Guide to Applying to the Hong Kong Polytechnic University as an International Student for an Undergraduate Degree
Hong Kong Polytechnic University is one of the elite public research universities located in Hung Hom, Hong Kong. Since its inception in 1937, the university is consistently ranked among the world’s top 100 universities and is a beacon attracting innovators, orators, scholars from across the world to its global campus. However, great things require a great deal of hard work, and due to the inflated demand for admissions from countries like India & China, it has a plunging acceptance rate of just 10%, which is forecasted to go down in the coming years. The university has around 4% of international students and is known for its fantastic exchange programs with 238 partner universities scattered across the world.Â
English Proficiency Test Requirements
All non-local applicants are obliged to present proof of their English proficiency. Also, the university does not accept a wide variety of English language tests, so choose yours only after confirmation from the university website. There are also a good amount of exemptions if you belong to Asian or European countries. Like if you are from India and have done your senior secondary schooling or grade 12 with a score above 75% in English, you are exempted from English language tests. However, applicants might be called upon for an interview to confirm their proficiency.
- 80 and above on the TOEFL iBT.
- 550 and above on the TOEFL paper-based test.
- 6.0 and above on the IELTS Academic.
ACT/SAT Requirements
Most international applicants, including Indian applicants, are not obliged to share SAT/ACT scores. But, to be considered for admission, your score in standard 12th must be above 75% in all five subjects. However, if you are from the USA, you are obligated to submit your SAT/ACT scores, satisfying the minimum benchmarks set by the university. As a rule of thumb, the higher your scores, the better your chances.
Test | Score Range | Average Score Required |
ACT | 1-36 | >24 |
SAT | 400-1600 | >1,190 |
Tuition Fee and Cost of Living
Paying tuition as an international student at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) can be expensive. However, there are several ways you can slash your costs like the PolyU Entry Scholarship (via interview), Faculty Scholarships, Post Entry Scholarships (academic & non-academic), Bursaries, the Belt and Road Scholarship, etc. On the contrary, the living costs are relatively affordable but mostly depend upon your lifestyle. Also, these figures are subject to change, so don’t forget to verify the exact figures from the university website.
Annual Cost | In Hong Kong Dollars | In Indian Rupees |
Tuition Fee | HK$ 145,000 | ₹ 1,383,785.61 |
Living Expenses | HK$ 40,000 | ₹ 381,733.96 |
Total | HK$ 185,000 | ₹ 1,765,519.57 |
The conversion from HKD to INR has been made with HK$ 1 = ₹ 9.54. The cost may vary with the varying exchange rate.
Application Portal
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University E Admissions Portal is a one-stop gateway for international students. To apply, you are required to pay a non-refundable application fee of HK$ 450 (₹ 4294.40). Also, if you want to apply for scholarships, you have to apply for a separate scholarship application along with your regular admissions application.
Essay Prompts
Your personal statement is a decisive aspect of your application, based on which the admissions committee settles whether you are the perfect fit for the application or not. You are required to wrap up your personal statement within 500 words on an A4 size sheet, elaborating your reason for choosing the particular program, your expectations, how you will return the favor to humankind, etc.
College Application Deadlines
The following are the deadlines for freshmen applying to Hong Kong Polytechnic University:
Application Round | Deadline |
Early Round | 25th of November |
Main Round | 25th of February |
*PolyU accepts applications until 30 June. Admission places are subject to availability.Â
Conclusion
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is very competitive to get into, and there’s a reason why students from across the globe are eager to get admission. It’s ranked #75 among the elite 100 global universities. Located in Hong Kong, which is a hub for trade between Mainland China and the rest of the world, university graduates find well paid easy employment as soon as they graduate, and the growth opportunities are endless. Perhaps, PolyU can offer you the head start that your career needs! The university has an employment rate of 92.2%, with an average annual compensation of HKD 155,643 (INR 1,485,241). However, with plummeting acceptance rates (<10%), the competition is nothing but fierce. Maybe, you could get in touch with a student studying at PolyU, who could mentor you through the admission process. But, stumbling upon one is an Achilles heel! However, I have a better solution.
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Bobby
I have applied to this university. I really hope I get in. Fingers crossed.
Nate
Oh, I wasn’t aware of all requirements.
Simran
Good write-up
Sneha
This information seems quite useful for my application.