Student Athletes Admissions Scheme (SAAS)

Modules
Module Reference
The Student Athlete Admissions Scheme (SAAS) for the academic year 2024/25 has closed for applications.

Selected applicants will be notified via email for interview arrangements. For inquiries, please email saasinfo@ust.hk or call 2623 1118.

 

 

Title
Achieve more glory
Description

SAAS Special Admissions Consideration for Local Athletes

Welcome Team Hong Kong Athletes! Join HKUST and explore endless possibilities!

At HKUST, we celebrate diversity and recognize the different talents our students bring to the university community. In support of the newly launched Student-Athlete Learning Support and Admission (SALSA) Scheme by the University Grants Committee that encourages local athletes to pursue undergraduate studies at local universities through sport achievement-based admissions, HKUST has further adjusted our SAAS admissions arrangement.

SAAS applicants would receive special admissions consideration based on their sport achievements. Successful applicants would enjoy scholarships, living allowance, our full support and great flexibility in their study arrangements, allowing them to chase their sporting and academic goals at the same time.

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Title
HKUST fully supports student athletes
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Chasing sport and academic goals at once
Description

Student athletes dedicate everything to their sports.

We believe they deserve even more possibilities.

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Minnie SOO
Sub Title
Returning to School while Continuing an Impressive Athletic Career
Description

Minnie SOO, a bronze medalist of the table tennis women’s team competition at the Tokyo Olympics, has been admitted to HKUST School of Science through the Student Athletes Admissions Scheme (SAAS).

Soo is the first local student athlete to be admitted by HKUST mainly based on sport achievements, following the launch of the UGC’s Student-Athlete Learning Support and Admission Scheme (SALSA).

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PEDREY NG
Sub Title
Going the extra mile
Description

Thanks to the flexible arrangements offered by SAAS, Hong Kong table tennis athlete Pedrey NG can continue her studies at HKUST while attending overseas competitions.

>>Read Hong Kong Free Press Interview

Chloe_Ice Hockey
Title
Chloe Chan
Sub Title
Embrace new challenges
Description

The only person who can stop you from reaching your goals is you. Determination does not just come overnight. It comes through your persistence towards training.

Along the path, you may encounter numerous challenges. Embrace them, feel them, live with them. One day you will look back and be glad for how much you have evolved.

Hei_Long Jump
Title
Chun-hei CHAN
Sub Title
Persist till the very end
Description

I am a late bloomer.

I was skinny and weak when I was in junior high. However, I did not give up. To compensate my physical shortcomings, I worked hard enhancing my techniques. Eventually, when I was an S6 student, I won a gold medal in an individual race at the Inter-School Athletics Competition. I entered a new phase of my athletic career.

A jump may only last for a few seconds, but it requires years of non-stop training to conquer a high-level race with flying colors.

Persist and you will succeed.

Title
Jason YEUNG
Sub Title
Go the distance
Description

Team Hong Kong long distance running athlete Jason YEUNG, joined HKUST with his outstanding achievement on and off the track. He enjoys a wide range of support and resources from the University, helping him to balance his roles as a professional athlete and engineering student.

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Why SAAS

We nurture all student athletes till graduation.

01
Admissions Offer

Applicants will receive favorable admissions considerations based on their sports achievements and learning experiences.

Successful applicants may receive multiple offers if they apply to more than one HKUST program choice.

02
Scholarships, Living Allowance, and Sponsorships

Tuition Scholarships

Up to HK$42,100 per year (Renewable)

Living Allowance

Up to HK$60,000 per year (Renewable)

Sponsorships

Student athletes may receive sponsorships for competitions, sports injury prevention and treatment support, and counseling.

03
Advisory Committee

To ensure our SAAS student athletes thrive academically, the SAAS advisory committee consisting of faculty members and university administrators oversee the learning progress and address the athletes' individual needs.

04
Academic Support

To ensure our student athletes thrive academically, both the designated SAAS advisory committee and academic tutors would follow up closely with their learning progress to offer personalized support addressing individual needs, such as extending the study period, study load adjustment, examination rescheduling, and class attendance waiver, etc.

Study period can be extended up to twice the normative program duration, i.e. up to 8 years for the majority of HKUST programs, and up to 10 years for the Dual Degree Program in Technology & Management. Athletes may apply for further extension of study period if necessary.

05
Graduation & Achievements

With the full support from HKUST, SAAS student athletes are accompanied by the SAAS committee every step along the way till graduation, making achievements both in academics and sports.

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01
Admissions Offer

Applicants will receive favorable admissions considerations based on their sports achievements and learning experiences.

Successful applicants may receive multiple offers if they apply to more than one HKUST program choice.

