Tuition Fees, Accommodation & Scholarships

This article provides a comprehensive overview of undergraduate tuition fees at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), hall charges, estimated living expenses, and the full scholarship and financial aid system covering both local and non-local students. Data is based on the 2025/26 and 2026/27 academic years, with historical changes noted where relevant.

---

# 1. Undergraduate Tuition Fees

# Local Students

According to HKUST Academic Registry's tuition rates page^※, tuition fees for UGC-funded local undergraduates remained frozen for an extended period.

As indicated on the HKUST Admissions Fees and Scholarships page^※, the local tuition fee for the 2026/27 academic year is HK$47,000^※; for five-year dual-degree programmes (e.g., the BEng/BBA Dual Degree, JS5901), the fifth year (semesters 9–10) incurs a separate rate of HK$65,000 (payable in two instalments of HK$32,500 each)^※. Tuition is payable in two instalments (Fall and Spring semesters).

# Non-local Students

Tuition for non-local students is fixed by entry cohort and increases with each successive intake. According to the Academic Registry's tuition rates table^※:

This means non-local students entering in 2026/27 will pay HK$215,000 per year^※ (approximately US$28,000), about 4.6 times the local student rate.

# Comparison with Other Hong Kong Universities

Based on a 2025/26 tuition comparison of Hong Kong's eight public universities (studyin.hk)^※, undergraduate tuition for UGC-funded local students is broadly similar across all eight institutions. After being frozen at HK$42,100 for many years, fees have recently been adjusted upwards in line with policy changes.

---

# 2. Hall Fees

HKUST operates a hall system, with Halls I through XIII on campus, plus the Jockey Club Hall (JCH). Accommodation is compulsory for non-local students in their first year; local students may apply but places are not guaranteed.

# Local Undergraduates (New Students, 2025/26)

According to the official HKUST Student Housing Hall Charges page for new local students^※, for a full academic year (approximately 278 occupancy nights):

# Non-local Undergraduates (2025/26)

According to the HKUST Admissions Fees and Scholarships page^※, on-campus hall fees for non-local students range from approximately HK$19,162 to HK$33,462 per year (roughly US$2,500–4,300). From the second year onwards, if on-campus housing is not secured, off-campus accommodation can cost a reference range of HK$4,500 to HK$18,000 per month in rent, depending on location and room type.

# Hall Fees Preview for 2026/27

According to the same official source^※, fees for some halls are projected to be adjusted for the 2026/27 academic year:

---

# 3. Estimated Living Expenses

According to the HKUST Admissions Fees page^※, personal and miscellaneous living expenses are estimated at approximately HK$60,000 per academic year (roughly US$7,700), covering meals, transport, telecommunications, and personal spending.

The estimated annual comprehensive costs for a non-local student (taking the 2026/27 cohort as an example) are:

---

# 4. Scholarship System

HKUST offers a multi-tier scholarship scheme covering entry-level merit-based awards (which require no separate application), continuing scholarships for current students, and targeted scholarships for specific groups (athletes, women in STEM, students from disadvantaged backgrounds, etc.).

# 4.1 Scholarships for Local Entrants

# University Admissions Scholarship Scheme for HKDSE Holders

According to the official scholarship page^※, any student who achieves 5 or above* in one or more Category A subjects (or M1/M2 extended modules) in a single sitting of the HKDSE is automatically considered by the University — no separate application is needed. Scholarship amounts are tiered by score:

Note: Category A Applied Learning and other language subjects are not included in this calculation. Individual schools and departments may top up the award for specific students, but the total package is capped at full tuition plus HK$60,000 per year.

# WISE Scholarship (Women in Science/Engineering)

According to the Admissions Fees and Scholarships page^※, this award targets female JUPAS applicants admitted to science or engineering programmes who achieve a 5** in one or more Category A subjects. The University considers candidates automatically; recipients may also concurrently hold the HKDSE scholarship mentioned above. The award is up to HK$20,000 per annum in the first year, renewable.

# School Nominations Direct Admission Scheme Scholarship (SNDAS Scholarship)

According to the SNDAS Scholarship page^※, students admitted through the School Nominations Direct Admission Scheme (SNDAS) automatically receive a one-off HK$50,000 scholarship.

# Beyond Academic Admissions Scholarship (BAAS)

According to the official SFAO page^※, for students demonstrating outstanding achievements in non-academic or extracurricular areas. This requires a separate application (Early Round deadline: 20 November; Main Round deadline: 8 January). It offers a one-off HK$50,000 award and may also provide additional consideration in the admissions process.

# Student Athlete Admissions Scholarship (SAAS Scholarship)

According to the Admissions Fees page^※, this is for elite athletes. A separate application is required. The maximum award is full tuition plus HK$60,000 annual living allowance, renewable.

# 4.2 Scholarships for Non-local Entrants

# Global Learners Scholarship

According to the official dedicated page^※, all undergraduate applicants from "under-represented" countries or regions are automatically considered (no separate application needed). The scholarship is a full tuition fee waiver, renewable for the normative duration of the programme (subject to maintaining satisfactory academic progress). Individual departments may add a further stipend, again capped at full tuition plus HK$60,000 per annum.

# International / Non-local Academic Scholarships

According to the International Qualifications Scholarship page^※, outstanding international applicants holding IB, GCE A-Level, SAT/AP, and other qualifications are automatically considered for a merit-based scholarship upon admission (no separate application required). The award can reach full tuition plus HK$60,000 annual living allowance, renewable.

