Transferring to The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK): A Strategic Guide for International Students

For students seeking a high-quality, English-friendly academic experience in Asia, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) offers a compelling option. CUHK is ranked among Asia’s top universities and provides a pathway for transfer applicants through its Advanced Standing Admission policy.

Although CUHK does not use the term “transfer admission” formally, international students who have completed at least one year of university-level study may be eligible to receive credit exemptions and even reduce their time to graduation by up to one year.

📌 Who Is Eligible?

CUHK’s Advanced Standing Admission is open to non-local students who meet one of the following criteria:

• Completed at least one year of undergraduate study at an accredited institution

• Completed at least one year of study in an Associate Degree or Higher Diploma program

• Hold a high school diploma with strong performance in SAT / IB / AP / GCE A-Level or equivalent qualifications

📚 Academic & English Language Requirements

Applicants must meet CUHK’s general entry and English proficiency standards:

English Test Minimum Scores:

• IELTS: 6.0 or above

• TOEFL iBT: 80 or above

• SAT (EBRW): 590

• ACT (ELA): 23

• IB English: 4 or above

🏫 Program Availability

International students may apply to most undergraduate programs within the following faculties:

• Faculty of Arts

• Faculty of Business Administration

• Faculty of Education

• Faculty of Engineering

• Faculty of Law

• Faculty of Medicine (selected majors)

• Faculty of Science

• Faculty of Social Science

🧾 Credit Transfer & Graduation Timeline

CUHK admits all international students as Year 1 students, regardless of previous university experience. However, upon enrollment, students may apply for course and unit exemptions based on prior academic work.

• Maximum of 24 units may be exempted

• Graduation period can be shortened by up to 1 year

• Applications are evaluated on a case-by-case basis

💰 Tuition & Scholarships

• Tuition: HKD 178,000 per year (~USD 22,700)

• Hostel Fee: ~HKD 16,000 per year

• Estimated Living Costs: ~HKD 35,000 per year

🎓 Merit-based entrance scholarships are available and automatically considered for all applicants—no separate application required.

🗓️ Application Timeline

• Application Period: Typically opens in November and closes in late January

• Application Method: CUHK’s online system (direct application)

• Rolling admissions: Offers may be made anytime up until July

Required Documents:

• Personal Statement (max. 2 A4 pages)

• Academic transcripts

• Proof of English proficiency

• One or more letters of recommendation

• Passport copy and other supporting materials

🌐 Why CUHK?

• High academic reputation in Asia and globally

• English-medium instruction in most majors

• Bilingual and multicultural learning environment

• Flexible curriculum and interdisciplinary opportunities

• Unique College System providing personalized support, mentorship, and community life

🎯 How Kim Consulting Supports You

At Kim Consulting, we provide end-to-end support for applicants targeting CUHK, including:

• Eligibility and academic planning for Advanced Standing

• Selection of suitable majors and credit transfer strategies

• Assistance with personal statements and recommendation letters

• Application timeline management and interview preparation (if required)

Interested in transferring to CUHK?

📩 Contact us at admissions@kimconsulting.org for a personalized consultation.