When you budget for studying in the Greater Bay Area, tuition and living costs get most of the attention. But the university application fee is the first real expense you will meet — and it varies more than most students expect. This guide compares 2027 application fees across universities in Hong Kong, Macau, and mainland GBA cities such as Guangzhou and Shenzhen.
All figures below are taken directly from our verified school database. Application fees are usually non-refundable and paid when you submit the online application.
Application Fees by Region
Hong Kong SAR: HK$200 – HK$600 per Application
Hong Kong universities generally charge the highest application fees in the GBA. The University of Hong Kong and HKUST both ask for HK$600 per undergraduate application, while CUHK, PolyU and EdUHK range from HK$300 to HK$500. The most affordable option is Lingnan University at HK$200. Because you can apply to multiple institutions, budget HK$1,000–2,000 total if you are targeting several Hong Kong schools.
Macau SAR: HK$300 – HK$400 per Application
Macau universities keep fees moderate. MUST charges HK$400, while UM, MPU and City University of Macau all charge HK$300. If Macau is your primary target, you can usually keep total application spending under HK$1,000.
Mainland GBA: ¥0 – ¥800 per Application
Mainland universities show the widest range. Top-tier schools such as Sun Yat-sen University and Jinan University charge ¥800, while SCUT charges ¥450. Some municipal and polytechnic universities waive the fee entirely or bundle it into a pre-admission deposit. This is why many students apply to several mainland options for less than the cost of one Hong Kong application.
What the Application Fee Actually Covers
The application fee is separate from tuition, accommodation deposits, and visa processing costs. It usually pays for document review, authentication, and the online application portal. In most cases it is non-refundable, even if you are not admitted. A few universities will credit the fee toward your first-semester tuition after enrollment, but this is rare in the GBA. Always read the payment terms before you check out.
Application Fees by University Tier
As a rule of thumb, the more selective the university, the higher the application fee. Hong Kong's top three — HKU, CUHK, and HKUST — charge HK$500–600, reflecting the volume of international applications they process. Macau's flagship University of Macau and MUST sit at HK$300–400. On the mainland, Double First-Class universities such as SYSU and JNU charge ¥800, while regional public universities and polytechnics often charge ¥400 or less.
How to Budget for Application Fees
- Plan for 3–5 applications. Most international students apply to a mix of reach, match, and safety schools.
- Check currency. Hong Kong and Macau fees are in HKD; mainland fees are in CNY. Convert carefully.
- Watch for deadlines. Early-round Hong Kong applications often have lower or waived fees at some institutions.
- Ask about fee waivers. Some universities offer application-fee waivers for students who attend online info sessions or meet GPA thresholds.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I have to pay the application fee before getting an offer? Yes. The fee is paid at submission and is generally not refundable.
- Can I pay in my local currency? Universities usually display fees in HKD, MOP, or CNY. Your card issuer will convert at its own exchange rate.
- Are there any free applications? A small number of mainland polytechnics and language programs do not charge an application fee. Contact us for the current list.
For a step-by-step walkthrough of the whole application process, see our 2027 application guide or browse all programs on the programs page.
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