Undergraduate Admissions|FAQ|Enquiry

Direct Application

What is Direct Application?

'Direct application' is an application route for both postgraduate and undergraduate programmes. For undergraduate programmes, 'direct application' is the non-JUPAS route for those applicants who do not have Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE) results (or have HKALE results but also possess other qualifications). Due to the fact that direct applicants are selected on a variety of qualifications, which may include GCEAL, International Baccalaureate Diploma, sub-degrees, bachelor's degrees or other acceptable qualifications, selection is made on a case by case basis. Performance in selection tests and interviews, where applicable, is also an important assessment criterion.

Step 1: Before you submit a direct application

Before you submit a direct application, you should check the list of bachelor's degree programmes offered by the University. Make sure that you have the most up-to-date information, course details, entry requirements and application deadlines by checking our online prospectus.

Step 2: When is the application period for 2009 entry and the application deadline?

The application period for 2010 shall start on 16 November 2009 (tentatively scheduled). Please visit our online programme list nearer the time for more updated information.

Step 3: Check the requirements

For admission to the programmes offered by the University, applicants must meet the University's General Entrance Requirements AND Programme Entrance Requirements as specified by individual programmes, if applicable.

Step 4: Are you a local or non-local applicant? Under what circumstances do you need to apply for a student visa?

Non-local applicants are persons who require a student visa/entry permit issued by the Hong Kong Immigration Department to study in Hong Kong. Persons holding a "Permanent Hong Kong Identity Card" (as distinguished from a "Hong Kong Identity Card"), a dependant visa or a full-time employment visa/work permit (for part-time study) issued by the Hong Kong Immigration Department are NOT considered as non-local applicants. If you need further advice on visa requirements, please consult the website of the Hong Kong Immigration Department.

Step 5: How much is the application fee? How can I pay the fee?

Applications are normally required to submit an online application, the online application fee (per programme) is HK$100 per programme choice. Submit additional applications if you wish to apply for more than one programme. Note that if you receive more than one admission offer from the University, you can choose to enroll in one programme only.

You will pay the application fee of HK$100 online using a credit card (VISA or Master Card) through the application system.

In case a paper application (only available to non-local applicants) is used, the application fee is HK$200 per programme choice. Follow the instructions on fee payment as given on the application form.

Step 6: After submitting a direct application

Once you have successfully paid your application fee, the programme name will appear under the section "Submitted applications" in your application. In addition, an email to acknowledge receipt of your application will be sent to you.

Step 7: How do you check your application status? How can you access it?

An application account is created once you apply online. Through your application account, you can check your application result, update your correspondence information and upload supporting documents. You can access the application account with the electronic ID and password created at the time of application.

Things you might be interested to know:

When will your application be processed?
Applications for some programmes are processed on a rolling basis. Review of applications will start before the deadline and continue until all places are filled. Early applications are therefore strongly encouraged. Late applications may be accepted at the discretion of the relevant department.

Can you submit another application to CityU if you are a JUPAS applicant?
If you applied for admission through the Joint University Programmes Admissions System (JUPAS), you should not submit an application to the University for any programmes listed under the JUPAS system. Otherwise, your direct application to the University will not be considered and any application fee paid will NOT be refunded. You may still submit a direct application to the University for non-government funded programmes which are not offered through JUPAS.

Need more information?

  • Frequently Asked Questions: FAQ
  • For scholarships awards, please visit the website of our Student Development Services
  • The University organises a variety of activities for direct applicants, click News and Events for more information.