FAQ – Questions about “UG5” requirements: language requirements and Common Core

Q3.1 What are the “UG5” requirements?
Q3.2 How can I get exempted from the English requirement, that is, CAES1000 / CAES1001?
Q3.3 I cannot write or speak in Chinese, can I be exempted from the Chinese requirement?
Q3.4 Do I need to apply for the exemptions of the language requirements, or will it be done automatically by my Faculty?
Q3.5 I wish to brush up my English and Chinese. Are there any support units that I can approach?
Q3.6 I have some questions regarding the Common Core curriculum, such as the special proviso, the course requirements and many others … who should I approach?

Q3.1 What are the “UG5” requirements?
For most curriculums, University Regulation UG5 refers to the following University Graduation Requirements:

  • Successful completion of English language enhancement courses, including:
    • [Admitted in 2025-26 and thereafter] a non-credit bearing course Academic Communication in English (CAES1001) and a 6-credit English-in-the-Discipline course (CAES9XXX);
    • [Admitted in 2024-25 or before] 6 credits in Core University English (CAES1000) and a 6-credit English-in-the-Discipline course (CAES9XXX);
  • Successful completion of 6 credits in Chinese language enhancement;
  • Successful completion of 36 credits of courses in the Common Core Curriculum, comprising at least one and not more than two courses from each Area of Inquiry with not more than 24 credits of courses being selected within one academic year except where candidates are required to make up for failed credits (MBBS, Double-degree and BASc students are required to do 4 common core courses only under normal circumstances);
  • [Admitted in 2025-26 and thereafter] Successful completion of 6 credits in Artificial Intelligence, including two 3-credit courses in Artificial Intelligence Literacy
  • Successful completion of a capstone experience as specified in the syllabuses of your degree curriculum.
  • Successful completion of the non-credit bearing online course “UG5E1001 Introduction to the Constitution, the Basic Law and the National Security Law”.

For details, please refer to the Regulations for First Degree Curricula of your cohort.

Q3.2 How can I get exempted from the English requirement, that is, CAES1000 / CAES1001?
If you have achieved level 5 or above in HKDSE English, or if you are a non-JUPAS student and have attained equivalent qualification, you may choose whether or not to take CAES 1000 / CAES1001. If you wish to take the course, no prior application is required for such enrollment in SIS. If you do not wish to take it, a free elective course in lieu is required.

You will be automatically assigned a CAES1000 / CAES1001 class by around August 30 if you are required to take it but have not enrolled, or have attempted to enroll but were unsuccessful. For more information, please check the CAES1001 course website: https://caes.hku.hk/caes1001/

Q3.3 I cannot write or speak in Chinese, can I be exempted from the Chinese requirement?
Mandarin-speaking students and students who have not studied Chinese language during their secondary education, or who have not attained the requisite level of competence in the Chinese language, are required to take alternative credit-bearing Cantonese or Mandarin language courses offered by the School of Chinese especially for international and exchange students.

Please check with Faculty Office or School of Chinese for further details. Alternative course options and the application procedures are available on the Chinese Language Centre’s website: https://www.clc.hku.hk/faq-for-chinese-language-and-culture-courses

Q3.4 Do I need to apply for the exemptions of the language requirements, or will it be done automatically by my Faculty?
Yes, you need to apply to your Faculty for an exemption of English language requirements or register through the SIS for alternative courses for Chinese language requirements if you are eligible. Please apply as soon as possible after you are admitted to HKU.

Q3.5 I wish to brush up my English and Chinese. Are there any support units that I can approach?
For support on English, please contact the Centre for Applied English Studies (CAES) at https://caescss.hku.hk/; For support on Chinese, please go to the School of Chinese at http://web.chinese.hku.hk/main/chinese-language-enhancement-program/

Q3.6 I have some questions regarding the Common Core curriculum, such as the special proviso, the course requirements and many others … who should I approach?
For enquiries on Common Core, please refer to the Common Core Website at https://commoncore.hku.hk/. Many enquiries raised by students have been included in their FAQs at https://commoncore.hku.hk/faqs/.