Exemptions by Attainment from the University Chinese and English Language Requirements

[Application details are announced by the Registration and Examinations Section, Registry and can be found at its website: www.res.cuhk.edu.hk]

Applicable to students admitted in 2023-24 and thereafter:

Qualifications^1/ Framework of Reference

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)^2

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)

Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE)

International Baccalaureate (IB) Higher Level (HL)/ Standard Level (SL)

Advanced Placement (AP)

GCE-Advanced Level (AL)/ GCE-Advanced Subsidiary Level (ASL)/ International Advanced Level (IAL)

Cambridge Pre-U

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)^2

National Higher Education Entrance Examination (Gao Kao)

General Scholastic Ability Test (GSAT) (Taiwan)

Department Required Test (Taiwan)

Chinese Language: University Chinese I & II (5 units)^3

Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) Tariff Points 140 or the highest grade in the Chinese language subject in an examination

Not applicable

Level 5** in Chinese Language

Grade A in Chinese Language and Culture

Grade 7 in Chinese A1/ Chinese Language A/ Chinese A: Literature/ Chinese A: Language and Literature (HL)^4

Grade 5 in Chinese Language and Culture

Grade A* in Chinese (AL)

Grade D2 or above in Mandarin Chinese

Not applicable

130 marks or above (with 150 as the full marks) in Chinese Language^5

14 marks or above (with 15 as the full marks) in Chinese Language/ 14 marks or above (with 15 as the full marks) in multiple-choice items and Grade A on both “知性的統整判斷” (Intellectual Integration and Judgment) and “情意的感受抒發” (Emotional Feeling and Expression) in writing in Chinese/ 14 marks or above (with 15 as the full marks) in multiple-choice items and “特優”(Excellent) on“整體等第”(Overall Ranking) in writing in Chinese/ 14 marks or above (with 15 as the full marks) in multiple-choice items and Grade A+ in non-multiple-choice items in Chinese^6

70 marks or above (with 100 as the full marks) in Chinese

English Language: Foundation English for University Studies (3 units)^7

Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment (CEFR) Level C2

Score 7.5 or above with no sub-scores below 7.0^8

Level 5* or above in English Language

Grade A in Use of English

Grade 5 or above in English A1/ English Language A/ English A: Literature/ English A: Language and Literature (HL)^9; or Grade 6 or above in English B/ English Language B(HL)^10; or Grade 6 or above in English A1/ English Language A/ English A: Literature/ English A: Language and Literature(SL)^9

Grade 5 in English Language/ English Language and Composition/ English Literature and Composition

Grade A in English Language (ASL)

Grade D3 or above in Literature in English

590 or above (paper); or 243 or above (CBT); or 96 or above (IBT)

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

CEFR Level C1 or above^11

Score 6.5 or above^11

Level 5 or above in English Language^11

Grade C or above in Use of English^11

Grade 4 or above in English A1/ English Language A/ English A: Literature/ English A: Language and Literature (HL)^9; or Grade 5 or above in English B/ English Language B (HL)^10; or Grade 5 or above in English A1/ English Language A/ English A: Literature/ English A: Language and Literature (SL)^9, 11

Grade 4 or above in English Language/ English Language and Composition/ English Literature and Composition^11

Grade C or above in English Language (ASL)^11

Grade M3 or above in Literature in English^11

550 or above (paper); or 213 or above (CBT); or 79 or above (IBT)^11

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

Notes:

1

Refers to qualifications obtained prior to admission (see also Note 2 below).  Other qualifications not listed here to be considered on an individual basis.

2

The validity period for IELTS and TOEFL is two years from test dates.

3

Students granted exemptions by attainment for University Chinese I & II will be required to take 2 units of any language course(s) from the List of Language Enhancement Courses to fulfill the overall units required for graduation, except students of the MBChB Programme.

4

The course is for students whose first language is Chinese and includes the study of selections from world literature.

5

The results obtained from Gao Kao administered in provinces with a different grading system will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.

6

Different requirements apply according to the year of the test taken.

