University English requirements

What IELTS score do you need for CUHK?

CUHK undergraduates with overseas qualifications need IELTS Academic 6.0 overall, or TOEFL iBT 80 (4.5 on the new scale). IELTS Online, One Skill Retake and the TOEFL Home Edition do not count. Postgraduates need IELTS 6.5, which may be test-centre or online, or TOEFL 79 / 4.5. Duolingo is accepted only for reference, and PTE is not listed.
  • Checked against official sources · 4 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

Undergraduate English requirement at CUHK (international applicants)

These minimums are on CUHK's requirements page for overseas and other qualifications. CUHK sets no IELTS sub-score minimum there. IELTS One Skill Retake, IELTS Indicator and IELTS Online do not meet the requirement; neither do the TOEFL iBT Home Edition or TOEFL Best Scores.

CUHK's international admissions FAQ says Duolingo, IELTS Online and TOEFL Home Edition results may be sent for the programme's reference. You still need another acceptable test. TOEFL and IELTS results last two years and must be valid when you apply. PTE is not listed.

Test or qualificationMinimum
IELTS Academic6.0 overall
TOEFL iBT (before 21 Jan 2026)80 out of 120
TOEFL iBT (on or after 21 Jan 2026)4.5 out of 6
SAT590 Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
ACT English Language Arts23
GCSE / IGCSE / GCE O LevelGrade C / 4
IB4
Indian Central or State Board, Grade 12 English80%
Duolingo English TestReference only; another acceptable test still required

Postgraduate English requirement (CUHK Graduate School)

The Graduate School's admission requirements apply to taught master's, MPhil and PhD alike. You are covered without a test if your degree is from a Hong Kong university or was taught in English. Some programmes add higher requirements.

TOEFL and IELTS results are valid for two years from the test date. Unlike the undergraduate rule, the postgraduate page accepts IELTS taken online and the TOEFL Home Edition. PTE and Duolingo are not listed.

Test or qualificationMinimum
IELTS Academic (test centre or online)6.5
TOEFL iBT / Home Edition79 of 120, or 4.5 of 6
GMAT Focus Edition (Verbal)78
HKDSE English LanguageLevel 4
Degree from a Hong Kong university or taught in EnglishMeets the requirement
PTE Academic / DuolingoNot listed by CUHK

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Before you book a test for CUHK

For undergraduate entry, book IELTS Academic at a test centre or the test-centre TOEFL iBT. A Duolingo, IELTS Online or TOEFL Home Edition result will not complete your application on its own.

If you cannot take an acceptable test for special reasons, CUHK's FAQ says to send supporting evidence with your application. It considers these requests only in very special circumstances.

Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your CUHK programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.

Frequently asked questions

Does CUHK accept Duolingo?+

Only as supporting information. CUHK's undergraduate FAQ says Duolingo results may be sent for reference, but you must take another acceptable test. The Graduate School does not list Duolingo.

Does CUHK accept PTE?+

PTE Academic is not listed on CUHK's undergraduate requirements page, its FAQ, or the Graduate School requirements page.

Does CUHK accept IELTS Online?+

Not for undergraduates. For postgraduate programmes, the Graduate School accepts IELTS taken at a test centre or online.

What IELTS do I need for a master's at CUHK?+

6.5 overall at university level. Some programmes set additional requirements on their own pages.

Does CUHK need IELTS sub-scores?+

The undergraduate and Graduate School pages give only an overall IELTS minimum (6.0 and 6.5). Programme pages may add more.

Keep reading

Related

Verified against the linked official sources on 4 October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.

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