02
Scholarships, Living Allowance, and Sponsorships

Tuition Scholarships

Up to HK$42,100 per year (Renewable)

Living Allowance

Up to HK$60,000 per year (Renewable)

Sponsorships

Student athletes may receive sponsorships for competitions, sports injury prevention and treatment support, and counseling.

03
Advisory Committee

To ensure our SAAS student athletes thrive academically, the SAAS advisory committee consisting of faculty members and university administrators oversee the learning progress and address the athletes' individual needs.

04
Academic Support

To ensure our student athletes thrive academically, both the designated SAAS advisory committee and academic tutors would follow up closely with their learning progress to offer personalized support addressing individual needs, such as extending the study period, study load adjustment, examination rescheduling, and class attendance waiver, etc.

Study period can be extended up to twice the normative program duration, i.e. up to 8 years for the majority of HKUST programs, and up to 10 years for the Dual Degree Program in Technology & Management. Athletes may apply for further extension of study period if necessary.

05
Graduation & Achievements

With the full support from HKUST, SAAS student athletes are accompanied by the SAAS committee every step along the way till graduation, making achievements both in academics and sports.

LPM Title
Student Athlete Voices
Student
"The only one who stops you is yourself."
Ashleigh Ying-wen MA
400m Hurdles, Sprinting
BSc in Global China Studies
"The biggest enemy you have to deal with is yourself."
Bowie Po-yi YUEN
Korfball
School of Business and Management
"If you're going to do something, give it 101%."
Jason Tai-long HARDCASTLE NG
Triathlon
School of Engineering
“The more difficult the victory, the greater the happiness in winning.”
Hei-man LAM
Sailing
BEng in Bioengineering
“There is no such thing as an easy ride. The one who dares to suffer the most wins the game."
Yanna Yatnga HUI
Track and Road Cycling
BEng in Bioengineering
"If you are not willing to risk the usual you will have to settle for the ordinary."
Pedrey Wing-lam NG
Table Tennis
BSc in Quantitative Finance
"You will never succeed if you never take your first step."
Jason Chun-ho YEUNG
3000m Steeplechase
BEng in Mechanical Engineering
“When your legs scream stop and your lungs are bursting. That's when it starts. That's the hurt locker. Winners love it there."
Mehmet Emin ARDUC (left)
Rowing
School of Business and Management
“Success is not final; failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.”
Claudia CHEUNG
Taekwondo
BBA in Information Systems and Operations Management
“Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Every mistake made is a valuable lesson learned."
Edith LEE
Archery
BEng in Computer Science
“As an engineer and athlete, I dare to take on challenges and never limit myself."
Hoi-fung WONG
Dragon Boat
BEng in Civil Engineering
“Don't be afraid of falling, just keep climbing."
Tseng-shun WONG
Mountaineering and Climbing
BBA in Information Systems
“There's nothing to it but to do it."
Tsz-hei KWOK
Obstacle Course Racing
BBA in Information Systems
“If your dream does not scare you, it is not big enough."
Chun-hei CHAN
Long Jump
BBA in Marketing
“In skating over thin ice, our safety is in our speed."
Chloe NG-BROSSARD
Figure Skating
BSc in Biotechnology
“Never hesitate when chances come."
Chloe Pui-wing CHAN
Ice Hockey
BBA in Global Business
“Stay hungry, remain humble, and get better today."
Yuen-yen YEUNG
Basketball
BEng in Aerospace Engineering
“Dance with your heart, your feet will follow!"
Naveen CHAN
Dancesport
BBA in Management
“The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today."
Sheung-chun HUE
Running
BEng in Civil Engineering
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Am I eligible?

Student athletes who meet the following criterion are strongly encouraged to apply for SAAS in the 2022 intake via either JUPAS or Non-JUPAS (for international qualifications or sub-degree holders):

Being a Local
Sub Module Reference

Have the right of abode in Hong Kong, or can show proof from the HKSAR Immigration Department confirming their “local” student status.

Meeting Admissions Requirements
Sub Module Reference

SAAS applicants would receive special admissions consideration based on their sport achievements. Applicants not meeting the University’s minimum entrance requirements but possess relevant nomination and recommendation will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Excelling in Sports
Sub Module Reference

Showcase satisfactory sporting performances at local, regional, and international levels, including being at least one of the following:

  • Member of Hong Kong, China Delegation
  • Hong Kong Junior Squad member
  • University Sports Federation of Hong Kong member
  • Hong Kong Schools of Sports Federation member
Being Recommended
Sub Module Reference

Recommended by the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) / renowned sports clubs / Sports Associations, and last attended school.

