Hong Kong's only liberal arts university with a four-year full board experience and the advantage of small class sizes. Lingnan University's (LingU) Non-JUPAS application pathway offers sub-degree graduates and international students the opportunity to gain entry to this premier institution. This guide will provide a comprehensive breakdown of the 2025 Lingnan University Non-JUPAS application process, admission requirements, important dates, and success strategies to help you increase your 40% acceptance rate.
We have helped 500+ students successfully enter Lingnan University through the Non-JUPAS route, and have learnt exclusive application techniques.
Get professional application counselling now
Non-JUPAS refers to the Non-JUPAS admission system, which is mainly for applicants who do not meet the minimum JUPAS qualifications or have not sat for the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSE). For Lingnan University, Non-JUPAS applicants mainly include Associate Degree/Higher Diploma (AD/HD) students, international degree holders and transfer students.
Unlike the JUPAS application, the Non-JUPAS application needs to be submitted directly to Lingnan University rather than through a centralised platform. This means that you will need to be more aware of LU's specific requirements and application process.
| Application Stage | date | Important Notes |
| Open Application | From 27 September 2024 | The online application system is now available and you can start preparing your application documents. |
| Early Application Deadline | Letter dated 6 December 2024 from the Permanent Representative of | Early applicants have the opportunity to be prioritised. |
| Interview Invitation | December 2024-March 2025 | Applicants who pass the initial screening process will receive an invitation for an interview. |
| Main Round Application Deadline | Letter dated 15 May 2025 from the Permanent Representative of | Last chance to apply, subject to availability of places. |
| Announcement of Admission Results | March-July 2025 | Notification of application results by batches |
| Confirmation of Admission | Within 30 days after notification of acceptance | Confirmation of Intention to Enrol by Payment of Reservation Fee |
| Start of the school year | Early September 2025 | New Student Registration and Orientation |
It is recommended to start preparing the application documents at least 2 months in advance, especially the Personal Statement and Reference Letter, which are crucial to the success of the application.
Our professional consultants can create a personalised application timetable for you to ensure you don't miss any important dates.
Make an appointment for a free planning consultation
Lingnan University's basic requirements for Non-JUPAS applicants include academic performance, English proficiency, and relevant academic background. Below are the specific requirements for different admission pathways:
| Course category | Minimum GPA requirement | Competitive GPA range | Remark |
| Faculty of Arts Programmes | 3.0 | 3.3-3.6 | Chinese Language and Translation Departments are more popular and more competitive |
| Business School Programmes | 3.3 | 3.5-3.8 | Finance and Marketing is the most competitive |
| Faculty of Social Sciences Programmes | 3.2 | 3.4-3.7 | Psychology and Sociology are more competitive |
| Data Science Programmes | 3.3 | 3.6-3.8 | Strong mathematical background required |
Use the calculator below to estimate your GPA and find out if you meet the admission requirements for Lingnan University:
Your GPA. 0.00
Lingnan University adopts a flexible credit transfer policy, whereby Associate Degree/Higher Diploma graduates are allowed to transfer up to 60 credits, equivalent to two years of study, to enable you to complete your bachelor's degree programme in two years.
As the only liberal arts institution in Hong Kong, Lingnan University offers a wide range of undergraduate programmes in the three major areas of Humanities, Business and Social Sciences. Below is a list of the major programmes offered by each Faculty and their special features:
small class lecture Good employment prospects
Many internship opportunities International Certification
Research Direction International Exchange
Lingnan University is the only university in Hong Kong to offer a four-year full board policy, whereby all students are entitled to live in on-campus residence for four years. This residential experience fosters exchanges and co-operation among students and creates a rich campus culture and sense of community. Residence life is an integral part of LU's liberal arts education, providing students with opportunities for all-round development.
