₹19.3 L/Yr
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Nursing is a 5-year full-time undergraduate degree leading to registration as a Registered Nurse (General) with the Nursing Council of Hong Kong. The course is open to international students with IELTS 6.5 and strong academic credentials. Tuition costs approximately HKD 42,100 per year (INR 5.10 Lakhs) for the nursing programme, significantly lower than other PolyU courses. The programme accepts students in September with application deadlines in late 2026 and early 2027.
This programme equips students to deliver holistic, evidence-based nursing care across diverse healthcare settings. The curriculum emphasizes clinical reasoning, person-centred care, and professional ethics, with mandatory clinical placements in hospitals, aged care facilities, and community health venues. The School of Nursing operates specialized simulation labs and maintains partnerships with WHO Collaborating Centres for global exposure. The course is distinctive for its integration of general nursing with mental health, gerontological, and community health nursing specializations—unusual breadth for a single undergraduate degree in Asia. Ideal applicants are compassionate, detail-oriented, and motivated by direct patient care in a rapidly ageing society.
- Nearly 100% employment rate; Hong Kong faces persistent shortage of registered nurses.
- Scholarships up to HKD 200,000 available for international students from developing countries.
- Post-study work visa grants 24 months unrestricted right to work; pathway to Hong Kong permanent residency after 7 years.
Current Admission Status
Applications for the September 2026 intake closed on 31 May 2026. International student applications are Closed for the current cycle. The next intake opens in September 2027 with application deadlines expected in November 2026 (early round) and February 2027 (regular round). Indian applicants should begin WES credential evaluation now—processing takes 4–6 weeks and is mandatory for non-local qualifications.
Also Check: PolyU Admission Requirements and Deadlines
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Bachelor of Science in Nursing Fees 2026
The Nursing programme carries significantly lower tuition than most PolyU undergraduate courses due to Hong Kong’s subsidies for healthcare professional training.
| Fee Component | Amount (HKD) | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Tuition | HKD 42,100 | INR 5.10 Lakhs |
| Application Fee | HKD 450 | INR 54,600 |
| Annual Accommodation | HKD 17,305 | INR 2.10 Lakhs |
| 5-Year Total (Tuition Only) | HKD 210,500 | INR 25.55 Lakhs |
| 5-Year Total (with Accommodation) | HKD 296,025 | INR 35.91 Lakhs |
All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of HKD 1 = INR 12.1363 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily; verify before applying.
- Tuition covers classroom instruction, clinical supervision, and access to simulation labs and library resources; does not include meals or personal expenses.
- Application fee is non-refundable and payable upon submission; additional mandatory fees may apply at enrolment.
- Accommodation quoted is PolyU on-campus rate; private rentals in Hung Hom average HKD 5,000–8,000/month, reducing availability advantage.
Cost of Living in Hong Kong for Nursing Students
| Category | Monthly Cost (HKD) | Monthly Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Food (meal plan + groceries) | HKD 2,500 | INR 3.03 Lakhs |
| Transport (Octopus card) | HKD 600 | INR 72,800 |
| Utilities (shared housing) | HKD 400 | INR 48,500 |
| Personal Care & Hygiene | HKD 700 | INR 84,900 |
| Monthly Total | HKD 4,200 | INR 5.10 Lakhs |
| Annual Total (excl. tuition) | HKD 50,400 | INR 61.20 Lakhs |
Living Costs Reality: Hong Kong ranks among Asia’s most expensive cities. Nursing students working 20 hours/week during term (permitted on student visa) can offset approximately 30–40% of living costs via part-time wages (HKD 2,000–2,500/month). Budget conservatively at INR 75,000–90,000 annually for living expenses beyond tuition.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Bachelor of Science in Nursing Admission 2026
PolyU maintains a highly competitive 2% acceptance rate across all programmes. Nursing admits approximately 193 students annually (JUPAS and non-JUPAS combined), making it selective even by PolyU standards.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Duration & Mode | 5 years full-time; September start |
| Academic Entry (IB) | Minimum 32 points |
| Academic Entry (A-Level) | Minimum 3 A-Levels at grade B or above |
| Academic Entry (SAT) | Minimum 1,190 (Evidence + Math combined) |
| Academic Entry (ACT) | Minimum 24 composite |
| Academic Entry (AP) | Grade 3 or above in 5 AP subjects |
| Academic Entry (Indian Board) | 65% aggregate with strong scores in Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| Application Fee | HKD 450 (non-refundable) |
| Interview | Optional; may be conducted for shortlisted candidates |
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University ranks 79th globally (QS 2026) and 1st in Hong Kong for Nursing and related health sciences disciplines. This combination of international prestige and local dominance in nursing makes PolyU Nursing graduates highly sought by both Hospital Authority (public) and private healthcare employers across Asia.
English Language Proficiency (ELP) Requirements
All international applicants must demonstrate English fluency. PolyU accepts multiple standardized tests:
| Test | Minimum Overall | Per-Component Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (British) | 6.5 | 6.0 in all skills |
| TOEFL iBT | 90 | 22 in Reading & Writing combined |
| PTE Academic | 58 | No per-skill minimum |
| A-Level English | Grade E or above | N/A |
| IB English | Score 4 or above | N/A |
- IELTS 6.5 is the gold standard for Nursing; it signals readiness for clinical documentation and patient communication in English.
