University of Hong Kong Faculty of Medicine updates language requirements

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) Faculty of Medicine has updated its admission requirements for the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program for the 2027/28 academic year. The previous requirement of ‘a good working knowledge of Cantonese’ has been changed to ‘a good working knowledge of Chinese,’ a term that encompasses both Cantonese and Mandarin.

The Faculty of Medicine stated that this revision is intended to ensure the admissions policy can comprehensively assess the integrated abilities of applicants from diverse backgrounds. The institution clarified that this change does not constitute a relaxation of entry standards, nor does it imply that Mandarin can be used to replace Cantonese for clinical work in Hong Kong public hospitals.

To ensure patient safety and effective communication, the Faculty emphasized that all students must possess the Cantonese proficiency required to communicate effectively with local patients before commencing clinical internships. For students who do not meet the required Cantonese level upon entry, the university will provide language training and resources. The Faculty also reaffirmed that English remains the primary language of instruction, clinical documentation, and academic exchange, maintaining strict English proficiency requirements for all applicants.