Details :
Multi Timeline Module
Title
For JUPAS Applicants
Date
25 Sep
Year
2023
Description Title
SAAS Application Opens
Date Checker
Date
Oct - Dec
Year
2023
Description Title
Application Window
Date Checker
Date
9 Jan
Year
2024
Description Title
SAAS Application Deadline (JUPAS)
Date Checker
Date
Jan - Mar
Year
2024
Description Title
SAAS Interview (JUPAS)
Date Checker
Date
Before HKDSE
Year
2024
Description Title
SAAS Offer(s) Releases
Date Checker
Title
For International Qualifications and Sub-Degree Holders
Date
25 Sep
Year
2023
Description Title
SAAS Application Opens
Date Checker
Date
21 Nov
Year
2023
Description Title
SAAS Application Deadline (Early Round)
Date Checker
Date
Nov - Dec
Year
2023
Description Title
SAAS Interview (Early Round)
Date Checker
Date
Late Dec
Year
2023
Description Title
SAAS Offer(s) Releases (Early Round)
Date Checker
Date
9 Jan
Year
2024
Description Title
SAAS Application Deadline (Main Round)
Date Checker
Date
Jan - Apr
Year
2024
Description Title
SAAS Interview (Main Round)
Date Checker
Date
Before 30 Apr
Year
2024
Description Title
SAAS Offer(s) Releases
Date Checker
LPM Title
Frequently Asked Questions
Module Reference
Title
If I discontinue competing and/or suspend squad practices in my public examination year, due to intensive preparation for public examinations and/or the pandemic, will I be disqualified for HKUST SAAS?
Description

Generally speaking, HKUST SAAS considers all sports achievements and records within 2 years backdating from the time of application. Student athletes who have paused sports development in their graduating year are equally welcome to apply.

However, given that most if not all competitions were hindered by the pandemic for some time already, HKUST SAAS is now considering sports achievements and records within the most recent 3 years and more by discretion.

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If I am not an athlete practicing Tier A or Tier B Sports as specified by HKSI, or if the sports I practiced is not as popular, will it affect my eligibility for HKUST SAAS?
Description

HKUST SAAS considers all kinds of sports. ALL student athletes with good sporting achievements, locally or internationally, are eligible and encouraged to apply.

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Has HKUST SAAS set any quota for different sports? Or is there any quota for different schools/programs?
Description

HKUST SAAS does NOT set any quota on the types of sports, school/program for application, gender, or admissions curriculum (JUPAS and Non-JUPAS) and so forth. HKUST, as always, take in whomever meets the standards.

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Does HKUST SAAS tend not to accept athletes in team sports?
Description

Whether it is a team sport or an individual sport, ALL competent student athletes will be considered on the same ground.

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As a JUPAS SAAS applicant, do I need to place the HKUST program choice in Band A positions in JUPAS?
Description

Successful SAAS candidates will receive admissions and scholarship offers from HKUST before the HKDSE result release date.

Every HKUST program choice among all 20 JUPAS choices of a successful SAAS candidate might be matched with a special admissions offer, regardless of its band position before HKDSE results release. However, the HKUST SAAS special admissions offers are only effective if they end up in Band A of the candidate’s final program choices, so successful SAAS applicants shall pay extra attention to their Band A final decisions.

In addition, if an SAAS candidate applies to any HKUST program which requires an admissions interview, please put such HKUST program in a Band A position to earn the interview invitation. For details, please see HKUST JUPAS Admissions Information.

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As a Non-JUPAS applicant, if I have already submitted my general admissions application, am I still eligible to apply for SAAS?
Description

If a Non-JUPAS student athlete has already submitted the general admissions application, HKUST still welcomes and encourages the applicant to submit an application for SAAS by the application deadline on 31 Mar 2022 to receive favorable admissions considerations. If a student succeeds in his/her SAAS application, HKUST may revise the admission offer(s) and scholarship arrangement.

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Do I need to mention my sports achievements in both HKUST SAAS application and general admission applications?
Description

Yes, since your admission application and SAAS application will be reviewed by different parties, it is to your benefits to include your sports achievements in both of your application profiles.

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Is there any interview in the application process? Does the interview matter?
Description

All shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview. Successful applicants will receive one or multiple conditional offer(s) before the result release date of their public examinations. Those who already had final public examination results will receive an official offer(s).

However, please do not confuse the SAAS interview with the admissions interview, which is held for all applicants in general. If you are being invited to both interviews at different dates and times, please do attend both for your benefit. For the types of academic programs that require admissions interviews mandatorily, please visit our admissions website.

Title
What are the assessment criteria in the SAAS interview?
Description

Through the SAAS interview, the panel aims to understand the applicants’ personality, sporting and academic goals and competence, and, if applicable, to clarify any unclear information in the application.

Contact Us

Want to discuss your future? We are happy to answer any enquiry about SAAS and studying at HKUST.

Email Address
Telephone
Mailing Address

Undergraduate Recruitment and Admissions Office, HKUST
Clear Water Bay, Kowloon,
Hong Kong

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