Hong Kong Student Guide to UK Universities

Almost 20,000 Hong Kong students study in the UK, drawn here because of the country's global reputation for excellence in higher education.

UK university degrees are widely recognised and respected around the world, and studying in the UK can provide Hong Kong students with access to a range of career opportunities; the post-study work visa also means you can now stay in the UK for up to two years after you finish your degree to find your dream job.

The UK has some of the world's top-ranked universities and is well-known for providing high-quality education and being a hub for many industries, including finance, technology, and media. Studying in the UK can provide Hong Kong students with access to internships and job opportunities in these fields, which can enhance their career prospects after graduation.

The UK and Hong Kong have historical and social ties that continue today. Studying in the UK allows Hong Kong students to deepen their understanding of these ties and to develop a network of contacts that can be useful in the future.

Learn more about all of the above below, and if you would like to begin your UK university application as a Hong Kong student, reach out to SI-UK today for a free consultation.

Studying in the UK as a Hong Kong Student | What You Need to Know 

UK Visa for Hong Kong Students

As a Hong Kong national, you must apply for a UK study visa. When you have met all the conditions of entry for a full-time course, you will be sent a Certificate of Acceptance for Study (CAS) number. You will need this document to apply for a student visa.

SI-UK offers expert visa application support, ensuring your visa application is successful on the first try. You will need to provide your personal information, academic qualifications, and financial information as part of the application and then pay the visa application fee for Hong Kong students. Finally, they must attend a biometric appointment at a visa application centre, providing their fingerprints and a photograph as part of the process.

UK University Quality

UK universities have a strong global reputation for providing high-quality education, with many consistently ranking highly in global university league tables. And because UK universities are subject to a rigorous system of quality assurance and inspection, this ensures that they maintain high teaching, research, and student support standards.

The current top 10 universities in the UK welcome many Hong Kong students to their campuses every year.

1. University of Oxford
2. University of St Andrews
3. University of Cambridge
4. London School of Economics and Political Science
5. Imperial College London
6. Durham University
7. University College London
8. University of Bath
9. University of Warwick
10. University of Edinburgh

UK University Entry Requirements for Hong Kong Students

UK universities consider all applications meritorious and welcome Hong Kong students with various qualifications and experience. Hong Kong students applying to UK universities don’t always need to take an English language exam either, and they can provide a letter of exemption if eligible.

For undergraduate Hong Kong applicants, if you have taken the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE), you will generally be considered for direct admission to UK university undergraduate courses. Level 3 to level 5** are comparable to grades E to A* in British GCE A-levels.

For Hong Kong students interested in postgraduate courses, UK institutions look for qualifications equivalent to the UK bachelor's degree.

Career Opportunities in the UK for Hong Kong Graduates

Hong Kong students who have completed their studies in the UK may be eligible to apply for a post-study work visa. This visa allows international students to remain in the UK and work for up to two years after completing their studies.

Hong Kong students who graduate from a UK university can pursue various career opportunities in the UK, depending on their interests, skills, and qualifications. Popular career paths include:

• Finance and accounting: Many Hong Kong students choose to work in the finance and accounting sector, as there are many opportunities in the UK for these fields
• Technology: With the rapid growth of the technology sector in the UK, there are many opportunities for Hong Kong students with degrees in computer science, engineering, or information technology
• Business and management: Hong Kong students with degrees in business or management can work in a variety of industries
• Law: Hong Kong students who have completed law degrees in the UK can pursue careers in areas such as corporate law, intellectual property law, or international law
• Healthcare: With the ageing population in the UK, there is a growing demand for healthcare professionals. Hong Kong students with degrees in healthcare-related fields, such as nursing or medicine, may be able to find work in the UK's healthcare sector

UK Scholarships for Hong Kong Students

UK universities offer a range of scholarships to Hong Kong students, which can help to reduce the financial burden of studying abroad. A small selection includes:

• The Hong Kong Jockey Club Scholarships: This scholarship provides full tuition fees and living expenses for the duration of the course
• HSBC Hong Kong Scholarship: This scholarship is open to Hong Kong students planning to study at any undergraduate degree in the UK
• The Hong Kong Scholarship for Excellence Scheme: The Hong Kong government offers this scholarship to students who wish to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies in universities abroad

Foundation Courses for Hong Kong  Students

If your grades don’t quite meet the entry requirements for direct entry to a Bachelor’s degree, UK universities will consider students for foundation entry. Students who have achieved 4, 4, 4 in the HKDSE will be considered for UK foundation programmes.

- International Foundation Programme

The IFP is for international students whose school-leaving qualifications are insufficient for direct entry to undergraduate study and/or whose English language standard is below the necessary level. The IFP gives you a year’s preparation in academic subjects, English language and study skills up to the required level for progression onto undergraduate degree study. 

- Integrated Foundation Course

An integrated foundation course allows you to study a foundation course for a year. When you achieve the specific progression criteria, you will progress onto the first year of your chosen degree. These are available in almost all major UK university subjects, including Business and Management, Engineering and Computer Science.

Study in the UK

If you want to join the many Hong Kong students studying in the UK, don’t delay and arrange a free consultation with SI-UK today.