# Future Leaders Award (FLA)

According to the SFAO Admissions Scholarships page^※, reserved for non-local applicants with exceptional talent, academic performance, and demonstrated financial need. A separate application is required after an early-round admission offer (deadline: 30 November). The award has two tiers: a one-off HK$50,000, or full tuition plus a renewable living allowance.

# High Achievers' Scheme for mainland China's JEE

According to the SFAO page^※, the University automatically considers candidates with outstanding results in the mainland China Joint Entrance Examination (JEE). The award is full tuition plus HK$60,000 annual living allowance, renewable. (⚠ Note: "JEE" here refers to the mainland Chinese exam; it is distinct from the Indian JEE. Applicants should check with the University for precise eligibility requirements.)

# 4.3 Olympiad Scholarships

According to the SFAO Admissions page^※ and the Admissions Fees page^※, all awardees of recognised International and Asian Olympiads (IMO, IBO, IChO, IOI, IPhO, APMO, etc.) who are nominated by their schools automatically receive the following scholarships:

# 4.4 Continuing Scholarships for Current Students

# HKUST University's Scholarship Scheme for Continuing UG Students

According to the SFAO continuing scholarships page^※, the University launched this scheme in 2009/10 to recognise continuing undergraduates in the top 10% of the University academically:

Results from each academic year are released after the preceding Summer Session; applications open annually around September to October.

# 4.5 The Hong Kong Jockey Club Scholarships

# Hong Kong Jockey Club Chairman's Scholarship

According to the Jockey Club Scholarships official website^※, this is one of Hong Kong's premier undergraduate entrance scholarships, open to final-year secondary students from both local and mainland Chinese/international schools. Application must be nominated by the school principal (maximum three nominees per school). The ideal candidate is expected to possess academic results equivalent to a perfect IB score of 45, or a HKDSE score of five or more subjects at 5**. The scholarship covers full tuition, living allowance, overseas study support, and a leadership development programme.

# Hong Kong Jockey Club Striding On Scholarship

According to the Admissions Scholarship overview^※, this is for local Hong Kong residents who have overcome significant adversity yet achieved outstanding accomplishments. It requires a principal's nomination (maximum two nominees per school) and similarly covers full tuition and a living allowance.

# 4.6 Targeted Scholarships

# Step into STEM Scholarship

According to the Admissions Fees page^※, targeted at 10 local secondary school girls (from financially disadvantaged backgrounds) enrolling in STEM programmes. It covers first-year tuition fees, sponsored by Morgan Stanley, and is subject to a means test.

---

# 5. Government and University Financial Aid

# Government Assistance (Primarily for Local Students)

According to HKUST SFAO's government schemes page^※:

# University-funded Bursaries and Loans

According to the University's Supported Financial Assistance page^※, HKUST offers the following supplementary aid:

• Bursary and/or Interest-free Loan: Means-tested local students can apply. The amount depends on individual family circumstances, with results notified roughly two months after the application deadline. There are two application cycles each year (autumn and spring).
• Emergency Financial Assistance (EFA): For sudden and unexpected financial hardship. Applications are accepted year-round and handled case-by-case by the SFAO.
• Deferred Tuition/Hall Fee Payment: Students facing payment difficulties can apply for a deferral at least seven days in advance.
• Off-campus Housing Loan Scheme: Helps undergraduate and postgraduate students cover one-off expenses such as rental deposits; applications are accepted throughout the year.

---

# 6. Quick-reference Scholarship & Financial Aid Table

---

# Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much are HKUST tuition fees in 2025?

A: For the 2025/26 academic year, local UGC-funded undergraduates pay HK$44,500 per annum. Non-local students' tuition is priced by entry cohort: the 2025/26 cohort pays HK$185,000. Fees are payable in two instalments (Fall and Spring semesters).

Q: How much will tuition fees rise in 2026?

A: According to the Academic Registry's tuition rates page, local tuition for 2026/27 is projected to rise to HK$47,000. The non-local fee for the 2026/27 cohort is HK$215,000, approximately 4.6 times the local rate. For five-year dual-degree programmes (e.g., JS5901 BEng/BBA), the fifth year is charged separately at HK$65,000.

Q: Where should I look for official tuition fee information?

A: Tuition rates for both local and non-local students are detailed on the HKUST Academic Registry's "Tuition Rates (UG)" page and the Admissions Office's "Fees and Scholarships" page. For hall charges, consult the Student Housing and Residential Life Office's (SHRL) "Hall Charges for New Local UGs" page. All three are direct primary sources.

Q: How is the HKDSE entry scholarship scored?

A: The HKDSE Admissions Scholarship uses a points system (5** = 2 points, 5* = 1 point). A student scoring 12 points or above receives full tuition plus a renewable HK$60,000 annual living allowance; 9 points earns a renewable full-tuition award; 8 points earns a one-off full-tuition award; 6–7 points a one-off half-tuition award; and 1–5 points earns a one-off sum between HK$5,000 and HK$10,000. As long as a student scores 5* or above in at least one Category A subject (or M1/M2), they are automatically considered.

Q: Apart from the HKDSE award, which scholarships require no separate application?

A: Beyond the HKDSE scholarship, the WISE Scholarship for female JUPAS applicants admitted to science/engineering programmes (with a 5** in one Category A subject), the automatic HK$50,000 award for SNDAS admittees, the Olympiad scholarships for International and Asian competition winners, and the Global Learners Scholarship for non-local students from under-represented regions are all awarded automatically at the point of admission consideration.

---