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, CAES 1000?
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 12 credits in English language enhancement, including 6 credits in Core University English and 6 credits in an English in the Discipline course;
  • 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); and
  • Successful completion of a capstone experience as specified in the syllabuses of your degree curriculum.
  • Successful completion of any other non-credit bearing courses as required.

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, CAES 1000?
If you achieved level 5 or above in HKDSE English, or if you are a non-JUPAS student and have the equivalent qualification, you can choose whether or not to take CAES1000. If you wish to take it, just enroll for it in SIS, no prior application is needed; if you do not wish to take it, a free elective course in lieu is needed. SIS Office will, by around August 30, automatically assign a CAES1000 class to those who need to take it but have not enrolled for it yet and those who have attempted to enroll for it but have not been successful yet.

Q3.3 I cannot write or speak in Chinese, can I be exempted from the Chinese requirement?
Only Putonghua-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 may be exempted from the Chinese requirement. They might be asked to take credit bearing Cantonese or Putonghua language courses offered by the School of Chinese especially for international and exchange students; or to take an elective course in lieu. Please check with Faculty Office or School of Chinese for further details.

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 exemption of Chinese and/or English language requirements if you are eligible for that. 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/.