Assessment & Progress

Grades are assigned for all courses. Your instructors will discuss the course content, structure, activities and grading scheme with the class at the start of each course.

Typically, the course grade is based on student performance throughout the term and on the final examination. Instructors may consider factors such as class attendance, tardiness and classroom behavior in assigning grades, provided this is made clear to the students during the discussion of grading.

Final examinations are held after the end of classes. There is normally a short study break before the start of the examination period.

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Final Examinations

Examinations are the responsibility of the department that offers a course. the Academic Registry produces the examination timetables and provides details of procedures and regulations on its Final Examination & Grades website.

After the examination period, course grades are posted on the web-based SIS as soon as they become available. You should check your grades on the web and report any problems to the Academic Registry immediately. You will not be sent a printed grade report.

Bad Weather

If an examination is canceled due to bad weather conditions, arrangements will be made for it to be held as soon as practicable. You will be notified by email or a public announcement.

Make-up Examinations

If you are too ill to attend an examination, or if you are unable to attend because of other circumstances beyond your control, you may apply to the Academic Registry within one week from the missed examination for a make-up examination. You are required to provide appropriate supporting documents in your application.

The related application form can be downloaded and further details are available on the ARO's Exam Regulations website.

Cheating

If you are found to be cheating in an examination, your conduct will be dealt with under the Regulations for Student Conduct and Academic Integrity. The procedures for dealing with cheating on examinations are explained here.

Grades & Grade Points

Letter grades range from A+ to F. Numerical grade points are assigned to each letter grade for the purpose of calculating grade averages.

Definition Letter Grade Grade Points
Excellent Performance A+ 4.3
  A 4.0
  A- 3.7
     
Good Performance B+ 3.3
  B 3.0
  B- 2.7
     
Satisfactory Performance C+ 2.3
  C 2.0
  C- 1.7
     
Marginal Pass D 1.0
     
Fail F 0

 

Other grades are not included in the calculation of grade averages. They are:

AU, for Audited, used when a student satisfactorily completes the requirements set by an instructor for auditing a course.

DI and PA, under the Distinction/Pass/Fail grading system.

I, for Incomplete, 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.

P, under the Pass/Fail grading system.

PP, for Permitted to Proceed, used at the end of the first term of a two-term course, and for project courses when work is satisfactory but not scheduled to be completed at the end of a term.

T, for Transferred

W, for Withdrawal without Penalty, used when a student obtains approval to withdraw from a course after the add/drop period.

Grading Standards

In assessing your performance in a course, HKUST adopts the following general standards for the A to D grades.

Not all of the learning outcomes in the table will be achieved or assessed in a particular course. Your instructor will determine the learning outcomes you are expected to achieve and the weighting for these outcomes in assessing your achievement.

 

Standards for Student Achievement
Key Learning Outcomes Grade A:
Excellent Performance
Grade B:
Good Performance
Grade C:
Satisfactory Performance
Grade D:
Marginal Pass
Understanding and ability to demonstrate subject knowledge Comprehensive grasp of the subject matter; study beyond core requirements Good knowledge and understanding of the main subject matter Adequate knowledge and understanding of core subject matter Threshold knowledge of core subject matter
Ability to apply concepts and knowledge
– Defining and solving problems; competence in discipline specific skills / skills for professional practice
Expertise in problem solving and skills for professional practice Competence in problem solving and skills for professional practice Competence in dealing with familiar, well-defined problems; adequate skills for professional practice Threshold ability to deal with familiar, well-defined problems; potential to achieve key professional skills
Demonstration of higher cognitive skills
– Creativity; analysis and synthesis; making comparisons, judgments and evaluations
Demonstrated creativity and significantly high ability to think critically in analyzing and evaluating issues Demonstrated capacity for analyzing and evaluating issues; makes well grounded judgments Some capacity for analysis, critical thinking, and making judgments in familiar situations Ability to make basic comparisons, connections and judgments, but work is generally descriptive and reproduces content
Ability to learn
– Setting goals; motivation, reflection and accountability; aptitude for working with others on learning goals
Demonstrated capacity for scholarship and cooperation with others to achieve goals High motivation to learn, persistent effort, and an ability to work with others Evidence of persistence and effort to achieve broadly defined learning goals Has benefited from the course and has the potential to develop in the discipline
F Grades & Repeated Courses

F grades in any courses will be included in the calculation of the student’s TGA and CGA.

