Hong Kong entry requirements

This page outlines the entry requirements for students who normally live in Hong Kong and wish to study at the University of St Andrews. This includes the academic and English language requirements, as well as information on fees, scholarships and visas.  

  • For entry into undergraduate study at St Andrews, you must meet the University's entry requirements as outlined below. 

    • Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE): 555 to 5*55
      • Level 5 in three Category A subjects including at least two Category A elective subjects, with level 5 in required subjects.
      • For programmes requiring Mathematics, you must obtain Level 5 in two category A subjects, including at least one Category A elective subject AND level 5 in both core Mathematics and extended Mathematics (M1 or M2)
      • For programmes requiring French, you must obtain Level 5 in three category A subjects, including at least one Category A elective subject and grade A in category C French
      • Direct entry to second year (Science): Level 5*55 in three Category A subjects including at least two Category A elective subjects, with level 5* in required subjects.
    • International Baccalaureate (IB): 36 (HL 6,6,5) to 38 (HL 6,6,6  plus SL 6,6,6). From 2021, programmes requiring A-level Mathematics will accept either Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation at higher level. 
    • A-Levels: AAB to A*A*A
    • SQA Highers: AAAB to AAAAB
    • US curriculum: one form of standardised testing, in addition to a school transcript with A to B+ grades in academic subjects. Applicants may apply with more than one standardised test, with scores as follows:
      • AP: Three subjects with scores of 4+ and 5 in required subjects. AP scores of 4 with 5 in required subjects.
      • SAT Subject Tests: Three subject tests with minimum scores of 650 with 700 and above in required subjects.
      • ACT: score of 28+ (writing optional). Applicants are welcome to submit all of their ACT test scores. We will consider the highest scores submitted for each section across multiple testing dates.
      • SAT: We will accept both the SAT Reasoning Test and the Redesigned SAT Test. SAT Reasoning Test: for scores achieved prior to March 2016, scores of 1950+. Redesigned SAT Test (essay optional): Score of 1320.
    • Foundation programme certificate: Our International Foundation Programmes offer a range of programmes providing excellent preparation for undergraduate academic study at the University of St Andrews.

    You will also be expected to meet the University's general entry requirements as listed on the individual course page for your intended programme.

    Applicants to Medicine should refer directly to the medicine course pages.

    Direct entry to second year will be considered for GCE A-Levels, International Baccalaureate (IB) and HKDSE applicants for certain programmes in the Faculty of Science. 

    This information is for general guidance; we consider each application on its own merits, as outlined in the admissions policy.

    For more information, please contact the Admissions team by emailing admissions@st-andrews.ac.uk.

  • Postgraduate candidates will be expected to hold a Honours Bachelor's degree with a 2.1 or a minimum GPA of 3.0.

    Postgraduate entry requirements may be higher depending on the School and the programme you wish to study. For more information, please contact the Admissions team by emailing admissions@st-andrews.ac.uk. 

    The degree of MD (Medicine) requires a medical qualification that is recognised by the UK General Council.

    This information is for general guidance; we consider each application on its own merits, as outlined in the admissions policy.

  • All students entering the University must provide evidence that they can use English well enough to study effectively at St Andrews.

    We accept a wide range of language tests and qualifications as proof of English language proficiency. If you were educated outside the UK or use English as an additional language, you should include information about your English language proficiency with your application.

    Undergraduate English language requirements

    For full information about the language tests and qualifications that the University accepts for undergraduate applicants, please see the English language requirements for undergraduates.

    Postgraduate English language requirements

    For information on the language tests and qualifications which the University accepts for postgraduate students, please see the English language requirements for postgraduates.

    Pre-sessional courses

    In order to fully prepare yourself for academic study, you can attend one of our pre-sessional courses. These combine language development with academic skills and orientation and provide an excellent introduction to university life.

    It may be a condition of your offer that you are required to take a 10-week or 4-week pre-sessional course.

    You can find out more about pre-sessional courses in the pre-sessional courses section.

    Visas and English language proficiency

    Overseas students typically need a visa to study in the UK. See the visa section below to find out more about the English language proficiency tests required to obtain a visa.

  • In order to obtain a visa, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires students to have passed a 'SELT' - a secure English language test. Language proficiency qualifications accepted by the University may not be accepted by UKVI, so you must take an approved SELT in order to obtain your visa. You can find a list of approved SELTs on the English language requirements page.

    For further information and guidance on visas, refer to the visas page.

  • Undergraduate

    Undergraduate applicants to the University of St Andrews are classed as either Home (Scotland and the EU), RUK (rest of the UK) or Overseas for fees purposes. Information regarding fee status can be found on the UKCISA website. UKCISA is the UK's national advisory body serving the interests of students and those who work with them.

    The current tuition fees for undergraduate students, as well as more information about financial assistance, can be found on the undergraduate tuition fees pages. To find out more about the scholarships available to undergraduate students, take a look at the undergraduate scholarships page.

    Postgraduate

    Postgraduate applicants to the University of St Andrews are classed as either Home (EU) or Overseas for fees purposes. Information regarding fee status can be found on the UKCISA website. UKCISA is the UK's national advisory body serving the interests of students and those who work with them.

    The current tuition fees for postgraduate students, as well as information about financial assistance can be found on the postgraduate fees and funding page. For information on postgraduate funding and scholarships, take a look at the postgraduate scholarships page.

  • For more information about applying to the University of St Andrews, contact the Admissions team by emailing admissions@st-andrews.ac.uk.

    Alternatively, the University of St Andrews has the following agents in Hong Kong. Find out about the University's relationship with local representatives.

    HKIES Overseas Education Centre
    Unit 1302-3, Pilkem Commercial Centre, 8 Pilkem Street, Tsim Sha Tsui
    Kowloon

    Phone: 852-2264-8990
    E-mail: jessie@hkies.com.hk
    Web: www.hkies.com.hk

    Hong Kong Education Web Ltd

    Room 901, Shanghai Industrial Investment Building,
    48 Hennessy Road
    Wanchai

    Phone: 852-2272-2850
    Email: eric@education.com.hk
    Web: www.education.com.hk

    IDP Education Ltd
    Room 2807-09, 28th Floor, Harbour Centre, 25 Harbour Road
    Wanchai

    Phone: 852-2179 3600
    Email:     info.hongkong@idp.com
    Web: www.idp.com/global

    IDP Education Ltd
    Room 1202-1205, 12th Floor,
    700 Nathan Road, Mongkok
    Kowloon

    Web: www.idp.com/global