Studying in Hong Kong: HKUST Medical School to Admit First 50 Students in 2028/29
HKUST's new medical school plans to admit 50 students to a four-year graduate-entry MBBS in 2028/29, with applications expected to open in mid-2027. Here is the timeline, entry requirements and what it means for applicants.
Hong Kong’s third medical school is taking shape. On 26 October 2026, the HKSAR Government reported progress on the medical school being set up by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST): the first cohort of 50 students is planned for the 2028/29 academic year, on a four-year graduate-entry medical programme. For university graduates who want to switch into medicine, studying in Hong Kong now has a new door opening.
What Has Been Confirmed So Far
The Chief Executive in Council gave approval in principle in November 2025 for HKUST to establish the school, with a first intake of 50. The launch depends on accreditation by the Medical Council of Hong Kong. That process is ongoing, and the Council’s accreditation committee visited HKUST in October 2026.
Students will begin in an interim Medical Education and Research Complex on the Clear Water Bay campus, where construction started in April 2026 and completion is expected in 2028. Kai Tak Hospital will serve as the interim teaching hospital. The permanent campus is planned for the San Tin University Town in the Northern Metropolis, alongside an integrated teaching and research hospital. A Founding Dean was appointed in June 2026, and a memorandum of understanding between the Government and HKUST took effect in September 2026.
The table below sets out the key milestones. The two dates applicants should mark are the release of fuller admissions details by the end of 2026 and the opening of online applications around mid-2027.
HKUST Medicine Entry Requirements
According to the indicative admissions page of the HKUST School of Medicine, which may still be refined, applicants should have:
- An accredited bachelor’s degree in science, health sciences or a related field (completed or in progress), ideally with first-class honours or equivalent
- Optionally, an MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) or GAMSAT (Graduate Medical School Admissions Test) score taken within two years before applying
- English proficiency that meets HKUST’s university requirement; Chinese proficiency is assessed at interview, may be waived by the Dean, and language support is available
- A personal statement and letters from referees such as academic tutors, supervisors or employers
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with interviews for shortlisted candidates and the cycle closing by mid-2028. The school says it wants to attract both local and non-local graduates, but it has not published a non-local quota, so check the official HKUST site for updates. If you are preparing language scores, our comparison of IELTS and TOEFL requirements for Hong Kong master’s programmes is a useful reference.
The Bigger Picture: Northern Metropolis University Towns
Speaking at the Global University Presidents and Leaders Summit 2026 on 27 October, the Chief Executive said campus land across the three Northern Metropolis University Towns has grown from just over 80 hectares in 2024 to about 300 hectares, and to more than 1,000 hectares including surrounding technology, industry and community land. San Tin will focus on medicine, life and health technology, AI, robotics and microelectronics. Hung Shui Kiu targets applied university education such as smart manufacturing, with three campus sites totalling about 26 hectares open for application and results due early next year. Ta Kwu Ling will add arts and “blue-green” elements. The Financial Secretary noted that HK$10 billion has been earmarked to lend towards campus development.
In practical terms, expect more campus capacity, new programmes and closer university–industry links over the next few years. When shortlisting universities, look beyond how Hong Kong universities fare in the Times Higher Education 2027 rankings and consider each university’s Northern Metropolis plans too.
HK VirtueLead Tips
- Mark two dates: fuller admissions details are expected by end-2026, and rolling applications should open around mid-2027. Early, complete applications put you in a stronger position.
- Time your MCAT or GAMSAT: scores are optional but must be within two years of submission. If you apply in mid-2027, a test taken before mid-2025 may no longer count.
- Check your degree fit first: the stated requirement is a science, health sciences or related degree. Applicants from other fields should confirm eligibility and watch for any prerequisite announcements before committing to test preparation.
All arrangements remain subject to Medical Council accreditation and official HKUST announcements. Non-local students who receive an offer will also need a student visa; see our Hong Kong student visa steps and document checklist.
For help planning your Hong Kong application, contact an HK VirtueLead adviser through the HK Life Hub website (https://www.hklifehub.com).