To fulfill the requirements for bachelor’s degrees, students who receive an F grade in any course may repeat the course once to get it passed. Otherwise, courses may not be repeated to improve grades.

Grade Averages

Three grade averages are calculated:

  • A term grade average (TGA), based on all courses that earn grade points taken in a term of study
  • A cumulative grade average (CGA), based on all courses that earn grade points taken since first registration as an undergraduate student up to that point
{For students admitted in the 2023-24 intake or after
When a course is failed and repeated, only the course grade awarded at the latest attempt will count toward the CGA}
 
[For students admitted in the 2022-23 intake or before
When a course is failed and repeated, both the previous F grade and the grade awarded at the repeated attempt will count toward the TGA and CGA]
 
  • A major cumulative grade average (MCGA), based on all courses that earn grade points taken to fulfill the major requirement and, depending on the major, possibly also the corresponding school/AIS requirement for that major. The school/AIS will determine if the school/AIS requirement should be included in the calculation of the MCGA. Courses used to fulfill an option (if any) embedded in the majors will not be counted in the MCGA. If a student has taken an extended major, courses used to fulfill the extended major requirements will be included in the calculation of MCGA.

Grade points are assigned for most courses. However, those courses designated as AU (audited), P/PA (pass), DI (distinction), I (incomplete), PP (permitted to proceed), T (Transferred) or W (withdrawal without penalty) do not count in the calculation of any grade point average. ]

Dean's List

The Dean’s List recognizes students’ outstanding attainment in a Fall or Spring term.

You will be placed on the Dean’s List at the end of a regular term if in that term:

  • You obtain a term grade average (TGA) of at least 3.7 calculated from at least 12 credits registered
  • You do not fail in any course
  • You do not commit any confirmed act of academic dishonesty

Your achievement will be recorded on your transcript and a letter will be issued to you from the dean concerned.

Academic Probation & Dismissal

Decisions on your academic standing and progress are made only at the end of regular terms; the Fall term and the Spring term.

Academic Warning

If your term grade average (TGA) or cumulative grade average (CGA) is less than 1.7 at the end of any regular term, you will be placed on academic warning and required to seek academic advice.

Academic Probation

If your CGA falls below 1.5 at the end of any Fall or Spring term, excluding your first regular term at the University, you will be put on academic probation.

You will need to obtain approval to enroll in courses, and may be required to reduce your study load.

You will remain on academic probation until your CGA rises to 1.5 or above.

Academic Dismissal

If you have been on academic probation at the end of three consecutive regular terms, or you fail for a second time a course that is a requirement for graduation, you will be reported to your dean.

The dean will consider all relevant factors, including:

  • Whether there is credible evidence of extenuating circumstances
  • Whether you have a reasonable chance of successfully completing the requirements for your degree
  • Whether maintaining your registration is consistent with the University’s responsibility for making the best use of its resources

After considering these factors, the dean may recommend to the Provost that you be dismissed from the University. The Provost’s decision is final.

Reviews & Record Amendment

You should inform the Academic Registry immediately if you notice any errors in your academic records. Your records will be closed when your graduation is approved by the Committee on Undergraduate Studies and no further amendment can be made.

Grade Review

If you think a mistake has been made in calculating or determining a course grade, you should tell the course instructor as soon as the grades are released. Where a clerical or administrative error has been made, the department or unit responsible for the course will report the revised grade to the Academic Registry.

If your concern remains unresolved after you talk to the instructor, you may submit a request for a grade review to the head of the department or unit responsible for the course.

