To ensure objectivity and fairness, the following rules apply to all students, regardless of their language background, country of residence, or native language.
Eligibility for Exemption Application
1. Students admitted through the Joint University Programmes Admissions System (JUPAS) who attained a Level 4 in the English language of Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) examination are exempted from LC English enhancement courses.
2. Students not admitted through JUPAS may apply exemption if one of the following acceptable alternative English language proficiency tests was completed within the past two years, attaining the required score:
| Acceptable Alternative English qualifications | Minimum requirement |
| IELTS | Overall brand score 6.5 - with no less than 6.0 in the Writing and Reading sections |
| TOEFL (Internet-based test) | For tests taken before 21 January 2026 Total score 79 - with no less than 15 in the Reading and 12 in the Writing sections For tests taken on or after 21 January 2026 TBC Test result of TOEFL iBT Home Edition and TOEFL MyBest Score are not accepted. |
| Cambridge ESOL examinations e.g. Cambridge Proficiency in English or Cambridge Advanced English or Cambridge First Certificate |
CEFR B2+ pass levels in reading and writing |
3. Students possess a degree from a university in an English-speaking country is exemption from the LC English enhancement courses.
Application Procedures and Deadline
All exemption applications and supporting documents must be submitted to the General Office of the LC at
language.centre@cityu.edu.hk no later than the last working day of the first semester in which the student is admitted to the University. The exact date is determined by the University's academic calendar for that academic year available on the
website of the Academic Regulations and Records Office. No late application will be considered.
English Placement Test
Students not admitted through JUPAS will, upon admission, be invited to take the English Placement Test administered by our Centre. The Test will assess their English language proficiency and to determine whether enrollment in the LC English enhancement courses is required.