The teacher-student ratio of Lingnan University is about 1:12, which is much lower than that of other local universities. Small class size ensures that every student receives adequate attention and guidance, and has more opportunities to interact directly with professors, ask questions and have discussions. This mode of teaching develops students' critical thinking and presentation skills, laying a solid foundation for future career development.
"Lingnan University's liberal arts education focuses not only on the transfer of professional knowledge, but also on the cultivation of students' critical thinking, creativity and global vision. We hope that every graduate will become a socially responsible global citizen."
- President, Lingnan University
Successful application to Lingnan University Non-JUPAS requires careful planning and preparation. Below is a complete guide to the application process to help you through each step:
Depending on your academic background (first year Associate Degree/Higher Diploma or Graduate), choose either the Year 1 or Year 3 entry pathway; Year 3 entry is suitable for students who have completed a sub-degree programme, while Year 1 entry is suitable for first year sub-degree students or applicants wishing to restart their studies.
Collect and prepare all necessary application documents, including academic transcripts, personal statements, letters of recommendation, and proof of English proficiency. Ensure that all documents are in the format required by Lingnan University.
Visit the Non-JUPAS application page on the official Lingnan University website, register for an account and log in to the application system. Carefully fill in all the necessary personal information, academic background and choice of voluntary programme.
Follow the instructions of the system to upload all the prepared application documents and pay the application fee of HK$200. Ensure that all documents are legible and in the format required by the system (usually PDF).
If your application passes the initial review, you will receive an invitation for an interview. Prepare seriously for the interview, including understanding the characteristics of the programme you are applying for, preparing a self-introduction and answering any questions you may have.
After the interview, wait patiently for the admission result. Lingnan University will usually notify you of the result via email within 1-2 months after the interview.
If you are offered a place, you will need to confirm your acceptance of the offer and pay the enrolment fee within a specified period of time in order to secure your place. The enrolment fee will be credited to your tuition fee once you are officially enrolled.
Our application consultants can provide one-on-one guidance to ensure that your application documents are perfect.
Guidance on the application process
Preparing complete and high quality application documents is the key to a successful application to Non-JUPAS at Lingnan University. Below are all the documents you need to prepare and their requirements:
Use the following checklist to ensure your application is complete:
Completed 0/8 items
The personal statement is one of the most important documents in your application, providing the admissions committee with an understanding of your personal attributes, academic interests, and career plans. An excellent personal statement should contain the following elements:
Letters of recommendation should be written by teachers or instructors who understand your academic ability and personal qualities. The following are suggestions for obtaining effective references:
"An excellent personal statement and strong references will set your application apart from the competition. These documents not only demonstrate your academic ability, but also reflect your way of thinking and personal attributes."
- GETUTOR Senior Application Consultant
After the initial screening, you will most likely receive an invitation for an interview. The interview is an important part of Lingnan University's assessment of applicants, and thorough preparation can greatly enhance your chances of being accepted.
Lingnan University's Non-JUPAS interviews are usually conducted in the following format:
Interviews are usually 15-30 minutes long and are conducted mainly in English; some programmes may test Chinese language skills.
We provide professional interview simulation training to help you familiarise yourself with the interview process and improve your confidence.
Appointment Mock Interview Training
Below are the real experiences shared by several students who have successfully enrolled in Lingnan University through the Non-JUPAS route, and we hope to provide you with reference and inspiration:
Associate Degree GPA: 3.6
"I majored in Business Management during my Associate's Degree and maintained a GPA of around 3.6. I was most worried about writing my personal statement because I wasn't sure how to highlight my strengths. With the help of GETUTOR's consultant, I reorganised my statement to emphasise my leadership experience in the student union and my passion for marketing. During the interview, I fully demonstrated my understanding of LU Business School and my future career plans, and was eventually successful in securing an offer for the Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Marketing".