7

Students granted exemptions by attainment for ELTU1001 Foundation English for University Studies will be required to take 1 unit of any language course from the List of Language Enhancement Courses to fulfill the overall units required for graduation, except students of the MBChB Programme.

8

Students with an IELTS score of 7.5 or above, with no sub-scores below 7.0, or equivalent qualifications will be exempted from ELTU1001 Foundation English for University Studies, and they will be required to take 1 unit of any language course as specified in Note 7 above.

9

The course is for students whose first language is English and includes the study of selections from world literature.

10

This is a foreign language course for students with two to four years’ previous experience with the language.

11

Students will be assigned to take ELTU1002 English Communication for University Studies in lieu of ELTU1001 Foundation English for University Studies.

Applicable to students admitted in 2022-23:

Qualifications^1/ Framework of Reference

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)^2

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)

Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE)

International Baccalaureate (IB) Higher Level (HL)/ Standard Level (SL)

Advanced Placement (AP)

GCE-Advanced Level (AL)/ GCE-Advanced Subsidiary Level (ASL)/ International Advanced Level (IAL)

Cambridge Pre-U

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)^2

National Higher Education Entrance Examination (Gao Kao)

General Scholastic Ability Test (GSAT) (Taiwan)

Department Required Test (Taiwan)

Chinese Language: University Chinese I & II (5 units)^3

Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) Tariff Points 140 or the highest grade in the Chinese language subject in an examination

Not applicable

Level 5** in Chinese Language

Grade A in Chinese Language and Culture

Grade 7 in Chinese A1/ Chinese Language A/ Chinese A: Literature/ Chinese A: Language and Literature (HL)^4

Grade 5 in Chinese Language and Culture

Grade A* in Chinese (AL)

Grade D2 or above in Mandarin Chinese

Not applicable

130 marks or above (with 150 as the full marks) in Chinese Language^5

14 marks or above (with 15 as the full marks) in multiple-choice items and Grade A+ in non-multiple- choice items in Chinese/ 14 marks or above (with 15 as the full marks) in multiple-choice items and“特優”(Excellent) on“整體等第”(Overall Ranking) in writing in Chinese/ 14 marks or above (with 15 as the full marks) in multiple-choice items and Grade A on both “知性的統整判斷” (Intellectual Integration and Judgment) and “情意的感受抒發” (Emotional Feeling and Expression) in writing in Chinese

70 marks or above (with 100 as the full marks) in Chinese

English Language: Foundation English for University Studies (3 units)^6

Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment (CEFR) Level C2

Score 7.5 or above with no sub-scores below 7.0^7

Level 5* or above in English Language

Grade A in Use of English

Grade 5 or above in English A1/ English Language A/ English A: Literature/ English A: Language and Literature (HL)^8; or Grade 6 or above in English B/ English Language B(HL)^9; or Grade 6 or above in English A1/ English Language A/ English A: Literature/ English A: Language and Literature(SL)^8

Grade 5 in English Language/ English Language and Composition/ English Literature and Composition

Grade A in English Language (ASL)

Grade D3 or above in Literature in English

590 or above (paper); or 243 or above (CBT); or 96 or above (IBT)

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

CEFR Level C1 or above^10

Score 6.5 or above^10

Level 5 or above in English Language^10

Grade C or above in Use of English^10

Grade 4 or above in English A1/ English Language A/ English A: Literature/ English A: Language and Literature (HL)^8; or Grade 5 or above in English B/ English Language B (HL)^9; or Grade 5 or above in English A1/ English Language A/ English A: Literature/ English A: Language and Literature (SL)^8, 10

Grade 4 or above in English Language/ English Language and Composition/ English Literature and Composition^10

Grade C or above in English Language (ASL)^10

Grade M3 or above in Literature in English^10

550 or above (paper); or 213 or above (CBT); or 79 or above (IBT)^10

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

Notes:

1

Refers to qualifications obtained prior to admission (see also Note 2 below).  Other qualifications not listed here to be considered on an individual basis.

