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); 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.

Contact us

Hotline: 0755-23517999

Email: spp_pg@cuhk.edu.cn

Round 1: 15 Sep – 31 Oct 2025

Round 2: 15 Nov 2025 – 31 Jan 2026

Round 3: 23 Feb – 31 Mar 2026

*Dates may be subject to change.Scholarships for new students (covering up to full tuition) are awarded on a rolling basis. We encourage applicants to submit all materials early through the online system.

*Additionally, international students are eligible to apply for the "Greater Bay Area-ASEAN Study Support Program": up to and including full scholarships, sponsored by The Management Bureau of Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone of Shenzhen.

Q1: Does the Admission Office accept screenshot versions of transcripts? Can I substitute the Qualification Certificate released by China Credentials Verification for the original degree certificate?

A1: No, we only accept official transcripts. Graduated applicants must submit a scanned copy of their original graduation and degree certificates. Enrolled students must submit an official enrollment certificate.

Q2: Can I be exempted from submitting a language proficiency report if I have studied abroad?

A2: The Programme Office will review the applicant's materials. Applicants will be exempted from submitting a language score if meet the requirements.  But applicants are still advised to obtain a competitive language score.

Q3: Can I substitute other types of language proficiency reports for IELTS/TOEFL/GMAT test scores?

A3: No.

Q4: Can I still submit applications if I don't have an up-to-standard GPA or language proficiency score or complete application materials?

A4: A Bachelor's degree is required. It's suggested that a candidate fully prepare his or her application materials before submitting applications or he or she may not pass the preliminary review. However, a candidate is allowed to submit his or her reference letters within 14 days after the application deadline.

Q5: What's the word limit of a personal statement? Any other requirements?

A5: About 1000 words and finish it by yourself.

Q6: Are only academic reference letters acceptable? Can I submit professional reference letters?

A6: Fill in the referrer information in the online application system, and the referrer will receive an invitation email. A reference letter from your undergraduate professor is preferred. If you are already at work, you may seek a reference letter from your employer.

Q7: Can I apply for part-time study?

A7: Yes, applications for the part-time program will open in 2025.

Q8: How long does it take to receive a follow-up notification after submitting my application?

A8: Applicants selected for the examination or interview will be notified by email approximately one to two weeks after the closing date. Students who have not received notification will have to wait continuously for notification.

Q9: Will I be notified even if I am not accepted?

A9: A rejection letter will be issued and the results of your application can be checked in the online application system.

Q10: How soon will I know the result of my interview?

A10: Usually two weeks after the interview, please refer to the online application system or email notification.

Q11: What degree is awarded? Is it recognized officially?

A11: Qualified graduates will be awarded a degree from The Chinese University of Hong Kong, which can be certified by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange.

Q12: How many applicants will be accepted and how many scholarship places are available?

A12: About 50-60. The admission scholarship coverage rate is 15%-20%.

Q13: I'm not an urban studies major. Is there a chance for me to be accepted?

A13: Yes, applications from different majors are welcome.

Q14: I'm a senior student. Can I apply for the programme?

A14: Yes. You will obtain the conditional offer after passing the entrance examination and all conditions must be met prior to admission. 

Q15: Are there any grade requirements for a graduation thesis?

A15: No.

Q16: I'm not an urban studies major, but I have related work experience/I'm interested in the programme. Can I apply for the programme?

A16: Yes.

Q17: When do I have to start applying for admission in 2026?

A17: Applications for admission in fall 2026 are expected to open in mid to late September 2025.

Q18: Do I need to pay tuition in advance after being accepted?

A18: You need to decide whether to accept or reject the offer and respond to the admission letter within two weeks. If you accept the offer, you will need to make the first payment of tuition by the stated deadline.

Q19: What kind of degree is awarded?

A19: Qualified graduates will be awarded Master of Social Science in Urban Studies

Q20: When will the degree be issued?

A20: Please refer to the graduate school notice at https://gs.cuhk.edu.cn/ for information on when degree will be issued.

Q21: Can I study for another degree at the same time after enrolling?

A21: No.

Q22: Does the university provide accommodation? How much does it cost to rent a room around the campus?

A22: Subject to notice from the graduate school. About RMB 2,000-4,000 per month.