- Indian applicants should register for IELTS or TOEFL iBT 12–16 weeks before the application deadline to allow result processing and potential retakes.
- Band gaps (e.g., 6.0 in Writing, 7.0 in Speaking) below 6.0 in any component will trigger PolyU’s English support modules; plan 4–8 weeks pre-arrival study if borderline.
Tip for Indian Students: IELTS is administered monthly in major Indian cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai); TOEFL iBT is available online year-round. Both are equally accepted; choose based on your test preparation comfort. PolyU does not grant conditional admission with lower ELP scores, so meet the 6.5 IELTS threshold before applying.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Bachelor of Science in Nursing Application 2026
PolyU accepts international applicants (Non-JUPAS) for undergraduate degree entry. Application deadlines follow an early-regular-late rolling schedule.
| Intake | Application Round | Deadline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 2026 | Early | 16 Sep 2025 | Closed |
| September 2026 | Regular | 19 Nov 2025 | Closed |
| September 2026 | Extended | 05 Feb 2026 | Closed |
| September 2026 | Late | 31 May 2026 | Closed |
| September 2027 | Early (Expected) | 16 Sep 2026 | Not Yet Open |
| September 2027 | Regular (Expected) | 19 Nov 2026 | Not Yet Open |
| September 2027 | Late (Expected) | 05 Feb 2027 | Not Yet Open |
- PolyU does not hold rolling admission; all decisions are released in June (for Sep intake) after full review of all applications received by the final deadline.
- WES credential evaluation is mandatory for Indian applicants and takes 4–6 weeks; initiate immediately upon decision to apply.
- Nursing programme requires health clearance (full physical exam + vaccination status) prior to clinical placements; budget HKD 2,000–3,000 for pre-entry health screening.
Application Tip: Early-round applications (September) are reviewed most favourably; late-round spots are limited and highly competitive. If aiming for September 2027 intake, submit before early November 2026 deadline. Late applications received after February rarely progress unless seats remain.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Bachelor of Science in Nursing Scholarships 2026
PolyU offers multiple merit-based and need-based scholarships for international students. Nursing students are eligible for college-wide and healthcare-specific awards.
| Scholarship | Award Amount (HKD) | Award Amount (INR) | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mr and Mrs Chan Chak Fu Scholarship | 200,000 | 24.27 Lakhs | Students from developing countries; merit + need-based |
| PolyU Entry Scholarship | Variable (up to 200,000) | Up to 24.27 Lakhs | Exceptional academic record + interview performance |
| Faculty of Health & Social Sciences Merit Award | 30,000–100,000 | 3.64–12.14 Lakhs | Merit-based; nursing students with strong academics |
| Post-Entry Scholarship (Years 2–5) | Variable | Variable | Academic or non-academic excellence during study |
The Mr and Mrs Chan Chak Fu Scholarship is most accessible to Indian applicants; it covers approximately 50–60% of the 5-year tuition cost. However, only 1–3 awards are given annually across all PolyU programmes, so competition is intense. Post-entry scholarships are more reliably available: maintaining a GPA above 3.5 in Year 1 secures eligibility for HKD 30,000–60,000 annually in subsequent years.
Scholarship Reality: Full-tuition scholarships (HKD 200,000) are rarely awarded to Nursing undergraduates; most scholarships cover 30–50% of cost. Budget for INR 15–20 Lakhs in out-of-pocket tuition + living expenses over 5 years. Begin exploring external funding (Indian government scholarships, employer sponsorships, education loans) early.
Check Out: Hong Kong Scholarships for International Students
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Bachelor of Science in Nursing Salary 2026
PolyU Nursing graduates achieve near-universal employment (approximately 95–100% placed within 6 months). Salary varies significantly based on employer sector, starting position, and location within Hong Kong.
| Employment Sector | Starting Salary (HKD Monthly) | Starting Salary (INR Annual) | Typical Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hospital Authority (Public Hospitals) | HKD 23,000–26,000 | INR 27–32 Lakhs | Staff Nurse Grade 1; Ward-based care |
| Private Hospitals & Clinics | HKD 26,000–32,000 | INR 32–39 Lakhs | Private Hospital Nurse; High-acuity care |
| Aged Care & Long-Term Facilities | HKD 20,000–24,000 | INR 24–29 Lakhs | Nursing Officer; Residential Care Homes |
| Community Health & NGO | HKD 19,000–22,000 | INR 23–27 Lakhs | Community Health Nurse; Outreach roles |
Gross monthly salary for a newly registered nurse in Hong Kong ranges from HKD 20,000 to HKD 32,000, dependent on public vs. private employer. Take-home pay after Hong Kong salaries tax (typically 0–8% for this bracket) is approximately 95–98% of gross. No student loans are forgiven in Hong Kong; education repayment comes entirely from salary.
Source: PolyU School of Nursing Career Prospects Statistics (2021–2024); Hospital Authority and private hospital published salary bands; NGO sector survey data.
