Undergraduate English requirement at HKUST (international applicants)
These are from HKUST's English Language Admissions Requirement document, which applies to all undergraduate applicants. The document does not set an IELTS sub-score minimum, and TOEFL must come from one sitting. Its rules on IELTS Online, home-edition tests and score validity are not stated by HKUST in this document.
HKUST is the only one of the three big Hong Kong universities covered here that lists both PTE Academic and the Duolingo English Test for undergraduates. It also lists many school-leaving English results, such as IB, IGCSE, AP and Indian Class 12 English.
| Test or qualification | Minimum |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.0 overall |
| TOEFL iBT (one sitting) | 80 before 21 Jan 2026 · 4.5 from 21 Jan 2026 |
| PTE Academic | 64 overall, no sub-score below 60 |
| Duolingo English Test | 125 overall (from 1 Jul 2024) |
| C1 Advanced (CAE) | Grade C |
| SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing | 590 |
| IGCSE / GCSE English Language | Grade 4 / C |
| All India SSC / ISC, Class 12 English | 80% |
Postgraduate English requirement (HKUST Graduate School)
The Fok Ying Tung Graduate School admission requirements cover master's, postgraduate diploma and doctoral applicants. Scores must come from one single attempt, and the test-at-home option is not accepted. Some programmes add their own requirements.
You do not need TOEFL or IELTS if English is your first language, or if your bachelor's degree came from an English-medium institution. PTE and Duolingo are not listed for postgraduates.
| Test | Minimum |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 overall, all sub-scores 5.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 80 before 21 Jan 2026 · 4.5 from 21 Jan 2026 |
| TOEFL Paper-based Test | 550 |
| TOEFL Revised Paper-delivered Test | 60 (Reading, Listening and Writing) |
| PTE Academic / Duolingo | Not listed by the Graduate School |
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If you hold a PTE or Duolingo score, it can work for HKUST undergraduate entry but not for postgraduate entry. For a master's or PhD, plan on IELTS or TOEFL taken at a test centre.
At postgraduate level the sub-score floor matters: IELTS 6.5 overall with a 5.0 in any skill does not meet it.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your HKUST programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
Does HKUST accept PTE?+
Yes for undergraduates: PTE Academic 64 overall with no sub-score below 60. The Graduate School page lists only TOEFL and IELTS.
Does HKUST accept Duolingo?+
Yes for undergraduates: an overall score of 125 for tests from 1 July 2024. Duolingo is not listed for postgraduate programmes.
What IELTS do I need for a master's at HKUST?+
6.5 overall with every sub-score at 5.5 or above, from one attempt. Some programmes set additional requirements.
Does HKUST accept IELTS Online or TOEFL Home Edition?+
Not for postgraduates; the Graduate School says the test-at-home option is not accepted. The undergraduate document does not address it.
Who is exempt from IELTS at HKUST?+
For postgraduate study, applicants whose first language is English or whose bachelor's came from an English-medium institution. Undergraduates can use listed school English results instead of a test.
Keep reading
Related
- HKU IELTS requirement
- PTE for Hong Kong
- Duolingo to IELTS score converter
- Free IELTS mock test with AI band score
- All 711 guides
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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