HARBOUR LEDGER · 2026 HK STUDY GUIDE
From Mid-levels lecture halls
From Mid-levels lecture halls
to Eight UGC universities
and the IANG 24-month visa
Independent, evidence-based guide for international students applying to Hong Kong. 186 Q&A entries covering the eight UGC universities, JUPAS / non-JUPAS routes, taught and research postgraduate programmes, and the IANG post-graduation visa — sourced from HK Immigration, UGC and university admissions offices.
Choose
→ Offer
→ Student visa
→ IANG 24 mo
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THIS WEEK'S LEDGER
Eight UGC + IANG
A 30-week timeline from offer to 24-month visa
Non-local graduates of HK degree programmes are automatically eligible for IANG (Immigration Arrangement for Non-local Graduates) — 24 months of unrestricted work, no employer offer required for the first stamp. Below is the real timeline from offer to IANG approval.
See the full guide →⛺ Checkpoint Log 0 / 6
- ✓WK 1-2Pick programme · Compare admission criteria · Taught vs. research
- ✓WK 3-6Submit + interview · PS · CV · References · Video interview
- 3WK 7-16Offer + deposit · Pay HKD / RMB deposit · Confirm seat
- 4WK 17-22Student visa · Form ID 995A · Financial proof · Sponsor letter
- 5WK 23-28Visa approval · HKID · Apply for HKID within 30 days of arrival
- 6WK 29-30Term begins + housing · Halls / private rental / shared flat · Octopus card
Q&A Logbook
See all 186 posts → Latest updates
LIVE · 186 Q&A · UPDATED REGULARLY // ADMIN: StudyIn.HK Editorial
№ 01 What are the new and discontinued master's programs at Hong Kong's eight universities in 2026? Changes in business, computer science, education, and social work
A detailed look at new and discontinued master's programs at Hong Kong's eight public universities (HKU, CUHK, HKUST, etc.) in 2026, covering four popular fields: business, computer science, education, and social work, to help students seize application opportunities.
What can I do with the IANG visa for the 24 months after graduation in Hong Kong?
IANG holders have unrestricted work authorisation in Hong Kong for 24 months — full-time employee, freelancer, founder, or job-seeker. The HK graduate market in 2026 absorbs roughly 78% of IANG holders into full-time employment within 6 months, with the strongest pull from finance (28%), tech (19%), professional services (16%) and academia/research (8%).
How does an international (non-JEE) applicant apply to Hong Kong universities? Step-by-step for IB, A-Level, AP and equivalent qualifications
International applicants apply directly through each university's non-JEE portal — separate from the JUPAS system used for HKDSE candidates. Documents include transcripts, predicted/final exam results, English proficiency proof, personal statement and references. Application windows run from September through January with offers from February to May.
JUPAS vs. non-JEE: which application route should I use to apply to Hong Kong universities?
JUPAS is the Joint University Programmes Admissions System for HKDSE candidates only. International applicants with IB, A-Level, AP, gaokao or other non-HKDSE qualifications apply via each university's own non-JEE (non-Joint-Entrance-Examination) portal. The two systems run in parallel with different deadlines, fees, and admission quotas.
How much does it cost to study in Hong Kong as an international student in 2026?
A non-local undergraduate at one of Hong Kong's eight UGC-funded universities should budget HK$985K–1.06M for a four-year bachelor's, or HK$280K–520K for a one-year taught master's. Tuition is the largest line; rent in Mong Kok or Sheung Wan averages HK$8,000–12,000/month for a shared flat.
What is The University of Hong Kong (HKU) like for international students, and how competitive is admission in 2026?
HKU sits at QS World #17 (2026). For international applicants the university takes roughly 15% of its undergraduate intake from outside Hong Kong, with the medicine, law and computer science programmes among the most competitive globally. Tuition is HK$182,000/year for non-locals; total four-year cost is HK$900K–1.05M including living expenses.
What Are the 2026-27 Hong Kong Taught Master's Application Rounds and Offer Release Timelines? A Cross-Comparison of the Eight UGC Universities
A cross-comparison of the 2026-27 admission cycle for taught master's programs at Hong Kong's eight UGC-funded universities, covering application round divisions, offer release speed, conditional offer structures, and common interview/supplement submission pacing and application strategies.
What is the IANG visa, and how does the 24-month post-graduation visa work for non-local Hong Kong graduates?
IANG is the Immigration Arrangement for Non-local Graduates: a 24-month, no-employer-required Hong Kong visa for graduates of full-time HKSAR sub-degree, bachelor's, master's, or PhD programmes. Apply within six months of graduation; the first stamp is open work authorisation.
Basecamps · Universities
All university tags → The Eight UGC universities
HKU
QS '26#17
The University of Hong Kong
HKU
QS #17Eight UGCIANG 24 mo
CUHK QS '26#32
Chinese University of Hong Kong
CUHK
QS #32Eight UGCCollege system
UST QS '26#47
HK University of Science and Technology
HKUST
QS #47Eight UGCEngineering / Business
PolyU QS '26#57
Hong Kong Polytechnic University
PolyU
QS #57Eight UGCDesign / Hospitality
⛰ CAMPFIRE · HK Q&A
UGC degree or associate degree top-up?
Let's run the numbers.
Submit your transcript, GPA, budget and intended major — we will reply within 48 hours with three Hong Kong study pathways comparing entry requirements, total cost, IANG visa timeline, associate degree top-up routes, and Talent / TTPS visa fit.
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