Hong Kong

International Foundation Programme Entry Requirements

Our International Foundation Programme is aimed at students who have the drive and ambition to attend a world-class educational institute, but cannot begin an undergraduate degree directly. Our International Foundation Programme is a year-long programme designed to allow students to develop the skills required to succeed and excel in a competitive university environment. To find out more about the Trinity International Foundation Programme, please visit this page.

To apply to the International Foundation programme, you will need:

English requirements:

• IELTS 5.0 with 5.0 in writing with no element below 4.5
• Duolingo English Test: minimum overall score of 80/160

English requirements for Law, Pharmacy and Psychology:

• IELTS 6.0 with no band below 5.5
• Duolingo English Test: minimum overall score of 90/160

Academic requirements:

• HKDSE - 5 subjects, with at least two at level 4 (not including Chinese) and remainder at level 3 or above

Undergraduate Requirements

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)

Minimum Entry Requirements:

Six subjects to include English, mathematics and a language *other than English. A minimum of three core subjects at level 4 or above and two elective subjects at level 4.

(*Level 4 in another language can be accepted in lieu of Core Chinese to satisfy minimum entry requirements)

Specific Course Requirements:

Where specific course requirements state a Grade C at A Level/H4 at Higher Level, HKDSE Level 4 will be required. (except for mathematics where Level 5 will be required for courses such as Engineering).

Conditional Offers:

Will be based on core and elective subjects (excluding Liberal Studies and Chinese). The levels required will depend on the competitiveness of the course being applied for.

Notes:

Grading scheme for the HKDSE has a scale of 1 – 5, of which 1 is the lowest and 5 is the highest. The scores are awarded as follows: 5***, 5**, 5*, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.

Mathematics: compulsory mathematics satisfies minimum entry and/or specific course requirements where GCSE level mathematics is required. Where A Level mathematics is required e.g. Engineering, applicants will need to present level 5 in both compulsory and extended mathematics.

The following electives are not acceptable: Health Management and Social Care; Physical Education; Tourism and Hospitality Studies. Where course requirements specify physics, chemistry or biology – these would not be satisfied by combined science or integrated science.

Accepted qualifications for direct applications include:

• GCE A Levels
• International Baccalaureate
• US High School Diploma with SAT or ACT

More information about accepted qualifications and entry requirements can be found in our Undergraduate Admission Guide for non-EU students.

If you do not have any of these qualifications, you may join Trinity through our International Foundation Programme.
In addition, to qualify for admission to a degree course at the University you must:

1. Meet the minimum matriculation requirements (pass grades in English, Mathematics, a language other than English, and a full set of valid subjects for your examination system)
2. Display a high level of competence in the English language in one of the examination systems recognised by Trinity College Dublin. Details on accepted English proficiencies are available here.
3. Satisfy course specific requirements. Some courses will have additional requirements and restrictions for admission. They are detailed on the relevant course page.
4. Meet competitive standards for admission to the course.
   
   Please note that posted scores are minimum entrance requirements only and do not guarantee admission. Where places are competitive, a student must have excellent examination results to qualify for a place on their preferred course.

These standards are indicative only and final assessment will be made by Trinity's Academic Registry.

Important note on your application

Applicants from your country will normally be defined by Trinity as Non-EU applicants; this is based on residency rather than nationality.

Your EU/Non-EU status is an important part of your application and it is your responsibility to determine your correct status before making an application, as the method of application and requirements will differ.

Determining EU/Non-EU status (Undergraduate)

Making an Application

For detailed information on how to make an application to study at Trinity College Dublin, please see our How to Apply Guide.

There are many different ways to come to University and Trinity encourages applicants from all backgrounds and circumstances to apply. For more information on alternative paths to Trinity, such as advanced entry transfers please see our guide to non-standard applications here

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Postgraduate work in Trinity is academically challenging and the University has high academic entry requirements.

Applicants will need to:

• hold at least a 2.1 honors degree from an Irish university or equivalent result from a university in another country.

• display a high level of competence in the English language in one of the examination systems recognised by Trinity College Dublin. Details on accepted English proficiencies are available on our Admission Requirements page

Some courses may require higher standards or require you to take further tests or attend an interview. More detailed requirements for each course are listed on the relevant course page

If you have questions about the specifics of the admission requirements for a given course, or about the course itself, you should contract the course coordinator directly using the contact information available on the courses page.

Determining EU/Non-EU Status (Postgraduate)

Fees, Funding, Scholarships

The fees you will be expected to pay to attend Trinity College Dublin are determined by a number of factors.

For more information on how to determine your course fees, and methods of payment, please see our detailed information on Fees and Finances.

Undergraduate Fees and Finances

Postgraduate Fees and Finances

Trinity College Dublin offers a number of scholarship opportunities for prospective and current students interested in study or research at Ireland's leading university. Since its foundation in 1592, Trinity College Dublin has sought to assist students of limited means and reward academic achievement. Students are always encouraged to explore external funding options in their home countries.

For more information on scholarship, funding and grant opportunities, please see below.

General Undergraduate Scholarships and Funding

General Postgraduate Scholarships and Funding

International Scholarships

Scholarships for International Foundation Programme Study

Visas

Do I need a Visa to come to Ireland to study at Trinity?

The majority of non-EU/EEA students require a visa before entry to Ireland.

To check to see whether you require a visa, please see here.

Please see on the Irish Immigration Service website a list of the countries that require a visa before entry to Ireland.
For general information on visas and immigration please visit our Visa Information section.

Meet us in your country

Trinity in your Country

We are not travelling actively at the moment but we are always happy to help answer questions about our programmes, entry requirements and student life. You can find contact details for your regional representative in the "Contact us" section below. Any visits to your region are listed on this page.

Education Agents

Trinity works with education agents who can assist you with your application. Here is the list of our approved agents in your country: