Academic Regulations Governing UG Studies, 2022-23

Academic Regulations (ARs) are approved by the University Senate to govern the progress of undergraduate students through programs of study leading to degrees awarded by the Senate. Only the University Senate, or those with authority delegated by the Senate, can approve exceptions, exemptions or variations from the Academic Regulations.

These Regulations govern 4-year undergraduate studies and are supplemented by detailed information about requirements for specific programs of study and information on administrative procedures. Individual sections marked * denote variations in regulations between undergraduate students admitted [in the 2018-19 intake or after], and {in the 2017-18 intake or before}.

     ARs

• 1. Medium of Instruction
• 2. Admissions
• 3. Registration in Programs
• 4. Curriculum Requirements
• 5. Course Registration
• 6. Credit Transfer and Exemptions from Program Requirements
• 7. Course Grading
• 8. Grade Averages
• 9. Progression and Academic Standing
• 10. Academic Dismissal
• 11. Academic Honors
• 12. Graduation and Degree Classification
• Glossary of Terms
• Archive

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1.  Medium of Instruction

Unless otherwise approved by the Senate for a specific course or program of study, English is the medium of instruction and assessment at the University.

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2. Admissions

2.1 Admission Requirements

To qualify for admission to the University, applicants must meet (i) the University Admission Requirements, (ii) the admission requirements of the School for which they are applying, and (iii) the English Language admission requirement.

University and School Admission Requirements are minimum requirements for admission. Holding these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

Applicants who possess other qualifications equivalent to the University requirements for admission may submit applications for admission, for consideration on the basis of individual merit.

Applicants may be requested to attend personal interviews or take additional tests administered by the University.

(Details of the University’s admission requirements are available at https://join.hkust.edu.hk/.)

2.2 Visiting Students

Students enrolled in tertiary institutions outside Hong Kong who wish to study at the University on a short-term basis may be admitted as Visiting Students. Visiting Students may take courses, but are not enrolled on any specific program of studies.

2.3 Admissions Process

Applicants should observe the application procedures set out by the Undergraduate Recruitment and Admissions Office.

(Details of the admissions process are set out at https://join.hkust.edu.hk/.)

2.4 Re-admission

If former students who have withdrawn from the University are re-admitted, course grades and credits (i) taken within five years prior to re-admission and (ii) not used to earn any academic qualification at the University or elsewhere may be used to fulfill requirements for their program.

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3. Registration in Programs

3.1 Maintaining Registration

All undergraduate students are admitted as full-time students. Registration is confirmed only when students have completed the registration process and paid tuition and other prescribed fees. Students who fail to maintain registration may be required to withdraw from the University.

3.2 Double Registration

Unless prior permission from the University is obtained, students are not permitted to concurrently register for another program at another post-secondary institution.

3.3 Study Commitment

Undergraduate students may not engage in employment for more than 10 hours per week on average during a regular term. Any exception to this rule requires the approval of the relevant Dean or the Dean’s designee.

3.4 Extension of Study beyond the Normal Duration

Students are expected to fulfill the requirements for an undergraduate degree in four years, excluding any period of approved Leave from Study.

Students who have been registered for four years, excluding any Leave from Study, may extend their studies for one additional academic year with the approval of the relevant Dean or the Dean’s designee.

Students who have fulfilled the requirements for graduation may register as Associate Students. Associate Students must have their program of study approved by the relevant Dean or the Dean’s designee.

Students extending their studies are subject to all University regulations and are entitled to normal student services. However, student housing is not available to such students.

(Students registered in programs with a normative duration of study of more than four years require approval for extension of study under AR 3.4 beyond the end of the normative duration. If approval is not granted to extend the duration of study, a student cannot continue to be registered at the University and is considered to have withdrawn from the University.)

(Information on course fees for students extending their studies beyond the normative duration of study and for Associate Students is available under the “Tuition & Fees” section.)

3.5 Leave from Study

In exceptional circumstances, students may be granted Leave from Study with the approval of the relevant Dean or the Dean’s designee. Leave from Study cumulating to more than one academic year will not normally be granted.

3.6 Registration for Major Programs

Students are expected to register for a major no later than the end of the regular term in which they complete 60 credits. Where a student has not registered for a major at this point, the case may be reviewed and conditions may be set by the relevant Dean to ensure successful completion of the student’s program.

Registration for a particular major is not guaranteed and requires the approval of the Major-program Coordinator.

