CUHK admissions requirements: four pathways — JUPAS, Non-JUPAS, mainland gaokao — and college assignment

Module: 02 Admissions · Sub-file: Undergraduate admissions pathways Last updated: 15 June 2026 This article focuses on The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK, main campus at Ma Liu Shui, Sha Tin) and does not cover the separately incorporated "CUHK (Shenzhen)". Admissions data dates quickly; every figure below is tagged with its year. Always defer to the latest official announcements. The principal reference point is 2025 entry / the 2025–26 academic year; some programme scores are only available on a 2023 or 2024 basis, and this is noted item by item.

CUHK admits undergraduates on a "multi-channel" principle, with four main independent routes:

Beyond the four main routes, CUHK also participates in two government schemes not driven by DSE results — the School Nominations Direct Admission Scheme (SNDAS) and the Principal's Nominations Scheme (SPN) — covered in Section 5.

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# 1. JUPAS admissions (HKDSE)

JUPAS (the Joint University Programmes Admissions System)^※ is the main route by which Hong Kong DSE candidates enter UGC-funded degree programmes; CUHK allocates the overwhelming majority of its local places through it. How UGC funding is calculated and how local tuition fees are set are covered in Tuition Fees and Self-financing Programmes.

# 1.1 Minimum university entrance requirement: core subjects 332A

From 2024, the DSE Liberal Studies subject was replaced by Citizenship and Social Development (graded only "Attained / Not Attained"), and CUHK accordingly changed its minimum threshold from the old "3322" to "332A"^※:

According to CUHK's official admissions note^※, the minimum subject combination is 4 core subjects + 2 electives, or 4 core subjects + 1 elective + Mathematics Extended Part (M1/M2) / an other-language subject; electives are normally required at Level 3. Where an other-language subject is used to satisfy the requirement, the threshold is: French/German/Spanish at A2 or above, Japanese at N3 or above, Korean and other languages at Grade 3 or above. The simplified-Chinese admissions page renders the full requirement as "332A33" — the first four characters denote the core subjects, the last two the requirement for two further electives at Level 3.

Meeting the minimum university requirement is not the same as being admitted — admission is competitive and merit-based, and each programme additionally sets its own programme-specific requirements^※ (medicine, for example, requires Biology/Chemistry, and quantitative finance weighs mathematics heavily). Programme JS codes and their home faculties are listed in the companion document, programme-catalogue.md.

# 1.2 How admissions scores are calculated: CUHK's "two coexisting grading scales"

To understand CUHK's admissions scores, the first thing to grasp is that two different grading scales are in use — this is the most common source of misunderstanding outside the University.

(a) General programmes (common to the eight UGC-funded universities):

According to CUHK's Useful Information for JUPAS Applicants (2026)^※, general programmes count 5** as 8.5 points (not 7). If all five subjects in a Best 5 calculation score 5**, the maximum is 42.5 points (5 × 8.5).

(b) Medicine-specific scale (JS4501 MBChB / JS4502 GPS):

According to Hong Kong 01's breakdown of CUHK scoring^※, the two medicine programmes use the "linear 7-point scale", under which 5** counts for only 7 points. Because the two scales differ, the medicine median and a business-school median can never be compared directly across programmes — the former is on the 7-point scale over six subjects, the latter on the 8.5-point scale over Best 5.

(c) Subject weighting: Several of CUHK's most competitive programmes weight specified subjects before counting them into Best 5, pushing nominal scores well above the 42.5 "theoretical maximum". Common weightings (as compiled by Hong Kong 01^※):

Because of weighting, nominal scores for programmes such as Quantitative Finance and Computational Data Science look markedly higher than those for Best 5 equally weighted programmes — this is not because their students are "stronger" but a simple arithmetic consequence of the ×2 / ×1.5 multipliers. When comparing scores across years, always check which conversion table and how many counted subjects were in use that year.

# 1.3 Admissions scores by programme (mixed bases — always check the year)

CUHK publishes an annual Admission Grades of JUPAS Applicants listing each programme's median and upper/lower quartiles. The table below combines official and media-education figures. Every figure carries its scoring basis; programmes using different scoring methods cannot be compared; for exact figures the official PDF is authoritative.

Faculty of Medicine (official, 7-point scale, 2024/25 academic year)

After Citizenship and Social Development replaced Liberal Studies, CUHK medicine switched from counting 7 subjects to 6 (must include Chinese, English, Mathematics, and the better of Biology/Chemistry), giving a maximum of 42 (6 × 7). According to a CU Medicine press release of 7 August 2024^※:

The same press release states: GPS (JS4502) has topped admissions scores across all Hong Kong universities for 11 consecutive years^※ (median 40.5); in that academic year the Faculty admitted 212 DSE candidates, filling 72% of its 295 places — the seventh consecutive year in which DSE students took 70% or more of places; of the 8 "super top-scorers" who achieved 5** in six subjects or more, 5 chose CU Medicine; and the Faculty claims "nearly half of Hong Kong's top 100 students chose CUHK medicine".

