Applicants with relevant educational backgrounds are preferred.

Fulfilled the Graduate School's requirement（https://gs.cuhk.edu.cn/en/page/26）:

1.  Graduated from a recognized university and obtained a Bachelor's degree, normally with honours not lower than Second Class; or

2.  Graduated from an honours programme of a recognized university with a Bachelor's degree, normally achieving an average grade of not lower than "B"; or

3.  Completed a course of study in a tertiary educational institution and obtained professional or similar qualifications equivalent to an honours degree.

Fulfilled the following Requirement:

1. Applicants with relevant educational backgrounds or excellent English language proficiency are preferred.

2. Fulfilled the University’s minimum English language requirements:

- TOEFL: at least 550 (Paper-based)/ 79 (Internet-based/Home Edition)/4.5 of 6; or

- IELTS (Academic): at least 6.5 (Test Centre-based/ Online); or

- GMAT: at least 21 (Verbal); or

- GMAT Focus Edition: at least 78 (Verbal); or

- Graduated from a recognized university and obtained a Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Hong Kong or in English Speaking Country.

Note:

1）Native English speakers are exempted from the above English language requirements.
2）This is based on the understanding that English is the medium of instruction of degree programmes offered by universities in Hong Kong. The CUHK(SZ) Graduate School may request applicants to provide additional supporting documents to prove their English proficiency.
3）TOEFL and IELTS scores are considered valid for two years from the test date. GMAT scores are considered valid for five years from the test date. GMAT (Verbal) scores at or above the threshold value of 21 will be kept until the score validity phases out.

Application Fee

RMB 600, subject to each year's policy (no refund). 

Applicants are required to upload scanned color copies of the following supporting documents to the Online Application System for Postgraduate Programmes.

1. Copies of official transcripts and grading scheme of all tertiary level studies
   • Copies of official transcripts must include a complete record of courses attended and examination results.
   • There should be explanatory notes attached to the transcript indicating the grading scheme of the University.
   • If neither a GPA nor a weighted average appears on the transcript, an official weighted-average certificate is required.
   • Scanned copies of the latest official academic transcripts with official chop from the Registry or office responsible for handling student records are accepted. However, documents printed from the system or any other documents without a proper letterhead and an official chop will not be accepted.
   • Certificates and transcripts, which are not in English or Chinese, should be accompanied by an official certified translation in English.
   • Scanned color copies can be uploaded for the application, while original transcripts must be presented when registering for admission.
2. Copies of certificates of academic/professional qualification
   • Copies of certificates of academic/professional qualifications may include university certificates of graduation, examination certificates and proof of other qualifications. Applicants who obtained degrees from mainland China should provide Chinese version of both degree certificate (学位证书) and graduation certificate (毕业证书).
   • Degree diplomas awarded by overseas universities must be authenticated by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE).
   • Applicants who obtained degrees from universities in mainland China are required to provide a valid Online Verification Report of Higher Education Qualification Certificate (教育部学历证书电子注册备案表) and a valid Online Verification Report of Higher Education Degree Certificate (中国高等教育学位在线验证报告) issued by the CHESICC (学信网).
3. English Proficiency Test Report showing that you have fulfilled the English Language Proficiency Requirement for admission.
4. Confidential recommendations from two referees.
   • Applicants can input the information of the referees through the Online Application System. After successfully submitting the application, the University will send invitations for confidential recommendations to the referees.
   • Both Confidential recommendations must be accompanied by the referee's signature.
5. Personal Statement and Curriculum Vitae.
6. A photocopy of your Identity Card or other identity document.
   • For international students, please provide the passport information page.
7. Other supporting documents upon request.
    

Admission Procedure

The screening of all applications will begin after the application deadline. Applicants with a complete application will enter the screening process. Those who are qualified for an entrance exam/interview will be notified via email.

The normal period of study for the MPhil programme is two years, with a maximum period of four years. Tuition fees are RMB 162,000 per year.

CUHK-Shenzhen may offer scholarships and teaching/research assistantships to outstanding applicants. Final arrangements are subject to the terms set out in the formal offer letter.

Q1: Can I upload screenshots of my transcript? Can I submit a CHSI verification report as proof of my qualifications and degrees?
A1: No. Official transcripts must be submitted. Applicants who have graduated must provide their original graduation certificate and degree certificate. Current students must provide an official certificate of enrolment.

Q2: Can the language requirement be waived if I have studied overseas?
A2: The Programme Office will review each applicant’s supporting documents. A language waiver may be granted if the relevant requirements are met.

Q3: Can other language test results be accepted in place of IELTS, TOEFL or GMAT?
A3: No.

Q4: Can I submit an application if my grades do not meet the requirements, I have not yet taken a language test, or my documents are incomplete?
A4: Your academic results must meet the minimum application requirements. Applicants should prepare all required documents before submitting an application. Reference letters may be submitted within two weeks after the application deadline; otherwise, the application will not pass the initial review.

Q5: Is there a word limit or any specific requirement for the personal statement?
A5: The personal statement should be approximately 1,000 words and written independently by the applicant.

Q6: Are only academic references accepted? Can I submit a professional reference?
A6: Please enter your referees’ details in the online application system, and they will receive an invitation email. We recommend that applicants obtain references from their undergraduate professors. Applicants with work experience may also provide a reference from their current employer.

Q7: Is part-time study available?
A7: No. This programme is offered on a full-time basis only.

Q8: How long will it take to receive an update after submitting my application?
A8: Applications will be reviewed collectively after the deadline for each application round. Applicants who pass the initial review are expected to receive an interview invitation within one to two weeks after the relevant deadline.

Q9: Will I be notified if my application is unsuccessful?
A9: Yes. Unsuccessful applicants will receive a rejection letter. You may also check the status of your application through the online application system.

Q10: What degree will be awarded? Is it recognised in mainland China?
A10: Successful graduates will be awarded a degree certificate from The Chinese University of Hong Kong. The degree may be authenticated by the Chinese Service Centre for Scholarly Exchange.

Q11: How many students will be admitted?
A11: The intake will be determined in accordance with the overall application profile.

Q12: Can I apply if my previous degree is in a different discipline?
A12: Yes. Applications from students with interdisciplinary backgrounds are welcome.

Q13: Can final-year undergraduate students apply?
A13: Yes. Final-year undergraduate students may apply. Applicants who pass the document review and interview may receive a conditional offer and must fulfil all conditions before enrolment.

Q14: Is there a grade requirement for my undergraduate dissertation?
A14: No.

Q15: Can I apply without a relevant academic background if I have relevant work experience or a strong interest in the programme?
A15: Yes.

Q16: When should I apply if I wish to enrol in 2027?
A16: Applications for 2027 entry will close on 31 March 2027.

Q17: How much tuition must be paid in advance after receiving an offer?
A17: Applicants who receive an offer must confirm whether they wish to accept it within two weeks. Those who accept the offer will be required to pay the first tuition fee instalment in advance.

Q18: Is accommodation available for postgraduate students? How much does it cost to rent accommodation near the University?
A18: Accommodation arrangements are subject to the Graduate School’s notification. Monthly rent for accommodation near the University is generally around RMB 2,000–4,000.

All information is subject to change in accordance with the final arrangements. The School of Public Policy reserves the right of final interpretation.