Admission and Application
Admission Requirements
The MAIA programme is primarily designed for degree holders in politics-related disciplines, other social sciences, humanities, law, communications, business or other relevant training who would like to prepare themselves for international related careers or advanced academic studies.
To be eligible for entry into this programme, candidates should:
1. hold a relevant bachelor’s degree awarded by a tertiary education institution recognized for this purpose by the University; or
2. have obtained an equivalent qualification; or
3. have provided satisfactory evidence of academic and professional attainment.
For applicants whose degree or, exceptionally, an alternative qualification deemed equivalent from a tertiary institution is not using English as the medium of instruction (MOI) for the programme should obtain:
1. a minimum score of 79 in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Internet-Based Test1; or
2. a band score of 6.0 or above in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)1; or
3. a minimum score of 450 or above in College English Test Band 6 (CET-6), with proof of competency in spoken English2; or
4. an equivalent score in a recognised test; or
5. an equivalent qualification.
1 For IELTS and TOEFL qualifications for admission purpose, the University only accepts results from a single test sitting. The test must be conducted at a recognised test centre and fall within the two-year validity period, counted from the date of submission of the admission application for the specific intake cohort.
2 For CET-6 results submitted for admission purposes, the University accepts only those obtained within the five-year validity period, counted from the date of submission of the admission application for the specific intake cohort. Applicants must also demonstrate competency in spoken English through an oral interview conducted by the Programme and/or obtain grade B or above in the CET-6 Speaking English Test.
Interviews may be conducted when needed.
Application
Application Period: 1 September 2026 - 15 July 2027
To apply for the MAIA programme, applicants are required to submit the following application materials through the Online Application System [click here]:
Identity documents (e.g. Identity card*, passport or other travel document)
Official Transcript (An official English-translated copy must be attached if the transcript is not in English. The interpretation of grades (in English) is also required)
Degree Certificate/Graduation Certificate/Proof of Study (as appropriate)
Verification proof by third-party authorities (for a completed programme):
Online Verification Report of Higher Education Degree Certificate (中國高等教育學位在綫驗証報告), both Chinese and English versions, issued by the CHSI (中國高等教育學生信息網) for qualification(s) awarded by universities in Mainland China
Online Query of Overseas Credentials Evaluation Reports國(境)外學歷學位認証書 issued by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE) (教育部留學服務中心) (applicable to Mainland applicants with qualifications awarded by overseas universities)
Proof of English language proficiency
Personal Statement
Recommendation letters (if any)
*Do not upload copy of HKID. Local students will be required to present HKID for verification upon registration.
Fees and Scholarships
Application Fee
HK$400 will be charged upon completion of online application
Tuition Fee
Academic Year 2027-2028*: HK$190,000 (Full-time)
*Vary from year to year
Scholarships
No application is required for scholarships. The programme will screen all admission applicants for selecting qualified scholarship awardees and inform awardees when issuing offer letters.
In addition to the scholarships students may receive upon admission, they also have the opportunity to get recognition and scholarship while studying or after completing their studies.
The decision of giving out scholarships is solely made by Department of Government and International Affairs.
Exclusive for 2027–28 MAIA Students: Student Research Associate Volunteer Scheme
Unlock a dual advantage in both academia and practice from day one! The Department of Government and International Affairs proudly presents an exclusive privilege tailored specifically for the 2027–28 cohort of the Master of Arts in International Affairs (MAIA) Programme—the Student Research Associate Volunteer Scheme.
[Click here to discover more details about the Scheme.]