A request for review must be submitted in writing within two weeks from the day on which grades are released. The request must:

  • State the grounds for the request
  • Describe the relevant facts
  • Provide supporting evidence

Students would be warned that a grade review might lead to a lower grade being assigned.

If the head decides that a review is needed, it will be held within three weeks after the release of the grade.

If the head decides not to hold a review, or if you disagree with the outcome of a review, you may appeal to your dean within two weeks of receiving the decision. The appeal must be in writing, stating the grounds for the appeal.

The dean will decide whether to hold a further review and how the review should be conducted. Their decision is final.

Grade review deadlines can be found on Grade Review website.

Testimonials & Transcripts

The Academic Registry can issue a testimonial to certify your status as a registered student. The testimonial includes your program, year, and mode of study.

Further details, including fees and application form, can be found on the ARO's Testimonial website.

transcript is your official academic record. It is issued and signed by the Academic Registrar and bears the University's embossed seal.

The transcript shows your enrollment and academic attainment at HKUST, including all courses taken in all programs, course grades and grade averages.

After you graduate from the University, and complete all the clearance procedures, you will automatically be issued one copy of your transcript free-of-charge.

Further details and online application can be found on the ARO's Official Transcript website.

Pages In this Guide
1
Who Does What

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is supported by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China.

2
Academic Programs & Registration

HKUST believes in total education. Our credit-based undergraduate programs combine the advantages of the sharp program focus of traditional Chinese and British universities and the broad approach characteristic of American universities.

Our educational philosophy and your personal development require that you be exposed to fields outside your major area of study. The undergraduate curriculum is designed to ensure that you get this exposure.

Under the 4-year curriculum, programs usually consist of eight regular terms of full-time study. All programs lead to honors degrees.

Most programs are administered by academic departments/divisions. Joint programs involve two or more departments and are administered by a unit set up for that purpose.

3
Courses & Enrollment

You are responsible for your own studies. It is important for you to plan ahead to ensure that you can complete the study within the permitted duration of study.

4
Academic Integrity

Academic integrity and honesty are key values at HKUST.

5
Classes & Attendance

The University does not have a policy on minimum class attendance. Instructors may take attendance into consideration when assigning grades, provided this is made clear to the students during the discussion of grading.

The academic year begins on 1 September and ends on the following 31 August. A year consists of four terms – Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer.

The Fall and Spring terms are the regular terms. Each has 13 weeks of classes, followed by a short study break and an examination period. Almost all formal instruction takes place in the regular terms.

Normally, the Fall term begins in early September and ends in late December, while the Spring term begins in early February and ends in late May. The Summer term usually runs from late June to mid-August.

The Summer and Winter terms may include regular courses, short credit-bearing skills courses, intensive language courses, workshops, lecture series, mini-conferences and other activities.

Most undergraduates are not required to take courses during the Winter and Summer terms.

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CURRENT PAGE
Assessment & Progress

Grades are assigned for all courses. Your instructors will discuss the course content, structure, activities and grading scheme with the class at the start of each course.

Typically, the course grade is based on student performance throughout the term and on the final examination. Instructors may consider factors such as class attendance, tardiness and classroom behavior in assigning grades, provided this is made clear to the students during the discussion of grading.

Final examinations are held after the end of classes. There is normally a short study break before the start of the examination period.

7
NEXT PAGE
Graduation & Degrees

You are responsible for ensuring that you fulfill the course and credit requirements for your program in the time allowed. If you wish to graduate, you are required to indicate your intention of graduation via the Student Center in SIS. Failure to apply on time may result in a delay in graduation.

The Academic Registry will track your graduation status based on the application for graduation. Your school/department may also monitor your progress and warn you if a problem appears.

Your program will be completed when you have met all the program requirements. After reviews by your major department and school board, or AIS, your graduation will be approved by the Committee on Undergraduate Studies under authority delegated by the University Senate.

You will be awarded at Congregation, which is the formal graduation ceremony. Attendance is not compulsory.

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Useful Contacts