Understanding these terms can help you navigate university applications, visa procedures, and post-study opportunities more confidently.
- Joint University Programmes Admissions System (JUPAS): The Joint University Programmes Admissions System (JUPAS) is the centralised application platform used for admission to many full-time undergraduate programmes in Hong Kong. Through JUPAS, students can apply to multiple programmes offered by universities funded by the University Grants Committee (UGC). It is primarily used by local students with Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) results.
International students, including those with IB, A-levels, or other qualifications, usually apply through the Non-JUPAS route, directly through each university’s admissions portal.
- Letter of Acceptance: A Letter of Acceptance is an official admission document issued by a Hong Kong university confirming that an applicant has been offered a place in a programme. This letter typically includes:
- The programme and intake year
- Conditions of admission (if any)
- Tuition fees and deposit requirements
- ID995A Form: The ID995A form is the official “Application for Entry for Study in Hong Kong” form completed by the student as part of the student visa process. This form is issued by the Hong Kong Immigration Department and collects information such as: Personal and passport details, Programme and institution details, Financial support and sponsor information.
- ID995B Form: The ID995B form is the sponsor section of the student visa application and must be completed by the applicant’s local sponsor in Hong Kong. In many cases, the admitting university acts as the sponsor and helps submit the visa application to the Immigration Department on the student’s behalf. The sponsor confirms that the student has been admitted and supports their entry for study.
- Local Sponsor: International students applying for a Hong Kong student visa must have a local sponsor based in Hong Kong. This sponsor is responsible for submitting or supporting the visa application. Typically, the university that admits the student acts as the sponsor, although in some cases an individual resident or organisation may also act as one. The sponsor completes the ID995B form and helps communicate with the Immigration Department regarding the visa application.
- Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG): The IANG Scheme (Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates) allows international students who graduate from Hong Kong universities to stay or return to Hong Kong to work. Under this scheme:
- Graduates can apply to remain in Hong Kong after completing a degree.
- If they apply within six months of graduation, they usually do not need a job offer at the time of application.
- The scheme was introduced to attract international talent and encourage graduates to work in Hong Kong.
This makes Hong Kong attractive for students interested in building a career in the city after graduation.
