HKUST Announces Flexible Admissions Arrangement for 2022 JUPAS Candidates | The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) will enhance its flexible admissions arrangement for students applying for 2022 intake via JUPAS as its latest initiative to assist those whose studies were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  

To further alleviate the pandemic’s impact on students’ academic study, emotional stress and social life over the past two years, HKUST announced today that it will adopt a broader-based scheme to consider HKDSE applicants who perform well overall but slightly miss the University’s minimum entrance requirements of 3-3-2-2 (English-Chinese-Mathematics-Liberal Studies) by 1 level in one core subject. 

Calculated based on HKUST admissions score formula and a new point conversion scale, applicants whose HKDSE scores are higher than the HKUST 2021 JUPAS Admissions Median Scores of respective program(s) they applied for will still be considered under the enhanced scheme, provided that those programs are among their final Band A choices in JUPAS.  

Innovation and technology is a key area of development as promoted by the Central and the HKSAR Governments.  Prof. Emily NASON, Director of Undergraduate Recruitment and Admissions at HKUST, said, “HKUST has been a pioneer in the teaching of innovative thinking and cross-disciplinary education, which we believe are keys to nurturing talents for the future society.  We hope with this new admissions arrangement, we can offer more opportunity to talented students who wish to pursue further education in Hong Kong, but whose performance slipped amid this difficult period.” 

HKDSE conversion scale and expected scores for 2022 entry

Apart from more flexible admissions requirement, HKUST has also introduced a new point conversion scale which adds bonus to students with outstanding performance.  Under such scale, applicants obtaining level 5, 5*, or 5** in any category A core or elective subjects, including M1/M2 in HKDSE will have their respective scores automatically upgraded to 5.5, 7, and 8.5 respectively for their final HKUST Admission Scores.  HKUST has published 2021 JUPAS admissions scores, based on both new and old conversion scales, for students’ easy reference.  

To facilitate JUPAS applicants in making the best-informed decision on their final JUPAS choices, HKUST is releasing the 2022 JUPAS Admissions Expected Scores (Expected Scores). With the JUPAS Score Calculator – a popular tool among HKUST applicants, students can assess whether their exam outcome fits their desired programs’ requirements under the new conversion scale.  Candidates reaching the “Expected Score” of different programs are considered competitive for 2022 Entry to specific program(s) put in Band A.

Admissions scholarships for HKDSE holders 

To recognize students’ academic achievements, JUPAS applicants who attain any 5* or 5** in a category A or M1 / M2 subjects in HKDSE will be awarded scholarships automatically.  Scholarship amounts range from HK$5,000 to a renewable amount of HK$97,100 (full tuition exemption plus living allowance of up to HK$55,000) per annum. The number of HKUST students receiving HKDSE scholarships in 2021 intake increased by 25% compared with 2020 intake. More details on various scholarships offered by HKUST can be found here.

HKUST is hosting an Online JUPAS Consultation between 7-8pm on July 14. The university’s admission officers will elaborate more on the above arrangements.  Visit here to register!