Deadlines
We invite applications for the 2025-26 intake. Applicants are required to submit an online application with required supporting documents by 28 February 2025. Admissions operate on a rolling basis from October 2024 until all places have been filled. Therefore, early applications are strongly encouraged.
Decision Notification
The Admissions Committee considers each application holistically, based on all information provided and the overall strength of the applicant. No single factor is decisive. Due to confidentiality concerns, we will only release your application result via email to the address that is associated with your online application. We do not respond to requests for an early decision, or provide feedback to declined applicants.
Online Application Form
Online application is now open and the application fee is HK$300. Applicants are required to submit an online application with the required supporting documents. The online application must clearly state the applicant’s planned stream of study (i.e. Chinese Arts and Culture [CAC] or Issues in Contemporary China [ICC]) under the “field of study” section. Applications without a specified study stream will not be considered.
Supporting Documents
Applicants are required to submit their online application with the required supporting documents. Hard copies are NOT required during the application process. Only shortlisted applicants will be asked to mail the hard copies of supporting documents to the Graduate School after the conditional offer is issued.
If you need to contact the Centre for China Studies office regarding your application, please email us at macs@cuhk.edu.hk from the email address that is associated with your online application. Please quote your full name as written on your application and application number in all communications with the office, incoming enquiries without quoting the above information may not receive a response or be processed.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all application materials are included in their online application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. The required supporting documents are listed below:
1. Statement of Purpose
The statement of purpose should be written in English, not be longer than 1,000 words, and should discuss your academic background, your career objectives, and how the Programme will help you meet your educational and career goals.
2. CV
Your CV should be concise and relevant to your application. It should provide details of your qualifications, relevant experience, publications and achievements.
3. One Letter of Reference (Confidential Recommendation)
You can invite your teacher, supervisor or any person who knows you well to serve as your referee. After you have successfully submitted your application, you can input your referee information through the Online Application System. Your referee will then receive an invitation email to login to the Online Confidential Recommendation System to complete the Confidential Recommendation/ Referee’s Report. Confidential recommendation must reach the Programme Office directly from the referee via Online Confidential Recommendation System or hard copy in a sealed envelope.
4. Copies of University Diplomas
Applicants who have obtained degrees from universities in Mainland China are also required to provide an Online Verification Report of Higher Education Qualification Certificate (教育部學歷證書電子註冊備案表) and an Online Verification Report of Higher Education Degree Certificate (中國高等教育學位在線驗證報告) issued by the China Higher Education Student Information and Career Center (CHESICC/學信網) together with their degree certificate and graduation certificate.
5. Academic Transcripts and Grading Scheme
Transcripts detail your university-level grades to date. They have to be officially issued by an institution and should contain the official school seal or stamp and the signature of the Registrar. There should be explanatory notes printed/attached to the transcript indicating the grading scheme of the University. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to send the official transcripts in sealed envelopes directly from the issuing institution to the Graduate School after the conditional offer is issued.
6. English Language Test Score Certificate
You can submit a copy of the score certificate for initial selection. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to send the official scores directly from TOEFL/ETS, IELTS or GMAT/GMAC to the Graduate School after the conditional offer is issued. The TOEFL/ETS institution code is 0812. There is no institution code for the IELTS examination.
7. Copies of Identity Card and Passport
8. Optional Item
Applicant may submit an additional statement (limited to 300 words in English) for providing additional information to Admission Scholarship Panel.
Submission
All supporting documents must be in English, or translated and certified by a professional translator, an educational or embassy official, or a notary. A copy of the official document should be submitted along with the translation.
We will not review unlisted materials: video links, CDs/DVDs, photos, etc. Materials submitted as part of your application will not be returned, and copies will not be provided for applicants, nor released to other institutions.