Students already registered in a major may change their major only with the approval of the Major-program Coordinator of the major in which they are seeking registration.

3.7 Registration for Additional Majors

With the approval of the relevant Major-program Coordinators, students may fulfill the requirements for more than one major program. Except in the case of specifically approved dual-degree programs, students may graduate with only one degree.

Students who wish an additional major to be recorded on their transcript, must normally register in the major no later than the last day of the add/drop period in the first regular term of their final year of study.

To graduate with an additional major, students admitted in 2015-16 or after must fulfill the requirements specified for that major, within which they must complete at least 20 single-counted credits. These 20 credits cannot be used to fulfill any other requirements for graduation except for the 120-credit degree requirement.

3.8 Registration for Minor Programs

Registration for a minor requires the approval of the Minor-program Coordinator.

Students may be required to register for a minor to be eligible for registration in courses included in the minor program.

Students who wish a minor to be recorded on their transcript, must register in the minor no later than the last day of the add/drop period in the first regular term of their final year of study.

Students who wish to withdraw from a minor program must apply to the Minor-program Coordinator before the deadline specified by that minor program.

3.9 Changes of Registration

Students already registered in a School may register for programs in another School only with the approval of the Dean or the Dean’s designee, of the School in which they are seeking registration, or the Dean of AIS for programs under AIS.

3.10 Withdrawal from the University

Students who withdraw, or are required to withdraw, from the University must complete clearance procedures as specified by the Academic Registrar.

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4. Curriculum Requirements

4.1 Requirements for Bachelor’s Degrees

To gain an award of a bachelor’s degree, students are required to: 

i.   Earn at least 120 credits in approved courses or through credit transfer subject to AR 6.3

ii.  Fulfill the requirements of the University Common Core Program

iii. Fulfill the University English Language Requirement

iv. Fulfill the University Legal Education Requirement [For students admitted in 2022-23 intake or after only]

v. Fulfill School/AIS requirements, if any, for programs under the School/AIS

vi. Fulfill requirements for at least one major, or School requirements for a general degree under the School

4.2 Transcripts

Students who fulfill the requirements for an option under a major program, an extended major, a minor program, or the requirements of an additional major program may have this recorded on their transcript.

4.3 Detailed Information

Requirements for programs of study leading to undergraduate degrees are approved for each year of entry. Students must follow the curriculum approved for their year of entry throughout their period of study, unless otherwise advised by the University.

(Detailed curriculum requirements are published at “Program Catalog”)

4.4 Deviations from Curriculum

Deviations from University requirements under AR 4.1 (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) must be approved by the Provost, or the Provost’s designee. Deviations from School/AIS requirements under AR 4.1 (v) or requirements of major or minor programs must be approved by the relevant Dean or the Dean’s designee.

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5. Course Registration

5.1 Course Selection and Registration

Students are responsible for their own studies at the University. They should ensure that they understand the curriculum requirements for their program and plan ahead to complete their program within the permitted duration of study.

5.2 Eligibility for Registration

Registration for some courses (e.g. courses required for a major) may be restricted to eligible students (e.g. students registered in the major).

5.3 Course Registration Procedures

Students must register for courses according to the procedures established by the Academic Registry. Students who take a course for which they are not registered will not be awarded any grade for the course.

5.4 Maximum and Minimum Study Load

In each regular term, students within their normal duration of study and in good academic standing must register for courses to a total of at least 12 credits, and for not more than 18 credits.

Students seeking an exemption from AR 5.4 require the approval of the relevant Dean or the Dean’s designee.

Students who do not maintain appropriate course registration may be required to withdraw from the University.

5.5 Prerequisites and Corequisites

A prerequisite is a level of attainment in public examinations or a course which must be taken and passed before registration for credit in a specified course.

A corequisite is a course which must be taken prior to, or at the same time as, the specified course.

Exemptions from prerequisite or corequisite requirements require the approval of the instructor responsible for the course.

5.6 Exclusions

Students who have achieved a specified attainment in public examinations or have completed, or are registered in, a specified course may not register for credit in an excluded course.

5.7 Equivalent Courses

Where more than one course meets a requirement of a program of study, these courses may be designated as equivalent courses. Students may not earn credits for more than one equivalent course.