Other programmes (media compilation, 2023 entry)

The following medians for 2023 entry are compiled by student-media platforms. Because of weighting and year-to-year fluctuation they are indicative only of magnitude; for exact figures the official Admission Grades PDF is authoritative:

In the media's 2023 tables, JS4501/JS4502 appear with higher figures under a "4C+2X/3X" basis (MBChB 43, GPS 47). These differ from the Faculty's official "6 subjects, 7-point, median 37.0 / 40.5" — different year, different scoring basis, not comparable; for medicine defer to the official press release. Source: DSE Source's CUHK score compilation^※.

# 1.4 Programme choice changes and "Band A"

JUPAS applicants may list up to 20 programme choices, in Band A (choices 1–3), Band B, Band C, and so on. After the DSE results are released there is a single free "modification" window during which up to 5 choices can be changed, subject to the overall cap of 20. Band A placement (especially first choice) matters greatly for interview and admission chances — most CUHK programmes only interview applicants who place them among their top three choices. Long-running folk debates over weighting inflating elite-programme scores, Band A strategic play, and the short modification window point to the wilder-side article ../17-wilder-policies/source-directory.md; this article does not treat them as fact.

# 1.5 Competition: which programmes are most coveted? (2025 modification data)

According to Sing Tao Daily's compilation of CUHK data after the first 2025 JUPAS modification round^※ (measured by the number of applicants placing a programme in their top three choices against places available):

A "37 applicants per place" ratio and the label "most coveted" (神科) are competition metrics framed by the admissions media, not official admission statistics; folk rumours of score markdowns and hidden internal bonuses point to the wilder-side article and are not adopted as fact here.

# 1.6 Interviews

• Most programmes hold interviews "as circumstances require", and normally only for applicants who place the programme among their top three choices. According to Hong Kong 01^※, most programmes under CUHK's Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Social Science, and Faculty of Arts set interview requirements.
• Medicine (MBChB / GPS) interviews all applicants under consideration for admission^※; GPS additionally weighs leadership qualities and prior achievements.
• The Integrated BBA Programme (IBBA) holds two interview rounds (including group discussion), open only to applicants placing it among their top three choices.

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# 2. Non-JUPAS admissions

Applies to local and non-local applicants not applying on HKDSE results. Accepted qualifications include: the IB Diploma, GCE / International A-Level, associate degrees (associate degree / higher diploma), Cambridge Pre-U, HKALE, and others; overseas qualifications are handled through the international admissions system (see Section 4).

# 2.1 Official "reference score ranges" (2026 entry onwards)

According to CUHK's Reference Scores for Major International Qualifications (October 2025 edition)^※ — a table compiled from admission statistics for the 2023, 2024 and 2025 cohorts — each programme lists a "reference score range", with the explicit caveat that admission does not rest on public examination results alone, actual cut-offs drift year to year, and the figures are for reference only. The highest scores ever recorded among CUHK's admitted non-JUPAS students are IB 45/45, GCE A-Level 6A*, SAT 1580/1600^※.

The table below excerpts the "reference ranges" (IB Diploma / GCE AL-IAL) for selected programmes:

The table shows "reference ranges", not guaranteed admission; actual admitted students in the most competitive programmes (Medicine, Global Business Studies, Computational Data Science) generally sit above the lower end. All non-JUPAS applicants must additionally satisfy Chinese and English language requirements. The full programme list appears in the companion document programme-catalogue.md.

# 2.2 Associate-degree transfer and Admission with Advanced Standing

Applicants holding GCE-AL, International-AL, IB, Cambridge Pre-U, HKALE, or associate degree / higher diploma qualifications, and meeting the conditions, may apply for Admission with Advanced Standing: according to CUHK's Non-JUPAS note^※, the credit units required for graduation may be reduced by up to about 23–24 (the cap varies slightly by faculty; the Business Administration faculty's figure is 23), i.e. shortening the programme by up to roughly one year. Associate-degree graduates (those who studied for an associate degree or higher diploma at HKCC, SPEED, HKU SPACE, and similar institutions) form a significant pool of local non-JUPAS applicants, colloquially known as "Asso up U". The actual credit reduction is assessed subject-by-subject by the admitting faculty; the cap is not a guarantee.

# 2.3 Language and programme-specific requirements

Whatever their qualifications, all non-JUPAS applicants must separately satisfy Chinese and English language requirements (locally by DSE or equivalent; overseas applicants by IELTS / TOEFL and the like). The most competitive programmes add programme-specific prerequisites — medicine requires Biology/Chemistry, quantitative finance and computational data science stress mathematics, and law places heavy weight on English. Reaching the reference-score range in the Reference Scores table only gets a candidate through the gate; admission still turns on prerequisites, weighted ranking, and (where applicable) interview performance.

