Key Notes for New Students
Please also refer to FAQs (Admissions) for more information.
1. Degree Conferment Arrangement
For degrees conferred on 31 March and 31 July, the dates printed on the degree certificates will be the corresponding degree conferment dates. For degrees conferred on 15 October, graduates will be given two options regarding the date to be printed on their degree certificates: (i) 15 October; (ii) 15 November.
While students should graduate on the nearest conferment date upon fulfilling graduation requirements and receiving Senate approval, students of taught postgraduate programmes (including taught doctoral) may apply for a one-time change to a different conferment date within the same calendar year, that is, 1) from 31 March to 31 July or 15 October/November; or 2) from 31 July to 15 October/November. An administrative fee of HK$500 will apply. The application will be processed upon receipt of the GSO-designated application form and payment proof.
For comprehensive details, please visit the Graduation Arrangements webpage.
2. Multiple Programme Applications
Applicants who have applied to several programmes but receive only one admission recommendation will be given a single, non-negotiable offer. They may decline this offer to await results from other programmes, but this decision is irrevocable. The declined place will be offered to another candidate, and all paid fees and deposits are non-refundable.
Most programmes issue offers in earlier rounds, with subsequent offers dependent on remaining vacancies. For any queries, please contact the relevant Division directly.
3. Postgraduate Studentship (PGS)/Hong Kong PhD Fellowship (if applicable)
Your PGS award or fellowship becomes active only after your official Admission Date AND upon completion of registration, which includes settling the deposit and fulfilling all specific admission condition(s). If you complete registration after the Admission Date, your PGS award or fellowship payments will commence from your actual registration date.
4. Updating Contact Information
Following deposit payment and online registration completion, you can update your contact details through the MyCUHK portal.
5. Concurrent Registration Policy
As per Clause 3.4 of the General Regulations Governing Postgraduate Studies, "A student shall not be registered simultaneously for another programme of studies leading to the award of a degree, diploma or certificate at this University or at any other tertiary institution unless an application has been submitted in advance to the Graduate Division concerned, endorsed by the Faculty concerned and approved by the Graduate Council. A student in breach of this regulation shall be required to discontinue studies at this University."
To request concurrent registration, submit an application before CUHK registration. The application form is available on the Online Application System for Postgraduate Programmes. Your CUHK registration will only be processed if your concurrent registration is approved or you have withdrawn from the other programme.
6. Employment Restrictions
Clause 3.5 of the General Regulations Governing Postgraduate Studies states, "A student registered for a full-time programme of studies shall not take up any full-time employment, paid or unpaid, during term time except with prior permission of the Graduate Council. Recipient of a Postgraduate Studentship shall not take up full-time or part-time employment, except with prior permission of the Graduate Council."
Full-time students seeking full-time employment, whether paid or unpaid, during term time or recipients of Postgraduate Studentship seeking full-time or part-time employment must obtain approval from the Graduate Council by submitting a written application through the Head of the Graduate Division before commencing employment.
7. CU Link (Student ID Card) Collection
Local students: After completing online registration and fulfilling all admission conditions, schedule an appointment with the CU Link Card Centre to collect your CU Link card on or after your admission date.
Non-local students: Complete the Visa Documents Submission. Then, contact the CU Link Card Centre at least 7 working days post-verification to check the status and arrange collection.
8. Academic Matters
A. Essential Study Resources
Please consult these websites for crucial information:
- Postgraduate Studies General Regulations
- Honesty in Academic Work: A Guide for Students and Teachers
- Comprehensive Fee Schedule (Tuition and Other Charges)
B. Academic Calendar
The upcoming academic year's term dates and teaching schedule will be available on the Graduate School website by late July or early August. For current academic year information, please visit:
9. Campus Life in Hong Kong
A. Student Visa/Entry Permit for Non-local Students
Non-local students without the right of abode or right to land in Hong Kong MUST secure a valid study visa/entry permit. Please submit your visa application in accordance with the timeline set out on the Visa Application webpage.
B. Hong Kong Identity Cards (for Non-local Students Only)
Upon arrival in Hong Kong, you must apply for a Hong Kong Identity (HKID) card at the Immigration Department. Submit a copy of your HKID to the Graduate School within 1 month of registration to complete your student record.
C. Fraud Prevention Alert
To protect yourself against telephone scams, regularly check the Anti-Deception Coordination Centre website and posters for updates on deception tactics and scam warnings. Please share this information with your peers.
Scammers employ various techniques, often impersonating law enforcement or government officials, seeking sensitive data like bank details and PINs, or arranging suspicious meetings.
Safeguard yourself with these tips:
- Be wary of incoming calls with "+852" prefix appearing as local numbers;
- Legitimate police and government calls never use "+852" prefix;
- Beware of One-Card-Two-Numbers services that hide the "+852" prefix;
- Hong Kong Police never transfer calls to other jurisdictions' law enforcement;
- Verify callers claiming to be officials or e-payment representatives;
- Never disclose personal information, including your HKID number, bank account numbers, online banking accounts and PIN codes, to strangers;
- Avoid downloading unknown apps or clicking suspicious links.
If in doubt, call the "Anti-Scam Helpline 18222" or report to Ma On Shan Police Station at 3661 1700. For emergencies, dial 999.
D. Housing Options
Full-time research postgraduates or UGC-funded taught postgraduates may apply for on-campus accommodation. Submit applications to Postgraduate Halls before the deadline.
Other students can explore off-campus rentals via the Office of Student Affairs' Off-campus Housing Information Service.
E. Hong Kong Living Expenses
In addition to tuition fees, carefully budget for daily living expenses in Hong Kong.
F. Health and Emergency Services
The University Medical Service Office (UMSO) provides on-campus medical, dental, and health promotion services for full-time students. Book appointments via phone, online, or in person.
For emergencies, seek immediate care at Prince of Wales Hospital's A&E Department in Shatin or any Hospital Authority facility. Dial 999 for ambulance services.
10. Useful Links
Please find below some useful links on services provided by other CUHK units/student societies:
- Office of Admissions and Financial Aid
- Office of Student Affairs (Learning and Cultural Enhancement Section)
- New Student Orientation provided by Office of Student Affairs
- The Postgraduate Student Association of CUHK (CUPSA)'s WeChat Channel
- Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA@CUHK)'s WeChat Channel
- List of Non-local Student Associations at CUHK
11. Preparing for New Academic Year
Please visit Preparation for New Academic Year for other useful information.