5.8 Co-listed Courses and Multi-coded Course

Some courses may come with co-listing or multi-coding arrangement. Co-listed courses are two or more courses sharing most or all lectures and other learning activities, where they differ from each other at least partially in assessment schemes or assignments. Students may register and earn credit for only one of the co-listed courses. These courses may not be arranged for co-listing on every offering, but are subject to the discretion of the course offering department(s).

Course carrying “alternate code(s)” refers to a single course that is offered under two or more course codes with identical course content and assessment scheme. Students may register and earn credit for only one of the codes under a multi-coded course.

5.9 Course Auditing

With the permission of the course instructor, students may register in a course as an auditor and attend the course and participate in course activities. Auditing students will not be awarded a grade or earn credits. Subject to satisfactory completion of requirements set by the instructor, the course will be designated AU on the student’s transcript. Otherwise the course will be removed from the registration record.

5.10 Course Add/Drop and Course Withdrawal

Students may make changes to their course registration during the add/drop period scheduled at the beginning of each term. Changes made in this period will not be included in the student’s record.

Requests to add a course or to withdraw from a course after the add/drop period will not be accepted, except under extenuating circumstances approved by the relevant Dean or the Dean’s designee.

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6. Credit Transfer and Exemptions from Program Requirements

6.1 Credit Transfer

Transfer of credits may be granted to students in recognition of studies completed elsewhere other than HKUST at an appropriate level as recognized by the University.

Transfer of credit can be of two types: course-credit transfer, where a transferred course is equivalent to a specific course in the HKUST course catalog, or credit-only transfer, where only credits are transferred.

Transfer credits granted will not be included in the calculation of grade averages, unless prior arrangements have been made.

6.2 Exemption from Requirements

Students may be granted an exemption from course requirements or other requirements of a program without the transfer of credits on the basis of studies at an appropriate level completed elsewhere other than at HKUST.

6.3 Minimum HKUST Credits

To graduate with a bachelor’s degree from the University, students must complete a minimum of two years of full-time study at HKUST and obtain a minimum of 60 HKUST course credits.

The minimum number of HKUST credits required for graduation from a major, minor, or the University Common Core Program may also be specified.

6.4 Applications

Applications for credit transfer or for an exemption from a program requirement may be submitted in two circumstances:

Prior to Admission to HKUST

• Students’ prior study should be disclosed in their applications for admission, and applications for credit transfer or exemptions must be submitted to the appropriate office for approval no later than one month after the beginning of the student’s first regular term of study at HKUST.

 During Registration at HKUST

• Students who complete studies elsewhere during their registration at HKUST, for example on an exchange program, can apply for credit transfer or exemptions. Applications must be submitted to the appropriate office for approval no later than one month after a student’s return to study at HKUST.

(Details of the application procedures are available under the “Credit Transfer” section.)

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7. Course Grading

7.1 Grades for Undergraduate Courses

Grades and grade points for course assessment are stated in the table below. For the purpose of calculating grade point averages, numerical grade points are assigned for course grades, except for the following: AU, DI, I, P, PA, PP, T and W.

Letter Grade	Grade Point	Definition
A+	4.3	Excellent Performance
A	4.0
A-	3.7
B+	3.3	Good Performance
B	3.0
B-	2.7
C+	2.3	Satisfactory Performance
C	2.0
C-	1.7
D	1.0	Marginal Pass
F	0.0	Fail

 

DI1	Distinction
PA1	Pass (under the DI/PA/F grading system)
P	Pass (under the P/F grading system)
PP2	Permitted to Proceed
I	Incomplete (see AR 7.4)
AU	Audited (see AR 5.9)
T	Transferred
W	Withdrawal without Penalty

Notes:

1. The DI and PA grades can only be used under the “Distinction/Pass/Fail” grading system.
2. The Permitted to Proceed (PP) grade may be given in two-part or three-part project courses. When progress in thesis or project work is satisfactory but not scheduled for completion at the end of a term, the PP grade will be used. The PP grade is also used at the end of the first term of a two regular-term course.

7.2 Assignment of Grades

Grades with grade points assigned are the default grades for courses. Other grades may only be used where this is approved for the course.

Grades should be assigned on the basis of assessment activities established by the instructor at the beginning of the course and completed by the end of the examination period.

7.3 F Grades and Course Repeats *

[For students admitted in the 2018-19 intake or after
A grade F received by a student for any course will be included in the student’s record and in the calculation of the student’s term grade average (TGA) and the cumulative grade average (CGA).