2 3

The validity period for IELTS and TOEFL is two years from test dates. Students granted exemptions by attainment for University Chinese I & II will be required to take 2 units of any language course(s) from the List of Language Enhancement Courses to fulfill the overall units required for graduation, except students of the MBChB Programme.

4

The course is for students whose first language is Chinese and includes the study of selections from world literature.

5

The results obtained from Gao Kao administered in provinces with a different grading system will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.

6

Students granted exemptions by attainment for ELTU1001 Foundation English for University Studies will be required to take 1 unit of any language course from the List of Language Enhancement Courses to fulfill the overall units required for graduation, except students of the MBChB Programme.

7

Students with an IELTS score of 7.5 or above, with no sub-scores below 7.0, or equivalent qualifications will be exempted from ELTU1001 Foundation English for University Studies, and they will be required to take 1 unit of any language course as specified in Note 6 above.

8

The course is for students whose first language is English and includes the study of selections from world literature.

9

This is a foreign language course for students with two to four years’ previous experience with the language.

10

Students will be assigned to take ELTU1002 English Communication for University Studies in lieu of ELTU1001 Foundation English for University Studies.

Applicable to students admitted in 2019-20 to 2021-22:

Qualifications^1/ Framework of Reference

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)^2

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)

Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE)

International Baccalaureate (IB) Higher Level (HL)/ Standard Level (SL)

Advanced Placement (AP)

GCE-Advanced Level (AL)/ GCE-Advanced Subsidiary Level (ASL)/ International Advanced Level (IAL)

Cambridge Pre-U

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)^2

National Higher Education Entrance Examination (Gao Kao)

General Scholastic Ability Test (GSAT) (Taiwan)

Department Required Test (Taiwan)

Chinese Language: University Chinese I & II (6 units)

Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) Tariff Points 140 or the highest grade in the Chinese language subject in an examination

Not applicable

Level 5** in Chinese Language

Grade A in Chinese Language and Culture

Grade 7 in Chinese A1/ Chinese Language A/ Chinese A: Literature/ Chinese A: Language and Literature (HL)^3

Grade 5 in Chinese Language and Culture

Grade A* in Chinese (AL)

Grade D2 or above in Mandarin Chinese

Not applicable

130 marks or above (with 150 as the full marks) in Chinese Language^4

14 marks or above (with 15 as the full marks) in multiple-choice items and Grade A+ in non-multiple- choice items in Chinese/ 14 marks or above (with 15 as the full marks) in multiple-choice items and“特優”(Excellent) on“整體等第”(Overall Ranking) in writing in Chinese/ 14 marks or above (with 15 as the full marks) in multiple-choice items and Grade A on both “知性的統整判斷” (Intellectual Integration and Judgment) and “情意的感受抒發” (Emotional Feeling and Expression) in writing in Chinese

70 marks or above (with 100 as the full marks) in Chinese

English Language: Foundation English for University Studies (4 units)

Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment (CEFR) Level C2

Score 7.5 or above with no sub-scores below 7.0^5

Level 5* or above in English Language

Grade A in Use of English

Grade 5 or above in English A1/ English Language A/ English A: Literature/ English A: Language and Literature (HL)^6; or Grade 6 or above in English B/ English Language B(HL)^7; or Grade 6 or above in English A1/ English Language A/ English A: Literature/ English A: Language and Literature(SL)^6

Grade 5 in English Language/ English Language and Composition/ English Literature and Composition

Grade A in English Language (ASL)

Grade D3 or above in Literature in English

590 or above (paper); or 243 or above (CBT); or 96 or above (IBT)

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

CEFR Level C1 or above^8

Score 6.5 or above^8

Level 5 or above in English Language^8

Grade C or above in Use of English^8

Grade 4 or above in English A1/ English Language A/ English A: Literature/ English A: Language and Literature (HL)^6; or Grade 5 or above in English B/ English Language B (HL)^7; or Grade 5 or above in English A1/ English Language A/ English A: Literature/ English A: Language and Literature (SL)^6, 8

Grade 4 or above in English Language/ English Language and Composition / English Literature and Composition^8

Grade C or above in English Language (ASL)^8

Grade M3 or above in Literature in English^8

550 or above (paper); or 213 or above (CBT); or 79 or above (IBT)^8

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

Notes:

1

Refers to qualifications obtained prior to admission (see also Note 2 below).  Other qualifications not listed here to be considered on an individual basis.

