials. If you do not wish for your photo to be used, please inform us in writing prior to the event.

Application Fee

For the first program and any subsequent application is HKD 250 per program.
- The application fee is a non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Students may enrol in more than one programs as long as it does not cause any scheduling conflict.
- Once you have paid the HKD 250 application fee and submitted all required materials, your application will proceed to review. You will receive an update via email regarding the outcome of your application—whether it is successful or declined.

Program Fee

The fees for each program vary. Please refer to the individual program for detailed information.
Offers will be issued on a rolling basis, for details, please refer to the respective program webpage. The successful application will be notified and asked to confirm acceptance by settling the program fee within 3-5 calendar days. We will confirm your place only after you have paid in full.

Remarks:

*Fees are non-refundable after your acceptance of the offer.
*Payments must be settled online via credit card or ePayment.

Payment Methods - Online credit card or e-payment (Application fee/Program fee)

HKUST Pre-University Program accepts MasterCard, Visa, Union Pay, WeChat Pay, AlipayHK, Alipay, PayMe and FPS.
If the credit card information you submit is incomplete or if the credit card payment is unsuccessful, you will not be registered in your course(s). To avoid a delay in the admission process, please make sure your credit card's daily charge limit is sufficient for the total course payment.
HKUST Pre-University Program is not responsible for fluctuations in international exchange rates or interest charges due to the timing of credit card charges or refunds.
A small number of programs may have specific payment requirements for program fees. If your application is successful you will receive relevant instructions on fee payment.

Eligibility

For Secondary School Students ONLY:

Only students aged 16 or above (on or before the check-in date) may stay in HKUST-managed residential halls during the program period.
Students under the age of 16 are not eligible for HKUST-managed residential halls and should arrange hotel accommodation and/or stay with family members during the program period. Students must be accompanied by a guardian aged 18 or above when checking into a hotel.

Accommodation Fee

An optional residential package is available for students enrolling in credit‑bearing courses and thematic‑based programs.
The accommodation fee is non-transferable, non-refundable, non-exchangeable and not for re-sale.

Notes

Further details about accommodation arrangements will be provided once your program offer is confirmed.
Reservations are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Priority will be given to non-local students.
In case of any dispute, the decision of the HKUST Pre-University Program shall be final.

	6 Nights Package	9 Nights Package
Date	July 19-25, 2026	July 19-28, 2026
Check-in	July 19, 2026
Check-out	July 25, 2026	July 28, 2026
Fee	HKD $2,400	HKD $3,600
Hall	On campus Residential
Bathroom	Shared bathroom
Housekeeping	Each resident will be provided with pillow, pillowcase, bedsheet and blanket The Hall DOES NOT provide personal accessories such as towels, suits, toothpaste, toothbrush, slippers, shower gel and cups
Application Method	Information will be sent to students via email

Student Visa Application

Non-local students without the right of abode or right to land in Hong Kong must apply for a student visa or entry permit to study.
The fee for the Study visa application is HKD 1000 and is non-refundable under any circumstances. Please use a credit card to complete the payment here.
For details on the student visa application process, please check the visa instructions - Notes for Visa Application (Pre-University Programs).
Once HKUST receives your documents, you will receive an email notification.

Attendance

You must be available for the entire program duration.
A 20% absence allowance is permitted for emergencies or sick leave, provided there is valid documentation. Students are responsible for notifying the program coordinator in advance of any expected absences, no exceptions will be made without prior approval. Punctuality is expected, and unexcused lateness may count as an absence. Students with less than 80% attendance or without valid reasons for absences will not receive the Certificate of Attendance. Some programs will have specific attendance requirements, please refer to the program page for details.

Completion of Certification

Students will receive a Certificate of Attendance upon completion of the program.
Applicants who confirm their attendance but fail to attend will be ineligible to apply for future events.

Leave of Absence

Students who need to be absent from scheduled classes or activities must have their parents/guardians submit an online leave request form. All absences, including sick leaves, must be reported in advance.
Failure to do so will be considered discontinuation of the program, and no certification, statement of results, or refund of fees will be provided.

Bad Weather Arrangement

Arrangement of Class under weather warning signals

Amber/Red Rainstorm Warning, or Typhoon Signal No. 1 or 3	All scheduled (including online) classes will be held as usual.
Black Rainstorm Warning	All (including online) classes that have yet to start will normally be cancelled, but individual instructors may arrange for online classes (during scheduled class time or later), which will be recorded for those unable to access them at the time. Instructors are responsible for informing students about the class arrangement. Classes that have already started will normally continue until the end. Stay indoors wherever you are and do not leave until the warning is cancelled and the conditions are safe.
Typhoon Signal No. 8 is to be issued within 2 hours (pre-No. 8)	All (including online) classes that have yet to start will normally be cancelled, but individual instructors may arrange for online classes (during scheduled class time or later), which will be recorded for those unable to access them at the time. Instructors are responsible for informing students about the class arrangement. Classes that have already started will normally continue until the end, after which you should return to your place of residence if traffic and weather conditions permit within the 2-hour period. When the Typhoon Signal No. 8 has been issued, stay indoors wherever you are and do not leave until the warning is cancelled and the conditions are safe.
“Extreme Conditions” after Super Typhoons	All (including online) classes will normally be cancelled, but individual instructors may arrange for online classes (during scheduled class time or later), which will be recorded for those unable to access them at the time. Instructors are responsible for informing students about the class arrangement. Stay indoors wherever you are and do not leave until the warning is cancelled and the conditions are safe.
Typhoon Signal No. 8 or above, Black Rainstorm Warning or “Extreme Conditions” Announcement is still in force at 4 pm	All (including online) evening classes will normally be cancelled, but individual instructors may arrange for online classes (during scheduled class time or later), which will be recorded for those unable to access them at the time. Instructors are responsible for informing students about the class arrangement.

Resumption of Classes

If Typhoon Signal No. 8, Black Rainstorm Warning or “Extreme Conditions” Announcement is cancelled

At or before 6:30 am	Classes (including online) starting from 8:30 am and onwards will be held as scheduled.
At or before 12 noon	Classes (including online) starting from 2 pm and onwards will be held as scheduled, while classes (including online) starting before 2 pm will normally be cancelled.
Before 4 pm	Classes (including online) starting from 6 pm and onwards will be held as scheduled, while classes (including online) starting before 6 pm will normally be cancelled.

*Should any disputes arise, the decision made by HKUST will be final.*

The content above is subject to change without notice. Students should regularly check the website and their email for any updates.