To fulfill the requirements for bachelor’s degrees under AR 4.1, a failed course normally can be repeated only once. Any subsequent repeat attempts will require the approval of the relevant Dean or the Dean’s designee. Except failed courses, graded courses cannot be repeated to improve the grades.

When a failed course is repeated, both the previous F grade and the course grade of the repeated attempt, which are weighted equally, will be included in the calculation of the TGA and CGA.

However, if a failed course is repeated and is used to fulfill the major requirement or the corresponding School/AIS requirement (if any) as specified in AR 8, the previous F grade will not be included in the calculation of the major cumulative grade average (MCGA) but will be included in the calculation of the overall CGA (as defined in AR 8). Only the final passing grades of courses used to fulfill the major requirement or the corresponding School/AIS requirement (if any) are counted in the MCGA.]

{For students admitted in the 2017-18 intake or before
Students who received a grade F for any course may request to repeat the course to improve their grade. Otherwise courses may not be repeated to improve grades. A failed course may be repeated only once.

F grades will be included in the student’s record, but where a course is repeated, the previous F grade will not be included in the calculation of grade averages.}

7.4 Incomplete Grades

An Incomplete (I) grade is used when completion of a student’s work is necessarily delayed. This grade must be converted to a regular grade at least one working day before the start of the following regular term: otherwise the I grade is converted to F.

7.5 Illness or Other Circumstances Affecting Assessment

If students wish the University to take into account illness or some other extenuating circumstances that have affected their performance in an examination, or ability to attend an examination, or to complete other assessment activities, they must report the circumstances of the case in writing and provide appropriate documentation to the Academic Registry within one week of the scheduled date of the assessment activity.

The Academic Registrar will review the case and make a recommendation to the relevant Dean or the Dean’s designee. The student will be notified of the result of the request within one week from the date the request is lodged with the Academic Registry. The make-up examination, if any, will be held within five weeks after the regular examination period. The format of the make-up examination will be decided by the course instructor concerned.

7.6 Grade Review

Students who consider that a mistake has been made in the process of calculating or determining a grade for a course may apply for a review of the grade. They should first discuss the matter with the course instructor as soon as the course grade is released. Where a clerical or administrative error has been made, the department/unit responsible for the course will report the revised grade to the Academic Registry.

If the student’s concern remains unresolved after this informal discussion, the student may submit a request for a grade review to the Head of the course-offering department/unit in writing within two weeks from the day on which grades are released:

i.   Stating the grounds for the request for review

ii.  Describing the relevant facts

iii. Providing supporting evidence

If a review is granted, the Head will arrange for the review within three weeks after the release of the grade.

Requests for review of course grades normally should be resolved at the department/unit level. Students who wish to appeal against the decision of the department/unit must do so in writing to the Dean of the School within two weeks of receiving the decision, stating the grounds for the appeal.

Upon receipt of the written appeal, the Dean will determine whether or not a further review of the grade should be granted and how the review will be conducted. The Dean’s decision is final.

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8. Grade Averages *

[For students admitted in the 2018-19 intake or after
Three course grade averages are calculated: a term grade average (TGA) for each term of study; and the cumulative grade average (CGA); and the major cumulative grade average (MCGA). A student’s TGA and CGA will be calculated at the end of each of the four terms of study based on the grade points earned for all courses taken in a term.

A student’s MCGA will be calculated at the end of the term for which the student is placed on the list of pending graduates based on the grade points earned for the courses used to fulfill the major requirement and, depending on the major, possibly also the corresponding School/AIS requirement for that major. The Schools/AIS will determine if the School/AIS requirement should be included in the calculation of the MCGA and such decision will apply to all the majors in the School/AIS in which the School/AIS requirement applies. Courses used to fulfill an option (if any) embedded in the majors will not be counted in the MCGA.

Courses with the grade of Incomplete, Audit, Pass, Distinction, Transferred and Permitted to Proceed do not count toward any grade point average. For the courses repeated under AR 7.3, both the previous F grades and the grades awarded at the repeat attempt will count toward the TGA and CGA, but as courses with F grades cannot be used to fulfill major or School/AIS requirements, they do not count toward the MCGA.]

{For students admitted in the 2017-18 intake or before
Two course grade averages are calculated: a term grade average (TGA) for each term of study; and the cumulative grade average (CGA). A student’s TGA and CGA will be calculated at the end of each of the four terms of study based on the grade points earned for all courses taken in a term.

