The medium of instruction for formal classroom teaching at HKBU is English, except for those courses that are granted exemption.
Government Funded
September 2021
HK$42,100 (local); HK$140,000 (non-local) (Subject to the University's annual review)
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European civilisation is among the most influential in the world. To understand Europe is to understand one of the main sources of modernity. The European Union has emerged as a major actor in world politics and economics; its growth and development are of vital global importance.
Within European Studies, Political Science provides the disciplinary core, underpinned by history and (cultural) area studies, business/economics or communication courses. Students also undergo rigorous training in German up to levels of academic and professional fluency. The aim is to give students a firm knowledge of the basic features of the European world and the communicative skills necessary for a future professional or academic career in the fields of European-Asian relations. Knowledge of Europe is deepened by the Honours Project in the final year, based on first-hand research into a particular subject related to Europe. Successful graduates also possess the skills requisite for immediate entry to postgraduate programmes both locally and in Europe.
Unique Features
Student Learning Experiences
European Studies consists of two years of full-time study in Hong Kong, a third year spent in Europe, followed by a fourth year in Hong Kong. The third year is designed as an integral part of the overall programme. It consists of academic study at a European university and possibly a placement with European companies/ institutions. Students should benefit from on-the-spot academic training and linguistic immersion, and where possible, first-hand experience of work in a European environment. While the year spent overseas is organised by the University, students need to cover their own private living expenses.
Career Opportunities
Successful graduates have gone on to work in organisations that have strong links with, or are based in French- or German-speaking countries, or with Chinese and Hong Kong concerns with important European interests. Options range from the civil service and education to international/European organisations, media and communication, information services and NGOs, trading/merchandising, transport/logistics, finance/banking, retail and the tourism or culture sectors.
We adopt a holistic approach in selecting applicants on individual merits. Applicants are required to meet the University entrance requirements, English Language requirements and Programme entrance requirements (if any).
General Certificate of Education (GCE), International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma & SAT
GCE: Grade E or above in three AL/ IAL subjects; or Grade E or above in two AL/ IAL subjects plus two Advanced Supplementary Level (ASL) subjects (Not including Chinese and English Language subjects. The same subject cannot be counted at both the AL and ASL.)
IB: IB Diploma. Applicants should request the IB organisation to send their scores to the University via internet (HKBU institution code: 000247).
SAT: Minimum score of 1,190 (out of 1,600) in new SAT or 1,650 (out of 2,400) in old SAT (minimum score of 550 in each of Critical Reading, Mathematics and Writing), and a sub-score on essay writing of no less than 8. Applicants should request the College Board to send scores to the University (HKBU institution code: 7904).
Other Overseas Qualifications by Region
Applicants who apply for admission on the basis of overseas qualifications should refer to particular region for details. Given the diversity of education systems around the world, the acceptable overseas qualifications listed may not cover every region.
The University normally expects applicants to have obtained 12-year pre-university years of schooling. School-leaving qualifications that are acceptable for admission to universities in other places may not necessarily be acceptable or sufficient for admission to the University.
English Language Requirements
The following public examination results are recognised as meeting the English Language requirements stipulated by the University:
Proficiency Tests | Minimum Requirements |
TOEFL | Internet-based test (iBT) - Score: 79; or Paper-delivered test - a sum score of 60 (TOEFL MyBestTM Score is not accepted.) |
IELTS Academic | Overall Band: 6.0 |
SAT | Minimum score of 550 in both Critical Reading and Writing with a sub-score of 8 or above in Essay in old SAT; or Minimum score of 590 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing in new SAT |
ACT | Minimum score of 23 in both ACT English and Reading |
AP | Score 4 or above in AP English Language and Composition/ AP English Literature and Composition |
GCE O-Level/ GCSE English/ English Language/ English Literature | Grade C/ Grade 4 |
IGCSE First Language English | Grade C/ Grade 4 |
IGCSE English as a Second Language | Grade B/ Grade 5 |
GCE AS or A-Level English | Grade E |
HKDSE English Language | Level 3 |
HKALE Use of English | Grade E |
IB | Grade 4 in: IB English A (Higher or Standard Level); or IB English B (Higher Level); or IB English Literature and Performance (Standard Level) OR Grade 5 in: IB English B (Standard Level) |
Cambridge English C1 Advanced/ C2 Proficiency | Grade C |
Others | Other English language qualifications deemed acceptable by the University |