1. Can I apply for more than one programme?
Candidates may apply for more than one Programme. However, as the selection panel for each Programme is different, you must submit separate applications along with relevant sets of supporting documents and pay the corresponding fees for each application. Please note that even if they are admitted to more than one Programme, they will only be allowed to enrol in one of them.
2. Can I apply for the programme if I am currently studying for a postgraduate degree at HKU or other institutions?
According to the HKU General Qualifications for Admissions, concurrent registration by a student at this University for another post-secondary qualification at this University or another institution is not permitted unless approval from the Senate has been obtained in advance.
3. When will the courses be scheduled?
The Programme adopts an intensive semester mode with a mixture of face-to-face teaching and online learning. Campus class teaching will be scheduled: for one week per month from September to December and January to April with structured lectures with effective peer learning circles. In between monthly campus teaching weeks, online real-time lectures and tutorials are offered through teaching software for interactions with teachers. On campus, the teaching team organizes field visits to charitable organizations to facilitate interactive learning and common shares of experiences. For details, you may take reference from the timetable MSocSc (Nonprofit Management ) of the following link:
https://www.socialwork.hku.hk/students/
4. Does the Programme offer a part-time study mode?
Yes, starting from 2020, the Programme also offers a part-time option which allows candidates to finish the Programme in 2 years.
5. For non-local students, will HKU support my entry and stay in Hong Kong as a full-time student?
For full-time non-local candidates, the University of Hong Kong will facilitate you to apply for a student visa to Hong Kong.
6. Do I need to include my part-time and volunteer experience in the application?
Yes. Please list the details of your working experience, including full-time, part-time, and volunteer experience in your application.
7. Will I be considered if I don’t have three years post-qualification working experience in the public, private or non-profit sectors in the public, private or non-profit sectors?
Although our Programme prefers candidates with 3 years of relevant work experience, you could still apply to our Programme and list all your full-time/part-time work experiences, as well as your internship/volunteer experience (if any), which are relevant to nonprofit management in your application.
It is important to note that to be eligible for admission, a candidate shall also comply with the Admissions Requirements. Please refer to the following websites for more information.
https://www.socialwork.hku.hk/mnpm/admission/
8. What is the medium of instruction of the MSocSc (Nonprofit Management) Programme?
The medium of instruction at the University of Hong Kong is English. Written work and examinations are also completed in English.
9. Is there a quota for applicants from the same organizations?
No. The Programme aims to recruit a diverse student body in terms of country of origin, ethnicity, experience, academic background, personal capacities, study plan, potential contribution to mutual learning and nature of NPO.
10. How can I be selected to receive a scholarship or fellowship?
We look for outstanding applicants who can effectively and attractively convey a personal profile articulating their vision of nonprofit development. Together with your application, we expect to receive your “Scholarships/Fellowships Application” personal profile and a short video about your work, and how your organisation will support your study to enable you to do this Programme.
For more information, please visit:
https://www.socialwork.hku.hk/mnpm/mnpm-scholarships/
11. Can I defer my admission to the next year if I am admitted?
You are required to re-apply for admission for the next year.
12. What are the differences between our Programme and other master’s degrees in humanities or public service management?
The MSocSc (NPM) Programme is designed as an Executive Mode Master Programme to nurture change makers in confronting Global Challenges through strategic entrepreneurship and holistic management capabilities of mid- and senior level nonprofit leaders in Non-Profit Organizations (NPO) in the world, with a special emphasis on Greater China and the Asian-Pacific Region. Graduates will bring their Non-Profit Organizations (NPO) into new horizons. Students will be able to learn from each other their successes and problem-solving in their respective NPOs. Curriculum and capstone projects will contribute to the consolidation of existing practice to form a new hub of knowledge and experience. Emerging issues and trends of nonprofit management will be integrated into a comprehensive syllabus that addresses leadership, non-profit governance, behavioral economics, social innovations, strategic organizational development and talent management, philanthropy and grant-making as well as legal and financial aspects of the non-profit sector of service organizations and foundations. Students will also study philanthropic issues and non-profit incubations such as community-interest companies, social venture capital and new marketing approach in the virtue community.
13. I think a postgraduate course should deliver more than knowledge and skills. How will this Programme benefit nonprofit professionals?
As the Programme invites applicants to have a minimum of two years of working experience or have served in NGOs or corporations, all students in the Programme will be able to contribute to this executive mode Master Programme. Not only will students benefit from learning from each other, the multi-cultural network among the students formed by this Programme will foster creative synergy among NPOs in the Asia-Pacific Region. Study tours and field visits will expand students’ field exposure and evidence-based research. And, elective course: Brand Building and Social Marketing (MNPM7012) adopts a professional practicum mode for empirical learning. The Programme supports practices-based wisdom and evidence-based practice in for-profit and non-profit organisations.
14. Will the Programme help students liaise with nonprofit organisations for field visits?
During campus course teaching, the Programme will schedule visits to non-profit organisations (e.g. charities, social organisations, grantmaking institutes, community interest corporations) in Hong Kong or nearby areas to strengthen teaching and learning.
15. What is a capstone project?
Capstone Project is a core course that aims to facilitate students’ integrative learning in the context of nonprofit management. It is a professional project that involves research and exploration of significant issues or trends in nonprofits. Students are advised to design their own project topic as well as network the necessary fieldwork. The teaching staff will help students to connect with field resources and top-notch experts in their respective areas.
16. Will the Programme offer internship opportunities to students?
Yes. The Programme collaborates with different institutions to provide practical experience to students in their respective fields of study in a real-world setting. This will help improve their employability and inspire them to pursue careers in the nonprofit sector upon graduation.