2

The validity period for IELTS and TOEFL is two years from test dates.

3

The course is for students whose first language is Chinese and includes the study of selections from world literature.

4

The results obtained from Gao Kao administered in provinces with a different grading system will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.

5

Students with an IELTS score of 7.5 or above, with no sub-scores below 7.0, or equivalent qualifications will be exempted from Foundation English for University Studies.

6

The course is for students whose first language is English and includes the study of selections from world literature.

7

This is a foreign language course for students with two to four years’ previous experience with the language.

8

Students will be given an option to take either Foundation English for University Studies or an advanced English course.

Applicable to students admitted in 2018-19:

Qualifications^1/ Framework of Reference

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)^2

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)

Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE)

International Baccalaureate (IB) Higher Level (HL)/ Standard Level (SL)

Advanced Placement (AP)

GCE-Advanced Level (AL)/ GCE-Advanced Subsidiary Level (ASL)/ International Advanced Level (IAL)

Cambridge Pre-U

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)^2

National Higher Education Entrance Examination (Gao Kao)

General Scholastic Ability Test (GSAT) (Taiwan)

Department Required Test (Taiwan)

Chinese Language: University Chinese I & II (6 units)

Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) Tariff Points 140 or the highest grade in the Chinese language subject in an examination

Not applicable

Level 5** in Chinese Language

Grade A in Chinese Language and Culture

Grade 7 in Chinese A1/ Chinese Language A/ Chinese A: Literature/ Chinese A: Language and Literature (HL)^3

Grade 5 in Chinese Language and Culture

Grade A* in Chinese (AL)

Grade D2 or above in Mandarin Chinese

Not applicable

130 marks or above (with 150 as the full marks) in Chinese Language^4

14 marks or above (with 15 as the full marks) in multiple-choice items and Grade A+ in non-multiple- choice items in Chinese/ 14 marks or above (with 15 as the full marks) in multiple-choice items and“特優”(Excellent) on“整體等第”(Overall Ranking) in writing in Chinese

70 marks or above (with 100 as the full marks) in Chinese

English Language: Foundation English for University Studies (4 units)

Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment (CEFR) Level C2

Score 7.5 or above with no sub-scores below 7.0^5

Level 5* or above in English Language

Grade A in Use of English

Grade 5 or above in English A1/ English Language A/ English A: Literature/ English A: Language and Literature (HL)^6; or Grade 6 or above in English B/ English Language B(HL)^7; or Grade 6 or above in English A1/ English Language A/ English A: Literature/ English A: Language and Literature(SL)^6

Grade 5 in English Language/ English Language and Composition/ English Literature and Composition

Grade A in English Language (ASL)

Grade D3 or above in Literature in English

590 or above (paper); or 243 or above (CBT); or 96 or above (IBT)

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

CEFR Level C1 or above^8

Score 6.5 or above^8

Level 5 or above in English Language^8

Grade C or above in Use of English^8

Grade 4 or above in English A1/ English Language A/ English A: Literature/ English A: Language and Literature (HL)^6; or Grade 5 or above in English B/ English Language B (HL)^7; or Grade 5 or above in English A1/ English Language A/ English A: Literature/ English A: Language and Literature (SL)^6, 8

Grade 4 or above in English Language/ English Language and Composition/ English Literature and Composition^8

Grade C or above in English Language (ASL)^8

Grade M3 or above in Literature in English^8

550 or above (paper); or 213 or above (CBT); or 79 or above (IBT)^8

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

Notes:

1

Refers to qualifications obtained prior to admission (see also Note 2 below).  Other qualifications not listed here to be considered on an individual basis.

2

The validity period for IELTS and TOEFL is two years from test dates.

