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The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

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JS5101

International Research Enrichment 國際科研

IRE

Short Description

The International Research Enrichment (IRE) program (JS5101) is designed for students who are interested in pursuing a research career in science or broadening their exposure to research during their undergraduate studies. It emphasizes curiosity and grit, which are the essential attributes to a successful career in scientific research. Building upon the premise that exposure to international research environments at an early stage is essential to a fruitful research career, the program offers outstanding science students an early opportunity to nurture their research abilities and solidify their discipline-specific knowledge in regular Science programs.

Curriculum Highlights:

The IRE program (JS5101) has a similar curriculum structure as that of Science (Group A) (JS5102) and Science (Group B) (JS5103) programs. However, the IRE program distinguishes itself from regular science programs by providing students with the following:

  • Free choice of major programs among Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Ocean Science and Technology, and Physics
  • Participation in advanced research projects under the supervision of world-class professors
  • Opportunities to meet with Nobel Laureates and renowned scientists
  • Individualized research guidance and mentoring from experienced faculty members
  • Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)
  • Exchange and internship opportunities in renowned foreign universities/research institutes
    - Summer research internship opportunities in foreign universities and institutions
    - Scholarship support for overseas learning trips

Most of our graduates have been admitted into top research postgraduate programs at world-renowned universities.

Remarks:
Students can apply for the IRE program through the direct choice in JUPAS, or apply for transfer from the regular Science (Group A) program or Science (Group B) program of the School of Science into IRE program after their first year of study. Students interested in IRE program are encouraged to include both IRE program (JS5101) and either Science (Group A) program (JS5102) or Science (Group B) (JS5103) in their JUPAS program choices.

Requirements

  • Programme Entrance Requirements
  • General Entrance Requirements
Core Subjects Minimum Level
CHINESE LANGUAGE 3
CITIZENSHIP AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENTNote1 Attained
ENGLISH LANGUAGE 3
MATHEMATICS COMPULSORY PART 2
Elective Subject(s) Minimum Level
Two of the following elective subjects:
PHYSICS 3
CHEMISTRY 3
ANY 1 SUBJECTNote2 3
BIOLOGY 3
MATHEMATICS EXTENDED MODULE 1 OR 2 3
Notes:
  1. The result(s) of Liberal Studies (Level 2 or above) achieved in previous sitting(s) will also be considered.
  2. The above subjects refer to Category A subjects.
  3. Interview is compulsory for admissions. 

For more details about admissions score calculation, please refer to: http://join.hkust.edu.hk/admissions/jupas/.
Core Subjects Minimum Level
CHINESE LANGUAGENote1 3
CITIZENSHIP AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENTNote2 Attained
ENGLISH LANGUAGE 3
MATHEMATICS COMPULSORY PART 2
Elective Subject(s) Minimum Level
ANY 2 SUBJECTSNote4 3
Or
ANY 1 SUBJECT 3
MATHEMATICS EXTENDED MODULE 1 OR 2 3
Notes: 
  1. Non-Chinese speaking (NCS) students may use an alternative Chinese subject, an HKDSE Other Language subject, or an HKDSE Applied Learning Chinese subject to satisfy the University’s Chinese language requirement. 
  2. The result(s) of Liberal Studies in previous sitting(s) will also be considered in HKUST General Entrance Requirement. Level 2 or above is required. 
    "Attained" level in Citizenship and Social Development and the result(s) of Liberal Studies will not be considered in the admissions score calculation.
  3. The above subjects refer to Category A subjects.
  4. Score 3 or above in Category C (Other Languages) subjects will also be considered as 2nd Elective. Please refer to https://join.hkust.edu.hk/admissions/jupas/ for the conversion of HKDSE level/grades to scores.

Calculation of scores for applicants with more than 1 sitting in HKDSE Examination

Once the minimum entrance requirements have been met, the best results achieved in all sittings will be used for calculating admissions scores.

First Year Tuition Fee

HK$ 44,500

Contacts

School of Science

Email: ugscience@ust.hk

Tel: (852) 2358 5065

Statistics

Application Statistics (after Modification of Programme Choices)

Year Band A Band B Band C Band D Band E Total
2024 69 45 63 91 104 372
2023 73 50 64 85 79 351
2022 79 54 83 96 108 420
2021 126 77 82 98 107 490
2020 91 74 96 96 126 483
2019 91 47 84 94 108 424
2018 74 52 78 97 114 415
2017 91 46 82 95 113 427
2016 78 46 92 98 125 439
2015 93 57 64 138 162 514
2014 122 48 103 155 206 634
2013 143 141 216 299 348 1147

Offer Statistics (as at the Announcement of the Main Round Offer Results)

Year Band A Band B Band C Band D Band E Total
2024 21 0 0 0 0 21
2023 20 0 0 0 0 20
2022 17 0 0 0 0 17
2021 23 0 0 0 0 23
2020 23 0 0 0 0 23
2019 20 0 0 0 0 20
2018 20 0 0 0 0 20
2017 18 0 0 0 0 18
2016 20 0 0 0 0 20
2015 18 0 0 0 0 18
2014 14 0 0 0 0 14
2013 14 0 0 0 0 14
Footnote(s)
  1. As the 2025/26 academic year is the beginning of the 2025/26 - 2027/28 triennium for which the allocation of UGC-funded places is still subject to the Government's approval, the number of intake places shown above is indicative only and subject to changes or confirmation.