Courses with the grade of Incomplete, Audit, Pass, Distinction, Transferred and Permitted to Proceed and repeated courses under AR 7.3 do not count toward any grade point average.}

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9. Progression and Academic Standing

9.1 Regular Terms

Decisions on students’ academic standing and progress are made only at the end of regular terms: the Fall Term and the Spring Term.

9.2 Academic Warning

Students whose TGA or CGA at the end of any regular term is less than 1.7 will be placed on Academic Warning. Students on Academic Warning will be required to seek academic advice.

9.3 Academic Probation

Students whose CGA falls below 1.5 at the end of any regular term, excluding the first point of CGA calculation after entry, will be put on Academic Probation. Students on Academic Probation are not permitted to register in courses without approval, and may be required to reduce their study load.

Students will remain on Academic Probation until their CGA rises to 1.5 or above.

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10. Academic Dismissal

Students who have been on Academic Probation at the end of three consecutive regular terms and students who have twice failed a course that is a requirement for their graduation will be reported to the relevant Dean. The Dean may recommend to the Provost that a student is dismissed from the University. In making this recommendation the Dean should consider:

i.   Whether the student can present credible evidence of extenuating circumstances for on-going poor academic performance

ii.  Whether the student has a reasonable chance of successfully completing the requirements for an award

iii. Whether maintaining the student’s registration is consistent with the University’s responsibility for making the best use of its resources

The Provost’s decision is final.

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11. Academic Honors

11.1 Dean's List

Undergraduate students will be placed on the Dean’s List at the end of the regular Fall and Spring Terms when in that term: (i) their TGA is at least 3.7 calculated from at least 12 credits registered, (ii) they have not failed any course, and (iii) they have not committed any confirmed act of academic dishonesty.

11.2 Academic Achievement Medal

The Academic Achievement Medal is awarded to outstanding graduates in the year of their graduation. To be considered as a recipient of the award, students must have:

i.  Failed no course during their studies at HKUST; and

ii. Achieved an overall CGA of at least 3.9, with at least 60 HKUST credits included in the calculation.

Students may be awarded only one Academic Achievement Medal.

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12. Graduation and Degree Classification

12.1 Graduation on Completion of Studies

When students have fulfilled, or are registered in courses that will fulfill, the academic and non-academic requirements for an award, they will be included in the list of pending graduates. The non-academic requirement includes the settlement of all fees or fines payable and that there is no serious case pending decision with the Student Disciplinary Committee. Students who wish to extend their studies under AR 3.4 should seek the required approval.

12.2 [For students admitted in the 2018-19 intake or after

Major Cumulative Grade Average and Overall Cumulative Grade Average *
The classification of awards is based on a two-tier system: students’ MCGAs and overall CGAs. Students have to meet the minimum MCGA and the minimum overall CGA for the relevant band to graduate with a particular honors classification.

In computing the MCGA and the overall CGA, all courses taken are weighted equally. While F grades may be excluded from the MCGA in accordance with AR 7.3, no graded courses can be excluded in computing the overall CGA.

To graduate with additional major(s) or an extended major, students must achieve the minimum overall CGA and the minimum MCGA computed using the union of the requirements of all majors including the first major’s corresponding School requirements, if applicable, for the relevant band to graduate with a particular honors classification. However, students can withdraw from one of the majors if they wish in order to achieve a higher honors classification for their single major.]

 {For students admitted in the 2017-18 intake or before

Graduation Grade Average (GGA) *
The classification of awards is based on students’ GGAs. The GGA is based on the CGA calculated at the end of the term for which the student is placed on the list of pending graduates.

Students may request that graded courses included in the calculation of the graduation CGA are excluded from this calculation to improve their GGA. Exclusion of graded courses is subject to the following conditions:

i.  No course required for the award of the student’s degree may be excluded

ii. No more than 12 credits may be excluded

In computing the GGA, courses taken in the first year of study of a four-year degree are given a half-weight. Students who enter the University with credit transfer of 10 credits or more are not eligible for this half-weight concession.}

12.3 Classification of Awards *

[For students admitted in the 2018-19 intake or after
When the graduation list is confirmed and students’ MCGAs and overall CGAs have been calculated, the relevant Dean will be informed and requested to recommend students’ graduation and the classifications of students’ awards.]