3

The course is for students whose first language is Chinese and includes the study of selections from world literature.

4

The results obtained from Gao Kao administered in provinces with a different grading system will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.

5

Students with an IELTS score of 7.5 or above, with no sub-scores below 7.0, or equivalent qualifications will be exempted from Foundation English for University Studies.

6

The course is for students whose first language is English and includes the study of selections from world literature.

7

This is a foreign language course for students with two to four years’ previous experience with the language.

8

Students will be given an option to take either Foundation English for University Studies or an advanced English course.

Applicable to students admitted in 2015-16 to 2017-18:
Qualifications^1/ Framework of Reference	International English Language Testing System (IELTS)^2	Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)	Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE)	International Baccalaureate (IB) Higher Level (HL)/ Standard Level (SL)	Advanced Placement (AP)	GCE Advanced Level (AL)/ Advanced Subsidiary Level (ASL)	Cambridge Pre-U	Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)^2	National Higher Education Entrance Examination (Gao Kao)	General Scholastic Ability Test (GSAT) (Taiwan)	Department Required Test (Taiwan)
Chinese Language: University Chinese I & II (6 units)
Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) Tariff Points 140 or the highest grade in the Chinese language subject in an examination	Not applicable	Level 5** in Chinese Language	Grade A in Chinese Language and Culture	Grade 7 in Chinese A1/ Chinese Language A/ Chinese A: Literature/ Chinese A: Language and Literature (HL)^3	Grade 5 in Chinese Language and Culture	Grade A* in Chinese (AL)	Grade D2 or above in Mandarin Chinese	Not applicable	130 marks or above (with 150 as the full marks) in Chinese Language^4	14 marks or above (with 15 as the full marks) in multiple-choice items and Grade A+ in non-multiple- choice items in Chinese	70 marks or above (with 100 as the full marks) in Chinese
English Language: Foundation English for University Studies (4 units)
Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment (CEFR) Level C2	Score 7.5 or above with no sub-scores below 7.0^5	Level 5* or above in English Language	Grade A in Use of English	Grade 5 or above in English A1/ English Language A/ English A: Literature/ English A: Language and Literature (HL)^6; or Grade 6 or above in English B/ English Language B(HL)^7; or Grade 6 or above in English A1/ English Language A/ English A: Literature/ English A: Language and Literature(SL)^6	Grade 5 in English Language/ English Language and Composition/ English Literature and Composition	Grade A in English Language (ASL)	Grade D3 or above in Literature in English	590 or above (paper); or 243 or above (CBT); or 96 or above (IBT)	Not applicable	Not applicable	Not applicable
CEFR Level C1 or above^8	Score 6.5 or above^8	Level 5 or above in English Language^8	Grade C or above in Use of English^8	Grade 4 or above in English A1/ English Language A/ English A: Literature/ English A: Language and Literature (HL)^6; or Grade 5 or above in English B/ English Language B (HL)^7; or Grade 5 or above in English A1/ English Language A/ English A: Literature/ English A: Language and Literature (SL)^6, 8	Grade 4 or above in English Language/ English Language and Composition/ English Literature and Composition^8	Grade C or above in English Language (ASL)^8	Grade M3 or above in Literature in English^8	550 or above (paper); or 213 or above (CBT); or 79 or above (IBT)^8	Not applicable	Not applicable	Not applicable

Notes:
1	Refers to qualifications obtained prior to admission (see also Note 2 below).  Other qualifications not listed here to be considered on an individual basis.
2	The validity period for IELTS and TOEFL is two years from test dates.
3	The course is for students whose first language is Chinese and includes the study of selections from world literature.
4	The results obtained from Gao Kao administered in provinces with a different grading system will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.
5	Students with an IELTS score of 7.5 or above, with no sub-scores below 7.0, or equivalent qualifications will be exempted from Foundation English for University Studies.
6	The course is for students whose first language is English and includes the study of selections from world literature.
7	This is a foreign language course for students with two to four years’ previous experience with the language.
8	Students will be given an option to take either Foundation English for University Studies or an advanced English course.