1. What is the difference between research and taught programmes?
Research programmes (e.g. MPhil, PhD) focus mainly on research work. These programmes require applicants to have sound research background. Students need to submit a thesis and pass the oral defence conducted by the Thesis Assessment Committee to graduate. Taught programmes (e.g. MA, MBA, MSc, MSSc), in contrast, focus on coursework. These programmes, generally do not require students to submit a thesis.
2. I am a Bachelor's degree holder. Can I apply for Doctoral degree programme?
Normally, if you want to apply for our Doctoral degree programme, you should have a Master's degree. If you want to apply for our Master's degree programme, you should have a Bachelor's degree with Honours not lower than Second Class. However, some of our research programmes have started to offer“MPhil – PhD Programmes” with an“MPhil Stream”and a“PhD Stream”. You can apply for the PhD stream under the “MPhil-PhD Programmes” offered in our University if you have a Bachelor's degree with Honours not lower than Second Class. Please refer to our Entry Requirements for the general qualifications for admission.
3. How to fulfil the English Language Proficiency Requirement?
•
You may submit the score report of one of the following tests. The scores listed below
are for reference only. Some programmes may have a higher requirement on the score
requirement. Please refer to the relevant division leaflet for details.
-
TOEFL (not lower than 550 paper based, 213 computer based, and 79 internet based);
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GMAT (Verbal not lower than 21);
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College English Test (CET 6) of PRC (not lower than 430);
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IELTS (Academic) (not lower than Band 6.5);
•
Or possess a pass grade in English in one of the following examinations:
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Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (AS Level);
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Hong Kong Higher Level Examination; or
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CUHK Matriculation Examination;
•
Or have a degree from a university in Hong Kong or an English speaking country,
•
Or have obtained a recognized professional qualification awarded in Hong Kong or
an English speaking country.
4. Is there any special admission requirement on non-local applicants?
The application requirements are the same for both local and non-local applicants. However, non-local students need to obtain a valid permit/visa from the Hong Kong Immigration Department before registration. You may refer to our Entry Requirements for the general qualifications for admission.
5. What kind of financial assistance is available to students? How do they apply?
Students who are admitted to our full-time research postgraduate programmes are eligible to receive Postgraduate Studentships. The graduate division of your programme will consider you for the award of the Studentship together with your application for admission. You are not required to submit a separate application.
6.How can I get the application materials and application form?
Application materials for Fall admission will be distributed in January in the same year. You can visit our homepage at www2.cuhk.edu.hk/gss for the Postgraduate Prospectus and submit your application online. If you want to receive the application materials by post, please submit an online enquiry.
7.When should I submit my application, and what documents are required?
Most of our programmes accept applications from December to February. Individual programmes may have different application deadlines. Please refer to our Application Deadlines for details.
You are required to submit the following application documents:
Official Transcripts of academic records issued by your universities*;
c.
Copy of degree certificate;
d.
Documentary proof of fulfilling the English Language Proficiency Requirement (e.g. CET, TOEFL);
e.
Confidential recommendations from 2 referees*;
f.
Receipt of application fee (no need to enclose if you submitted your application online, and chose to pay the application fee by credit card. Please note that only International credit card is acceptable for payment via online application.);
g.
Copy of your HKID card or other identity document; and
h.
Specific materials required by the relevant graduate division (please refer to the division leaflet)
* The Official Transcript and Confidential Recommendation should be sent directly from the applicant's university and referee to the graduate division, or in sealed envelopes and send by the applicant with other supporting documents to the graduate division.
8. When will I receive the notification of my application result?
Application results will be posted on our website www2.cuhk.edu.hk/gss from April to August. Successful applicants will receive their offer letters by mail. Applicants should consider their applications unsuccessful if they do not hear from us thereafter.
9. How can I apply for a valid visa to study in Hong Kong?
If you are admitted to our programme, we will assist you to apply for entry permit from the Hong Kong Immigration Department and send the permit to you by courier. You are also required to apply for a valid exit permit from your country.
10. Where can I find information about on-campus accommodation?