Year 3 admissionAssociate Degree GPA: 3.4
"I studied in the Associate Degree Programme in Language and Translation at the Community College with a GPA of 3.4. When applying for the Department of Translation at LU, I paid particular attention to the preparation of my translation portfolio and proof of my language proficiency. During the interview, the professor tested my ability to translate in English and Chinese and my understanding of translation theory. I think the key to my success lies in demonstrating my passion for translation and my desire to learn in LU's large classes. Now that I have completed my first year of study at LU, I am enjoying the academic atmosphere and the interaction between teachers and students here."
Year 2 admissionHigher Diploma GPA: 3.3
"I studied a Higher Diploma in Social Work with a GPA of 3.3, which is not particularly outstanding. In my application, I highlighted my volunteer experience and my concern for social issues. During the interview, I shared my internship experience in a residential care home for the elderly and my thoughts on the ageing problem in Hong Kong, which seemed to impress the professor. I think Non-JUPAS application is not only about GPA, but also about your passion and potential. LU's philosophy of liberal arts education has enabled me to develop critical thinking and global vision in addition to professional knowledge."
Year 3 admission"Students admitted to Lingnan University through the Non-JUPAS route tend to excel in adapting to university life and academic performance. They usually have clear learning goals and strong independent learning abilities, which are highly compatible with LU's philosophy of liberal arts education."
- Director of Admissions, Lingnan University
Based on 2023-2024 data
Yes. Year 1 Associate Degree or Higher Diploma students can apply for Year 1 admission to Lingnan University. However, your first year sub-degree results and HKDSE results (if applicable) will be considered. Generally speaking, a first year GPA of 3.3 or above is required to stand a better chance of being considered.
Yes. Lingnan University allows Non-JUPAS applicants to apply for more than one programme at the same time, but only one offer will be made. There is no additional application fee for applying for more than one programme, but it is recommended that you choose a programme that is in line with your academic background to increase your chances of being accepted.
Possible. Lingnan University adopts a holistic approach to admissions, taking into account not only your GPA, but also your personal statement, references, interview performance and relevant experience. If you excel in other areas, you may still have a chance to be admitted even if your GPA is slightly below the required level. It is advisable to demonstrate your strengths and enthusiasm for your chosen programme in your personal statement.
Lingnan University offers a flexible credit transfer policy for Associate Degree/Higher Diploma graduates. In general, sub-degree graduates are allowed to transfer up to 60 credits, which is equivalent to two years of study. This means that you may only need two more years of study to obtain your degree. The exact number of credits to be transferred depends on the relevance of your sub-degree programme to the LU programme you are applying for.
LU offers a variety of scholarships to Non-JUPAS students, including:
Detailed scholarship information can be found on the official website of Lingnan University.
GETUTOR has extensive experience in counselling Lingnan University's Non-JUPAS applications. Our team of professional advisors, including former university admissions officers and experienced education consultants, can provide you with all-round application support.
"GETUTOR's professional counselling made my application process much easier. The counsellor not only helped me to revise my personal statement, but also provided me with targeted interview training. In the end, I was accepted by LU Business School and received a partial scholarship."
- Mr Lee, Bachelor of Business Administration, Lingnan University (2023)
Applying to Lingnan University Non-JUPAS is a process that requires careful preparation, but with the right strategies and approaches, you are well positioned for success. As the only liberal arts institution in Hong Kong, Lingnan University offers a unique learning experience and opportunities for whole-person development.
The key to a successful application is to fully understand the application process and requirements, prepare high quality application documents, fully demonstrate your academic ability and personal attributes, and show your enthusiasm for LU and your chosen programme during the interview. Whether your GPA is at the desired level or not, it is important to believe in your potential and seek professional guidance and support.
The GETUTOR team is committed to helping every student realise their dreams of further education. Our professional consultants will provide you with tailor-made application strategies and guidance throughout the entire process, which will greatly improve your chances of being accepted.
Contact us today for professional application counselling to improve your chances of admission!
Get professional application counselling now馬上為您安排 __ 的老師
請填寫簡單資料讓我們為你聯絡__導師