# ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT

**Source**: https://admissions.hku.hk/apply/international-qualifications/english-language-requirement
**Parent**: https://admissions.hku.hk/apply/international-qualifications

| Qualification / Country of Study | English Language Requirement |
| --- | --- |
| IELTS | An overall band score of 6.5 or better in IELTS Academic Module, achieved in the same attempt, is required. The test must be taken within two years prior to September 1, 2026.  Note:  The IELTS Indicator (home edition) / IELTS Online is not accepted to fulfill the English language requirement. |
| TOEFL | A score of 93 or better in the TOEFL internet-based test (TOEFL iBT) is required, achieved in the same attempt. The test must be taken within 2 years prior to September 1, 2026.  Note:  The TOEFL ITP, TOEFL ITP Plus and TOEFL Home Edition tests are not accepted to fulfill the English language requirement. |
| International Baccalaureate | (a) Grade 4 in HL / SL English Language A: Language and Literature;    (b) Grade 4 in HL / SL English Language A: Literature;    (c) Grade 4 in SL English – Text and Performance;    (d) Grade 4 in SL English – Literature and Performance (A1 syllabus)    (e) Grade 4 in HL English Language (B Syllabus);    (f) Grade 5 in SL English Language (B Syllabus); or    (g) Grade 4 in HL / SL English Language (A1 or A2 Syllabus)  Note:  “Higher Level” is referred to as “HL”, and “Standard Level” as “SL” |
| GCE | (a) Grade C or better in English Language at GCSE/ GCEO;    (b) Grade C or better in English First Language at IGCSE; or    (c) Grade B or better in English Second Language at IGCSE; or  (d) Grade C or better in English Language or English Literature at GCE AS/ AL  Note:                                                                                                          For GCSE/ IGCSE which uses the new 9-1 grading system, Grade 5 will be taken as equivalent to Grade B and Grade 4 will be taken as equivalent to Grade C |
| Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English / Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English | (a) Level C1 or an overall score of 180 in Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English; or  (b) Grade C or an overall score of 180 in Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English |
| SAT | Section scores of 610 or better in Reading and Writing of the SAT in the same attempt |
| Pearson Test of English Assessment (PTE A) | A score of 64 in the Pearson Test of English Assessment (Academic) |
| For applicants currently enrolled or have completed at least one year’s study on a bachelor’s or higher degree programme | Successful completion of one year’s study on a full-time bachelor’s or higher degree programme at a recognized university where the language of teaching and / or examination is English |
| Australia | (a) Band 2 or above in a 2-units English course in Australian Higher School Certificate;    (b) SA or above in a 4-credits English subject in Queensland Certificate of Education;    (c) C or above in a 20-credits Stage 2 English course in South Australian Certificate of Education;    (d) 30 or above in a 3- or 4-units English course in Victorian Certificate of Education; or    (e) C or above in a Year 12 English course in Western Australian Certificate of Education |
| Canada | A final score of 80% in English at Grade 12 level in the Canadian high school curriculum |
|
| HKDSE | Level 3 in English Language |
| HKALE | Grade D in AS Use of English |
| HKCEE | Level 3 in English Language; or  Grade C in English Language (Syllabus B) or  Grade A in English Language (Syllabus A) before 2007 |
| India | 90% in English at Grade 12 level in All India Senior School Certificate Examination/ Indian School Certificate Examination/  Higher School Certificate |
| Malaysia | Grade C in English Language in SPM; or  Grade B4 in Senior English Language in UEC-Senior |
| New Zealand | NCEA Literacy  10 credits at Level 2 or above\*, made up of:  5 credits in reading  5 credits in writing  \*For lists of approved subjects and the levels required for the University Entrance Requirements, please visit the [NZQA website](http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/ncea) |
| Russia | A score of 80 in English in Russian Unified State Exam (Единыйгосударственный экзамен, ЕГЭ, Yediniy gosudarstvenniy ekzamen, EGE) |
| Singapore | (a) Grade C in H1 General Paper in Singapore GCE A-level; or  (b) Grade C or above in English Literature and Knowledge Inquiry |
| Sri Lanka | Credit in English Language in Sri Lankan Ordinary Level examination |
| Scotland | Grade A or above in English Language at Scottish Higher; or  Grade C or above in English Language at Advanced Scottish Higher |