In addition to the general requirements of the Graduate School, an applicant must hold a bachelor’s degree—ideally in economics, public policy, social policy, or a related field—from an accredited institution.

English Language Proficiency Requirement

Applicants must have met the English Language Proficiency Requirement by any of the following means:

• Obtaining a degree from a university in Hong Kong or completing an English-medium bachelor’s degree
• Obtaining a score of 85 or above on the Internet-based TOEFL (iBT) or TOEFL Home Edition, or an equivalent score of at least 4.5 out of 6 (institution code:0812;departmental code:84)*
• Scoring at least 6.5 overall on the IELTS (Academic) test*
• Achieving Level 4 or above in the English-language subject of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination
• Achieving a pass grade in English on one of the following:

- Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination

- Hong Kong Higher Level Examination

- CUHK matriculation examination

- General Certificate of Education Examination: A-Level or AS-Level 

*TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date.