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# 3. Mainland gaokao (National Unified College Entrance Examination · Early admission batch)

CUHK has recruited undergraduates from mainland China since 1998; per CUHK's simplified-Chinese undergraduate admissions site^※, more than 6,700 mainland students have since studied at CUHK at undergraduate level. Admissions run through the National Unified College Entrance Examination (the gaokao), under which CUHK is listed by the Ministry of Education in the early admission batch, with institutional code 81002.

# 3.1 Admission mechanics (2025 / 2026 entry)

# 3.2 Entrance scholarship thresholds (summary; full details in the tuition and scholarships article)

CUHK offers several tiers of entrance scholarships to mainland gaokao applicants; no separate application is needed, as they are assessed automatically from the submitted gaokao result. Per CUHK's simplified-Chinese admissions site^※:

The colloquial "top-scorer scholarship" (状元奖学金) corresponds to the Full Scholarship tier. Full scholarship details — amounts and renewal conditions — are in the companion document tuition-and-scholarships.md.

# 3.3 Gaokao candidates holding "local student" status

Mainland gaokao candidates who hold Hong Kong "local student" status (for example, holders of one-way permits, or dependants of Quality Migrant / Top Talent Scheme entrants whose first approval came before age 18) must also list CUHK through the early admission batch in the gaokao application after results are out; those admitted are charged tuition and accommodation at local-student rates. Any change of status during their studies must be reported to the University promptly, but an already-issued offer is not withdrawn because of a status change (per CUHK's simplified-Chinese admissions site).

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# 4. International students / overseas and other qualifications

Non-local international applicants apply through the International Admissions system.

• Qualifications: All major pre-university qualifications are accepted (IB, A-Level, US high school diploma + SAT/ACT/AP, Canada OSSD/BC, Australia ATAR, Malaysia UEC/STPM, etc.); reference scores are in the official Reference Scores table in Section 2, with SAT ranges given separately in that PDF.
• Language: An acceptable level of English is required (e.g. IELTS / TOEFL); some programmes additionally set Chinese requirements.
• Transfer admission: Applicants who have completed at least one year of an undergraduate degree at a recognised university, or at least one year of an associate degree, may also apply.
• Scholarships: International applicants do not need to apply separately; CUHK assesses scholarships automatically on admissions results, academic performance, and interview (see the tuition and scholarships article).
• Fees: Non-local undergraduate tuition for 2025–26 is HK$178,000 per year; for 2026–27 it rises to HK$214,000 per year (see the tuition article).

The international admissions route and the mainland gaokao channel are two separate tracks: the former serves non-local applicants with overseas qualifications and is assessed application by application through the international system (with possible interviews); the latter serves mainland gaokao candidates, admitted by score through the early admission batch without interview. Mainland-roll holders with IB / A-Level (or similar) qualifications who do not sit the gaokao normally apply through the international / non-JUPAS route rather than the unified admissions channel.

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# 5. Special admissions schemes: SNDAS and the Principal's Nominations Scheme

Beyond the four main routes, CUHK participates in two government admissions schemes "not driven by DSE results", opening a pathway for Secondary 6 students with "special talents in individual subjects that the DSE cannot fully assess".

# 5.1 School Nominations Direct Admission Scheme (SNDAS)

According to the Education Bureau's SNDAS policy page^※, the scheme works through principal nominations and does not consider public examination results, allowing students with special or diverse talents to receive offers for UGC-funded programmes before the DSE results are released. Nominated students must also apply through JUPAS and cannot simultaneously take part in the "Principal's Nominations Scheme" or the "Student-Athlete Learning Support and Admission Scheme".

Media figures for CUHK's SNDAS admissions differ: Sing Tao Daily^※ at one point reported CUHK directly admitting 55 students under the scheme (HKU 118); separately, per an International Education Alliance compilation^※, in a given year CUHK received 169 nominations from 152 schools and ultimately admitted 54 (HKU 140). The two sets of figures relate to different years and different counting dates; this article presents both as sourced and takes no side. CUHK's medicine programme was among the designated SNDAS programmes in the 2025/26 academic year.

# 5.2 Principal's Nominations Scheme (SPN)

A parallel scheme to SNDAS, likewise driven by principal nomination rather than DSE results; a student cannot participate in both schemes. Applicants should check each university's specific quota and nomination requirements.

Both schemes emphasise "special talent"; anonymous cases and folk discussion of "nomination black boxes" and "quota allocation" point to the wilder-side article ../17-wilder-policies/source-directory.md.