ROI Reality: The 5-year degree costs INR 25–40 Lakhs (including tuition and living costs). First-year salary of INR 24–39 Lakhs means payback occurs within 1–2 years post-graduation. This ROI is among the strongest for study-abroad nursing programmes globally. However, Hong Kong taxation is progressive; consider long-term migration plans (Singapore, Australia, UAE) where nursing salaries are 20–30% higher.
Read More: Hong Kong Work Rights and Salary Tax Guide
Hong Kong Student Visa and Nursing Graduates
International students are granted a student visa valid for the full programme duration (5 years for Nursing). Registered Nurses upon graduation are eligible for the Immigration Arrangements for Non-Local Graduates (IANG) scheme, granting 24 months unrestricted work authorization without requiring a job offer.
- Post-study work visa (IANG) allows full-time work in any sector at any salary in Hong Kong for 24 months post-graduation; nursing roles are in persistent shortage, ensuring near-certain employment sponsorship.
- Spouse and dependent visas are available if the primary holder earns HKD 35,000+ monthly during the IANG period; most registered nurses exceed this threshold within 2–3 years post-graduation.
- Permanent residency eligibility begins after 7 continuous years of residence in Hong Kong (student visa + IANG + extension employment passes combine toward this total); most nursing graduates remain employed beyond Year 7, establishing PR eligibility.
- During study, international students may work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during official holidays; typical part-time nursing assistant roles pay HKD 2,000–2,500 monthly.
Visa Reality: Hong Kong’s IANG scheme is exceptionally generous for healthcare professionals; no employer sponsorship is required post-graduation. Combined with Hong Kong’s tight nursing labour market, Nursing graduates virtually never face visa expiry without onward employment lined up. The pathway from student to resident to PR is clearer for nurses than for most professions.
Also Check: Complete Hong Kong Study Abroad Guide
Bachelor of Science in Nursing FAQs
Ques. Is the PolyU Nursing degree recognized internationally for work visa sponsorship in Singapore, UAE, and Australia?
Ans. Yes, the PolyU Bachelor of Science in Nursing is recognized by Singapore’s Ministry of Health, Australia’s AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency), and UAE’s DHA (Dubai Health Authority). Graduates must pass local registration exams and language assessments, but the Hong Kong degree is accepted as equivalent to local qualifications in these jurisdictions. Migration to Singapore or Australia within 3–5 years post-graduation is common; salaries in both countries are 25–35% higher than Hong Kong.
Ques. What is the clinical placement schedule, and can I work during my placement years?
Ans. Clinical placements begin in Year 2 and increase progressively, reaching 50% of each week by Year 3–5. Placements occur in hospital wards, aged care facilities, and community health venues across Hong Kong. Part-time work is permitted (max 20 hours/week) during term and full-time during official holidays, but clinical weeks are intensive and leave minimal time for employment; most students work only during exam breaks and summer holidays.
Ques. Are there specialization tracks within the Nursing degree (e.g., mental health, paediatric, community nursing)?
Ans. Yes. While the core curriculum covers general, child, mental health, gerontological, and community nursing, Year 4–5 electives allow students to concentrate in one specialization. However, final registration with the Nursing Council of Hong Kong is for "Registered Nurse (General)"; specialization requires post-graduate qualifications. Most graduates gain broad exposure across all nursing domains during the 5-year programme.
Ques. What is the application process timeline from application submission to offer, and when should I prepare documents?
Ans. Submit applications 8–12 weeks before your target deadline to allow time for WES credential evaluation (4–6 weeks) and document compilation. PolyU announces decisions 6–8 weeks after the application deadline closes. Total timeline from start to decision: approximately 4–5 months. If you apply in the early round (September), expect offers by June; late-round decisions come by August, leaving minimal time before September enrolment.
Ques. How competitive is admission for Indian applicants, and what additional preparation strengthens my application?
Ans. PolyU maintains a 2% global acceptance rate; Indian applicants face the same high bar. Nursing admits only 193 students annually. A strong application includes: IELTS 7.0+ (vs. 6.5 minimum), 85%+ in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, and a personal statement articulating specific nursing career goals. Volunteering at hospitals or community health NGOs, strong reference letters from teachers in sciences, and evidence of empathy and cultural competence (e.g., community service) meaningfully increase competitiveness. However, admission is merit-driven; no quota or preference for Indian applicants exists.
The PolyU Nursing degree is Hong Kong’s pathway to one of the world’s tightest nursing labour markets. Graduates gain immediate employment, modest student debt repayment timelines, and clear pathways to regional migration or Hong Kong permanent residency. The programme’s 5-year duration and intensive clinical focus position PolyU nursing graduates as exceptionally skilled clinicians—valued not just in Hong Kong but across Singapore, Australia, and the Middle East. For Indian applicants willing to invest 5 years and INR 30–40 Lakhs, the ROI is among the strongest globally for healthcare professional degrees.
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | ₹1928000 (HKD 160000) |
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2023 | ₹1747250 (HKD 145000) |
Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 24,100/Yr$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored |










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