{For students admitted in the 2017-18 intake or before
When the graduation list is confirmed and students’ GGAs have been calculated, the relevant Dean will be informed and requested to recommend students’ graduation and the classifications of students’ awards.}

Awards are classified as follows:

     First Class Honors
     Second Class Honors, Division I
     Second Class Honors, Division II
     Third Class Honors
     Pass

[For students admitted in the 2018-19 intake or after
In classifying awards, the University takes into account:

i.  Benchmark MCGA and overall CGA bands for each classification

ii. The University’s policy for degree classification]

{For students admitted in the 2017-18 intake or before
In classifying awards, the University takes into account:

i.  Benchmark GGA bands for each classification

ii. The University’s policy for degree classification}

Recommendations for graduation and classification of awards are made by the relevant Dean to the Committee on Undergraduate Studies which may confirm students’ graduation and classification on behalf of the Senate.

Where students have completed studies under more than one School, the recommendation for an award should be agreed by the Schools.

12.4 Conferment of Awards

Awards are conferred on students on the date designated by the Senate.

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Academic Regulations Governing Undergraduate Studies: Glossary of Terms

1. Academic Terms

There are four academic terms in each academic year: Fall (normally early September to late December); Winter; Spring (normally early February to late May); and Summer (normally late June to mid-August).

2. Academic Year

The academic year begins on 1 September and ends on 31 August of the following year.

3. Academic Program

Majors, minors, options and other components of a student’s program of study are all designated as academic programs of the University.

4. Academic Standing

Students’ academic standing is an indicator of their academic progress. Poor academic progress can result in Academic Warning or Academic Probation.

5. Add/Drop Period

At the start of each term, there is an add/drop period where students may add or drop courses without these courses appearing on their record. After the add/drop period, students may not be permitted to add or drop courses for that term.

6. Additional Major

To graduate with an additional major, students admitted in 2015-16 or after must take all the requirements specified for that major, within which they must complete at least 20 single-counted credits. These 20 credits cannot be used to fulfill any other requirements for graduation except for the 120-credit degree requirement.

7. Associate Student

Associate students are students who have fulfilled the requirements for an undergraduate degree, but wish to register for additional undergraduate courses. They are registered under conditions set out in Academic Regulation (AR) 3.4.

8. Award

An award is an academic qualification granted by the University Senate on the completion of the requirements for the award. For the purpose of AR 12.2 (i) requirements for a student’s award include degree requirements under AR 4.1 and requirements for additional major(s), extended major, minor(s) and option(s) recorded on transcript.

9. Course

Courses are the basic unit of instruction from which programs of study are built. Most courses at HKUST require study for a full term and earn 3 credit units.

10. Course-offering Department

The course-offering department is the academic unit responsible for a course, normally a department or division.

11. Credit Transfer

Subject to the academic regulations, credits may be transferred for work completed at an institution other than HKUST to meet requirements of a HKUST award.

12. Credit Unit

Credit units are earned through the completion of courses and other assessed learning activities. The requirements for an award normally include completion of a minimum number of credits.

13. Cumulative Grade Average (CGA) *

[For students admitted in the 2018-19 intake or after
For each term a CGA is calculated for all the courses earning grade points completed since first registration as an undergraduate student up to that point, as follows:

Where Ci is the credit and Gi is the grade point earned in the ith course since first registration.

Courses with grades of Incomplete, Audit, Pass, Distinction, Transferred and Permitted to Proceed do not count toward grade point averages.]

{For students admitted in the 2017-18 intake or before
For each term a CGA is calculated for all the courses earning grade points completed since first registration as an undergraduate student up to that point, as follows:

Where Cj is the credit and Gj is the grade point earned in the jth course since first registration.

Courses with grades of Incomplete, Audit, Pass, Distinction, Transferred and Permitted to Proceed and repeated courses under AR 7.3 do not count toward grade point averages.}

14. Dean or the Dean’s Designee

Where approval of the Dean is required, applications should be directed to the Office of the Associate Dean (Undergraduate).

15. Department

An academic department or division of the University.

16. Degrees

The University Senate awards three types of bachelor’s degree: Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) and Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA).

17. Degree Requirements

To earn the award of a bachelor’s degree, all undergraduates must fulfill approved requirements.

18. Dual Degree

Students may earn two degrees by fulfilling all the requirements of both degrees. Students who fulfill the requirements of two major programs, but fulfill the requirements of only one degree will not be awarded a dual degree.

19. Exemption

Under certain circumstances, students may be granted an exemption from requirements for an award, or from the academic regulations.

