MBBS Admissions FAQ

MBBS Admission

1. What are the minimum entrance requirements for the undergraduate medicine (MBBS) programme?

For the minimum entrance requirements, admission procedures and details of our MBBS programme, please visit:

https://www.jupas.edu.hk/en/programme/hku/JS6456/ (JUPAS)
https://aal.hku.hk/admissions/international/admissions-information (Non-JUPAS / International)
https://aal.hku.hk/admissions/mainland/ (NJCEE)

Please note that

a) Chemistry (at high school level) is the compulsory subject for admission to the MBBS programme;
b) Our MBBS students must be able to speak in and listen to Cantonese; and
c) There is no fixed cut-off point above which applicants will be granted interview / admission as the cut-off point varies from year to year depending on the calibre of applicants who apply for the programme and the number of places available.

2. Is Cantonese a must prior to admission?

It is a must for our MBBS students to be able to communicate in Cantonese since they will come into contact with patients from Year 1 and most patients in Hong Kong speak Cantonese only. The language ability of the candidates will be tested during the selection interviews.

3. Will the Faculty provide feedback to individual applicants?

Due to the large number of applications received, we are unable to provide individual application status updates or feedback to unsuccessful applicants.

4. Can I defer my admission to MBBS?

Deferred admission is not allowed in our Faculty.

MBBS Interview

5. Is there a dress code for the interview?

There is no standard dress code for the interview. Candidates are expected to dress decently for the interview.

6. If I cannot attend the interview in person, will an online interview be arranged?

We do not offer online interviews. All shortlisted MBBS candidates must attend a face-to-face interview.

Admission through JUPAS (HKDSE)

7. How are candidates chosen?

Basically, we choose a right candidate based on the following:

a) HKDSE results;
b) interview performance;
c) participation in the JUPAS Sub-schemes; and
d) other academic or non-academic experiences / achievements

8. Will there be a penalty if I take HKDSE more than once?

The score of the latest attempt for the subject will be considered and discounted by 10%.

9. I took three elective subjects last year and plan to take an additional elective this year. Will there be a penalty in the calculation of my admission score?

No penalty will be imposed for subjects taken at the first attempt.

10. How will M1 and M2 be considered in the calculation of admission score?

If the score of M1 / M2 is higher than that of the Compulsory Part, the calculation of Mathematics score will be as follows:

• [score of Compulsory Part + (score of M1 / M2 x 0.5)] ÷ 1.5

11. Will advanced standing be granted to students admitted through JUPAS?

No advanced standing will be granted to students admitted through JUPAS on the basis of their HKDSE results.

Admission through Non-JUPAS

12. How are candidates chosen?

Basically, we choose a right candidate based on the following:

a) academic merit;
b) referee comments;
c) interview performance; and
d) extra-curricular activities / non-academic achievements.

13. What do I need to upload with my MBBS application?

All applicants should upload a personal statement, a CV and at least one reference letter / referee report to the application system. For more details, please check: https://aal.hku.hk/admissions/cms/sites/default/files/HKU%20Online%20Application%20System_Step%20by%20Step%20Guide%202020_0.pdf.

Applicants in the following categories should also submit the required documents listed below together with their application:

a) GCEAL / IAL applicants: GCSE / school results, plus actual A-level results / predicted grades to be given by teachers or school counsellors
b) IB applicants: IBMYP / GCSE / school results, plus actual IB results / predicted grades to be given by teachers or school counsellors
c) Undergraduate / graduate applicants: updated university transcripts, plus public examination results
d) Others: school results and public examination results

14. What chemistry courses are acceptable for admission to the MBBS programme?

Applicants must take high school chemistry and possess the recognized chemistry qualifications before they can be considered for admission to the MBBS programme. Qualifications that are listed at https://aal.hku.hk/admissions/international/admissions-information?page=admissions-standards are recognized by the Faculty for assessment of chemistry knowledge for admission to the MBBS programme.

15. Do I need BMAT / GAMSAT / MCAT / UKCAT to apply for MBBS?

BMAT / GAMSAT / MCAT / UKCAT is not compulsory for admission to the MBBS programme. The test results will be used as references, if any.

16. How can I meet the English language and second language requirements set by the University?

The English language and second language requirements are set by the University that all candidates must meet before they can be admitted to the University. For qualifications that can be used to fulfill the requirements, please check https://aal.hku.hk/admissions/international/admissions-information?page=admissions-standards.

17. Is there an age limit for admission for mature students?

According to the University’s policy, there is no upper age limit for admission.

18. What are the tuition fee and living expenses? Are there scholarships available for admitted students?

For details about tuition fee, cost of living and scholarships, please visit https://aal.hku.hk/admissions/international/admissions-information?page=en/fees-and-scholarships.

Admission through Non-JUPAS (GCEAL / IAL)

19. How many A-level subjects should I take in order to be eligible to apply for MBBS?

Applicants are required to have four A-level subjects, excluding English and Chinese language subjects.

20. Which A-levels does MBBS require?

Applicants must take A-level chemistry.

21. Are Mathematics and Further Mathematics considered to be two separate subjects?

Mathematics and Further Mathematics will be considered as two separate A-level subjects after cashed-in the 12 different units and being awarded with two A-level grades by the examination board.

22. Is Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) recognized as an A-level subject?

The EPQ will be considered as an AS-level subject only.

23. Do I need to take the A-level exams in one sitting?

It is acceptable to take one exam in the first year and the exams for the remaining subjects in the second year of the two-year A-level course.

FAQ about Admission through Non-JUPAS (IB)

24. What subjects at higher level do I need to apply for MBBS?

Applicants are required to have two science subjects at higher level and one of them must be chemistry.

25. Do I need Chinese language subject to apply for MBBS?

Applicants applying to study MBBS need to be able to speak in and listen to Cantonese. They can take any language subjects including Chinese to fulfill the second language requirement set by the University. For details, please check https://aal.hku.hk/admissions/international/admissions-information?page=admissions-standards.

26. Does MBBS have any preference for "Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches" and "Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation"?

MBBS does not have a preference for "Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches" and "Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation".

FAQ about Admission through Non-JUPAS (Graduate Entry)

27. What GPA / scoring threshold do I need to get into MBBS?

There is no cut-off GPA / score above which applicants will be granted interview / admission as the grading systems differ between universities. Graduate applicants are expected to obtain at least an upper second class honours degree (or the equivalent).

28. Can I start the MBBS programme from Year 2 upwards if my application is successful?

Successful candidates are normally required to start the MBBS programme from Year 1. Graduate candidates may be considered for advanced standing on a case-by-case basis, subject to their degree subjects and degree results.

29. If I have graduated / am expecting to graduate with a bachelor's degree, how can I apply for MBBS?

Graduate applicants can apply for MBBS through the Second Chance Scheme (「毅行醫路計劃」). The Scheme was introduced by the Faculty in 2016, and provides an additional route to professionals or degree holders in any discipline who had never studied medicine but would now like to pursuit a career in the medical field.

Interested applicants may apply via the Non-JUPAS Admissions Scheme: https://aal.hku.hk/admissions/international/admissions-information.

Eligible applicants need to meet the University and Programme Admissions Requirements listed on the website and should include the reasons for applying for the MBBS programme in their personal statement.