Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies

The Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies is a postgraduate program offered by the Department of Cultural and Religious Studies at The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Admission Information

To be eligible for admission, applicants must fulfill the following criteria:

• Graduated from a recognized university and obtained a bachelor’s degree, normally with honours not lower than Second Class.
• Completed a course of study in a tertiary education institution and obtained professional or similar qualifications equivalent to a bachelor’s degree.
• Fulfill the "English Language Proficiency Requirement" as stipulated by the Graduate School before being considered for admission.

Qualification Criteria

Applicants must submit a written statement (400-600 words on 1 page A4 size), answering two questions.

Procedures and Preparation

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible since admission is competitive and applications are processed on a rolling basis.

1. Applicants should upload supporting documents via the Online System for Postgraduate Applicants.
2. Please mail the supporting originals in hardcopies to the Department of Cultural and Religious Studies.

Required Supporting Documents

• Full official transcript (with grading scheme) of all tertiary level studies.
• Copies of all tertiary certificates of academic/professional qualifications.
• Proof of English language proficiency.
• Confidential recommendations from two referees respectively.
• Copies of identity card or passport.
• CV and written statement (2 questions).

Application Deadline

The application deadline is 28 February 2026.

Application Result

Results will be announced on the Graduate School’s online system from January to June every year. Successful applicants will receive the offer letter by June of that admission year.

Tuition Fee

• 1 year full-time: HKD$175,000 per annum (subject to University's Approval).
• 2 years part-time: HKD$87,500 per annum (subject to University's Approval).

CUHK-MAICS Diversity & Inclusion Scholarship

Please refer to "Scholarships and Awards" for more information.

FAQ from Applicants

1. Am I eligible for admission?
   • Graduated from a recognized university and obtained a Bachelor's degree, normally with honours not lower than Second Class.
   • Graduated from an honours programme of a recognized university with a Bachelor's degree, normally achieving an average grade of not lower than "B".
   • Completed a course of study in a tertiary educational institution and obtained professional or similar qualifications equivalent to an honours degree.
2. What is the English Language Proficiency Requirement?
   • TOEFL (not lower than 550 paper based, 213 computer based, and 79 internet based).
   • IELTS (Academic) (overall band score of not lower than 6.5).
   • GMAT (Verbal not lower than 21).
   • Or possess a pass grade in English in one of the following examinations: Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (AS Level), Hong Kong Higher Level Examination, CUHK Matriculation Examination.
   • Or achieve Level 4 or above in the English Language subject of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination.
   • Or have a degree from a university in Hong Kong or an English speaking country.
   • Or have obtained a recognized professional qualification awarded in Hong Kong or an English speaking country.
3. For the Confidential Recommendation Form, should the referees be from the academic field?
   • The referee can be a teacher, professor or academic advisor who is well acquainted with your current academic performance.
   • Or someone who knows you well, such as a job supervisor, volunteer advisor, etc.
4. What is the word limit for the personal statement?
   • There is no actual word limit, around one to two pages of A4 paper, written in English.
5. When is the application deadline?
   • The application is open from to February every year.
   • Applications will be processed on a rolling basis until all places have been filled.
6. When will I receive the notification of my application result?
   • Application results will be posted on the Graduate School website (taught programmes) from January to June every year.
   • Applicants may consider their applications unsuccessful if they do not hear from us thereafter.
7. (For non-local applicants) How can I apply for a valid visa to study in Hong Kong?
   • If you are admitted to our programme, we will assist you to apply for entry permit from the Hong Kong Immigration Department and send the permit to you by courier.
   • You are also required to apply for a valid exit permit from your country.
8. (For non-local applicants) Is accommodation provided by the University?
   • The University does not provide accommodation for postgraduate students of self-financed taught programmes.
   • Students are responsible for their own accommodation.