20. Extended Major

Extended Major is not a standalone major. It is adhered to a certain relevant Major as expanded choices for students to enrich their major study with cross-disciplinary applications of emerging technology and innovations relevant to their Majors. Details of all extended majors offered at the University are provided at “Program Catalog”. All extended majors require the completion of least 21 credits in designated courses; and have attainment of an average grade point of at least 2.15 in courses taken within the extended major.

21. First Major

Students who have registered for more than one major program may be asked to nominate one of these majors as their first major. Graduation from an additional major may not be possible within the normal duration of study for the award.

22. Full-time Student

All undergraduate students are registered as full-time students. Full-time students must take a full credit load in each regular term, unless a reduced load has been approved.

23. Grade Points

Courses may be assessed for grade points. A table of grade points relative to letter grades is provided in AR 7.1. Courses graded AU, DI, I, P, PA, PP, T and W do not count in the calculation of grade averages.

24. {For students admitted in the 2017-18 intake or before

Graduation Grade Average (GGA)*
GGA is the student’s CGA at the end of the term for which the student is placed on the list of pending graduates, adjusted by deleting courses and setting a half-weight for courses completed for credit in the first year of study as permitted under AR 12.2.}

25. HKUST Course Credits

HKUST course credits are credits earned in courses included in the HKUST Course Catalog. HKUST course credits do not include credit transfer from other institutions.

26. [For students admitted in the 2018-19 intake and after

Major Cumulative Grade Average (MCGA)*
Major cumulative grade average (MCGA) is based on the grade points earned for the courses used to fulfill the major requirement and, depending on the major, possibly also the corresponding School/AIS requirement for that major. All courses counted towards the extended major requirements, as well as those used to fulfill the major requirements, will be included in the calculation of MCGA. The Schools/AIS will determine if the School/AIS requirement should be included in the calculation of the MCGA and such decision will apply to all the majors in the Schools/AIS in which the School/AIS requirement applies. Courses used to fulfill an option (if any) embedded in the majors will not be counted in the MCGA.

Where Ci is the course credits and Gi is the grade point earned in the ith course in the undergraduate study to fulfill the major requirement and the School/AIS requirement (if any) as permitted under AR 8.

If a failed course in this category is repeated, the previous F grade will not be included in the calculation of MCGA.]

27. Major Program

To graduate with a bachelor’s degree, students must fulfill the requirements for at least one major. Details of all major programs offered at the University are provided at “Program Catalog”. Requirements for major programs vary and students should carefully review these requirements.

28. Minor Program

Details of all minor programs offered at the University are provided at “Program Catalog”. All minors require the completion of least 18 credits in designated courses. Students should carefully review the requirements for minors. Students who wish a minor to be recorded on their transcript must register for the minor through the Minor-program Coordinator.

29. Major-program Coordinator

A Major-program Coordinator is appointed for each major. Contact information may be found through the office of the department/division that offers the major.

30. Minor-program Coordinator

A Minor-program Coordinator is appointed for each minor. Contact information may be found through the office of the department/division that offers the minor.

31. Option under a Major program

Students registered in a major may be given the opportunity to register for an option under their major. Students who complete an option may have this recorded on their academic transcript.

32. Program of Study

A student’s program of study is the set of components of an undergraduate degree for which a student is registered. Programs of study typically include School-level requirements, the University Common Core and a major. Students may add a minor or other components to their program of study.

33. Provost or the Provost’s Designee

Where the approval of the Provost is required under the ARs, applications should be directed to the Head of Quality Assurance & Enhancement of the Academic Registry.

34. Registration

For the purposes of the ARs, registration includes registration in courses and registration in academic programs.

35. Regular Term

The Fall and Spring Terms are regular terms.

36. School

Undergraduates are registered in programs under one of four Schools or the Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies.

37. Study Load

Students’ study load is the total credits for which they are registered in a term.

38. Term Grade Average (TGA)

For each term a TGA is calculated across all courses taken in that term, as follows:

Where Ci is the course credits and Gi is the grade point earned in the ith course in the term.

39. Transcript

Students’ academic transcripts provide the full record of their academic results and performance.

40. University

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

41. University Senate

The HKUST University Senate is the highest academic body of the University. The University Senate regulates admissions, degree requirements and all matters relating to teaching and learning. All academic awards of the University are made by the University Senate.

42. Visiting Students

Visiting students register for courses, but not for programs. They are registered under conditions set out in AR 2.2.

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(Updated version of August 2022)