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# 6. College selection mechanism

CUHK is the only university in Hong Kong with a college system. It was founded in 1963 by Chung Chi, New Asia, and United Colleges, and now comprises nine colleges: Chung Chi, New Asia, United, Shaw, Morningside, S.H. Ho, CW Chu, Wu Yee Sun, and Lee Woo Sing. Every undergraduate belongs simultaneously to a faculty and a college; the college provides whole-person education, accommodation, general education, and mentoring schemes (see Module 10, ../10-colleges/README.md, for details).

# Allocation rules (summarised from CUHK's admissions material)

Some of the newer colleges (established after 2006) are fully residential with communal dining, offering accommodation for the whole course of study and a shared-meal culture, at a correspondingly higher cost (see "Accommodation fees" in the tuition article); the older colleges (Chung Chi / New Asia / United) occupy large areas of the campus and host far larger student bodies.

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# Frequently asked questions

Q: How does CUHK calculate DSE scores?

A: CUHK admissions use two grading scales. General programmes use the "8.5-point scale": 5** counts 8.5, 5* counts 7, 5 counts 5.5; with 5** across all of Best 5 the maximum is 42.5. Medicine (JS4501 MBChB, JS4502 GPS) uses the "linear 7-point scale", under which 5** counts only 7, calculated over 6 subjects (Chinese, English, Mathematics, and the better of Biology/Chemistry), with a maximum of 42. The two scales cannot be compared directly. In addition, many programmes weight specified subjects (e.g. Law: English ×2; Quantitative Finance: English ×2 / Maths ×2), pushing nominal scores well above the theoretical maximum of 42.5.

Q: Roughly what JUPAS scores does CUHK require?

A: Taking the official 2024/25 figures as an example, Medicine (MBChB) had a median of 37.0 (maximum 42, 6 subjects on the 7-point scale), and the GPS stream a median of 40.5, topping admissions scores across all Hong Kong universities for 11 consecutive years. Media compilations for 2023 entry show Law at a median of 45.25, Computer Science and Engineering at 42.5, and Integrated BBA at 26. Because of weighting and year-to-year fluctuation, scores across programmes are not directly comparable; for exact figures the official Admission Grades PDF is authoritative.

Q: What is CUHK's minimum JUPAS entrance requirement?

A: From 2024 the minimum threshold is "332A": Chinese Language Level 3, English Language Level 3, Mathematics (compulsory part) Level 2, and Citizenship and Social Development at Attained. The minimum subject combination is 4 core + 2 electives, or 4 core + 1 elective + the Mathematics Extended Part / an other-language subject, with electives normally required at Level 3. Meeting the minimum requirement does not guarantee admission, however — each programme sets additional requirements and admission is competitive and merit-based.

Q: What do CUHK undergraduate interviews generally ask?

A: This page does not record the specific interview questions, but the interview arrangements can be confirmed: most programmes interview "as circumstances require", and normally only applicants who place the programme among their top three choices; Medicine (MBChB/GPS) interviews all applicants under consideration, with GPS additionally weighing leadership qualities and prior achievements; the Integrated BBA (IBBA) runs two interview rounds (including group discussion), likewise open only to first-three-choicers.

Q: What are the application requirements for The Chinese University of Hong Kong?

A: CUHK runs four independent undergraduate admission routes: JUPAS (for HKDSE candidates; minimum threshold 332A), Non-JUPAS (for IB / GCE A-Level / associate degree and other non-DSE qualifications), the mainland gaokao (early admission batch, institutional code 81002, English component at 120 or above), and the international / overseas-qualifications route (via the international admissions system, with an English requirement such as IELTS / TOEFL). The four routes are assessed independently; meeting the minimum threshold does not guarantee admission, and actual offers follow competition and merit within each programme.

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# Data reliability and gaps

• Official hard data (with year / source): the 332A threshold, the two grading scales, the Faculty of Medicine's official admissions figures, the Non-JUPAS Reference Scores ranges, the mainland unified-admissions mechanics (81002 / early batch / English 120 / scholarship thresholds / 6,700 students), SNDAS rules, and the college-system history are all drawn directly from CUHK's admissions site, Faculty of Medicine press releases, the Education Bureau, or official PDFs.
• Media compilations (2023 medians by programme, 2025 competition ratios): taken from Hong Kong 01, Sing Tao, DSE Source, and similar education sections; these are secondary compilations, and for exact figures the official Admission Grades PDF is authoritative.
• Divergent figures presented side by side: CUHK's SNDAS admissions (55 vs 54) involve different years / counting dates and are presented as sourced without adjudication; the media's 2023 medicine figures (43 / 47) and the official 6-subject figures (37.0 / 40.5) rest on different scoring bases and are flagged as non-comparable.
• What could not be verified has been excluded: rumours such as "score markdowns" and "hidden internal bonuses", lacking reliable sources, are not adopted and point to the wilder-side article.

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