Students from Hong Kong at the University of Exeter
There are currently more than 650 students from Hong Kong studying at the University of Exeter. Discover why international students choose to study with us and find out about our entry requirements, agent representatives, and funding opportunities.
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Exeter graduates are in the UK’s top 10 for most targeted by leading employers.
We're ranked in the global top 50 for nine of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of UK universities.
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Entry requirements
The information below will allow you to check qualifications from your country or territory to see if they may be accepted for entry to the University of Exeter, and the equivalent grades required. Our course pages contain typical entry requirements that are commonly held by UK applicants. You can find out details on our English language requirements here.
Undergraduate entry requirements for students from Hong Kong
If you have completed your A Levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma, you will be eligible for direct entry if you meet your chosen programme's entry requirements.
If you have completed the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE), you will need to have studied one of the following combinations:
- Three Group A NSS Elective Subjects
- Two Group A Elective Subjects
and English Language or Chinese Language - Two Group A NSS Elective Subjects
and Core Maths
and Extended Maths (M1 or M2) - One Group A Elective Subject
and Chinese Language
and Core Maths
and Extended Maths (M1 or M2) - One Group A NSS Elective Subject
and English Language
and Core Maths
and Extended Maths (M1 or M2)
Unfortunately we do not accept the core subject Citizenship & Social Development (formally known as Liberal Studies prior to 2021/22 academic year) when considering your suitability for a place on our courses.
| A-Level | Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) |
|---|---|
| A*AA | 5**55 |
| AAA | 555 |
| AAA-AAB | 555–554 |
| AAB | 554 |
| ABB | 544 |
| ABB-BBB | 544–444 |
| BBB | 444 |
| A-Level | Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) |
|---|---|
| A* | 5** in the named subject |
| A | 5 in the named subject |
| B | 4 in the named subject |
More information
Postgraduate entry requirements for students from Hong Kong
Postgraduate Taught
| First Degree | Bachelors Degree (from all Hong Kong public institutions) or Hang Seng Management College |
|---|---|
| First | 3.5 |
| 2:1 | 3 |
| 2:2 | 2.5 |
Postgraduate Research
Applicants for postgraduate research programmes such as PhD or MPhil will need to demonstrate experience of research methodologies, and will normally have completed a Masters degree equivalent with a thesis or dissertation.
More information
Specific English language requirements for students from Hong Kong
| IELTS | HKDSE English (Core) can be accepted in lieu of IELTS |
|---|---|
| 7.5 | 5** overall |
| 7.0 | 5 overall |
| 6.5 | 4 overall |
Agent representatives
The University of Exeter has agreements with independent representatives in your country, who would be pleased to tell you more about the University's programmes and assist you in making an application. Most of our representatives offer their services to applicants for free. Those that do charge a fee must make this clear from the outset of their consultation with students and issue appropriate receipts. If you have any concerns about whether an agent is an authorised representative of the University of Exeter, please contact us. We also welcome feedback on the services offered by our local representatives. Please see a list of agents operating in your country or territory below, or consult our list of agents operating globally or online.
Cherry, studying LLB in Law
"Studying at Exeter provided me with a new perspective of how education should be and taught me to study with a positive attitude. As a student who has experienced hardship, my advice is to believe in yourself and have confidence that you can overcome any obstacles. Be fearless and put in all the effort in your public exams. Do not underestimate yourself and work extra hard on your English exams and your elective subjects.
At the end of the day, you will realise how your hard work and experiences all contribute to your success."
Nicola, studying BSc Marketing and Management with Industrial Experience
"I chose Exeter because of its location in the beautiful county of Devon, which is known for its national parks and beaches. You’re surrounded by the beauty of nature; making it the perfect environment to study. I also chose Exeter because of how international it is. You are exposed to different cultures and people of all walks of life.
The University also offers a wide variety of different language courses, so it is a great environment to prepare for an international career."
Alston, studying BSc Psychology
"The University is famous for its excellence in teaching. There are lots of senior and experienced lecturers. I like it as it is a campus based University, which means that many resources and buildings are easily accessible. It is also very quiet, yet an exciting city with passionate students and teachers. I believe that this can provide me with a relaxing university experience that I will never forget.
Exeter may be small, but there is always good food everywhere. Not only local cuisine, but Chinese, Japanese and Thai cuisine."
Scholarships and funding opportunities
We are investing over £7m in a range of scholarships to support international and EU students paying international tuition fees, who choose Exeter for their studies in 2026/27. This includes the Exeter Excellence Scholarship, recognising outstanding academic achievement and support students from around the world to take their place in our vibrant, global community.
Find out more about available scholarships and funding opportunities
Hong Kong Scholarship for Excellence Scheme
The HKSES aims to support local students to pursue studies in world renowned universities outside Hong Kong. All awardees will receive a non-means-tested scholarship to cover their tuition fees, subject to a ceiling of HK$300,000 per annum, whichever is lower.
In addition, a means-tested bursary will be granted to students who may need additional support to pursue their study, subject to a ceiling of HK$200,000 per student per annum for covering living and other study-related expenses.
Eligible students who intend to apply for the HKSES are welcome to submit their application through the HKSES online application system. Please visit the Education Bureau for more information.
Immigration and visa support
The International Student Support Office can provide you with advice on any immigration and visa matters you may need help with, including applying for your student visa.