17. Is the internship a compulsory course for all students to attend?
The internship programme is compulsory for students with less than two years of work experience in the nonprofit sector. The Programme will be formal, structured, and credit-bearing for eligible students. By participating in the internship, students will have the opportunity to earn credits towards their degrees while gaining invaluable work experience in their respective fields of study.
18. I work in a non-profit institute and would like to explore research partnerships with HKU on non-profit impacts. Will this Programme give potential help?
Yes. The Programme supports students (who are experienced non-profit professionals) to carry out capstone research projects and course assignments to align with the non-profit sector’s development. If your organization has planned that match with the Programme’s teaching topics, please contact us for discussion.
1. How should I submit my application?
For Full-time candidates, please apply at:
For Part-time candidates, please apply at:
2. How should I submit my supporting documents?
Applicants are required to upload the following supporting documents in PDF format before the application deadline. Your application number should be included in the files name of each document.
For example:
MNPM_1100112910_T1 (stands for 1st submitted Transcript)
MNPM_1100112910_G2 (stands for 2nd submitted Graduation Certificate)
Abbreviations for file naming:
T: Transcript
G: Graduation Certificate
B: Bachelor Certificate
E: Proof of English Proficiency
P: Personal Statement
C: CV
N: Name Changing Proof
O: Other Certificates
Transcripts, diplomas, certificates, English language official score reports and other submitted documents which are NOT in English should be accompanied by a certified translation in English. The certified translation may be provided by your home institution. All supporting documents should be uploaded and the E-reference should be available on or before the application closing date. Late provision of supporting documents may cause delays in the processing of your application.
Please note that hard copies/original/certified true copies of documents are NOT REQUIRED at the application stage.
Should you be given an admission offer, you will receive an email notice to submit the original/certified true copies of the required supporting documents with submission details. However, applicants should take into account the processing time required for the issuance of original/certified true copies of documents and start preparing them at their earliest convenience.
3. What supporting documents should I submit for my application?
Candidates are required to submit the following supporting documents:
a) Identity Documents
Local applicants: Hong Kong ID Card
Non-local applicants from Mainland China: Mainland ID Card/Passport
Non-local applicants from other countries/regions: Passport
Please refer to the Admissions Office for the categorisation of local and non-local applicants.
b) Transcript *
Completed official transcript with award/conferment information of your Undergraduate studies
Completed official transcript(s) of Taught Postgraduate / Associate Degree / Higher Diploma programme (Only for applicants who have also obtained Master’s degree / Associate Degree / Higher Diploma programme.)
Latest transcript of current Undergraduate / Taught Postgraduate studies (Only for applicants who are expected to complete the Bachelor’s degree / Master’s degree programme by August 31, 2025)
c) Degree Certificates
Graduate certificate of undergraduate studies
Graduate certificate of Taught Postgraduate / Associate Degree / Higher Diploma programme
(Only for applicants who have also obtained Master’s degree / Associate Degree / Higher Diploma programme.)
(For applicants who have obtained a degree from universities in Mainland China)
Online Verification Report of Higher Education Qualification Certificate (教育部學歷證書電子註冊備案表), in both Chinese and English versions, issued by the China Higher Education Student Information (學信網); and
Online Verification Report of Higher Education Degree Certificate (中國高等教育學位在線驗證報告), in both Chinese and English versions, issued by China Higher Education Student Information
Please set the validity period of the above-requested reports to six months or the longest available duration.
(For non-local applicants from Mainland China whose qualification were awarded by overseas universities)
Overseas Credentials Evaluation Report (國外學歷學位認證書) issued by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE) (教育部留學服務中心); or
Given the processing time required by CSCSE, if the Report is not yet available by the document submission deadline, an email or a text message sent by CSCSE after payment, confirming that the application of the Report has been successfully initiated. Upon receipt of the Overseas Credentials Evaluation Report, applicants should upload the document to the application system.
d) English Language Requirements
Applicants with qualifications from universities or comparable institutions outside Hong Kong, where the language of teaching and/or examination is not English, are required to obtain valid and satisfactory results from one of the following examinations:
TOEFL (University’s TOEFL code is 9671) / IELTS / GCE / IGCSE / Cambridge Test of Proficiency in English Language
For the acceptance range of performance for respective examinations, please refer to the requirements of university/respective programmes.
Applicants with qualifications from universities or comparable institutions where the medium of teaching and examination is English should provide:
An official letter or equivalent proof, such as transcript or degree certificate, confirming that the applicants’ qualifications were obtained from a university or comparable institution where the medium of instruction is English
e) Two referee reports sent via the online application system
Only referees with the provision of official university/company email/correspondence addresses are accepted. The University may approach referees and their affiliated university/company for verification.
Curriculum vitae in English / Other relevant documents / List of publications (if appropriate) & Personal statement (around 1,000 words)
Maximum 10 pages
f) Recent photo with plain background (file size less than 1MB)
For details regarding the academic documents, please refer to the following table:
| Bachelor in Mainland China | Bachelor in HK | Bachelor in Australia, Canada, UK, USA, Singapore, New Zealand | Bachelor in Other Countries | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree |
Complete official transcript in Chinese and English
|
Complete official transcript with award/conferment information |
Complete official transcript with award/conferment information |
Complete official transcript with award/conferment information |
| Online Verification Report of Higher Education Qualification Certificate (教育部學歷證書電子注冊備案表) from CHSI in Chinese and English | Not required | Not required | Graduation Certificate | |
| Degree Certificate in Chinese and English / Online Verification Report of Higher Education Degree Certificate (中国高等教育学位在线验证报告) from CHSI in Chinese and English | Not required | Not required | Not required | |
| English Language Requirement |
TOEFL/IELTS report |
Not required* | Not required* |
TOEFL/IELTS report |
*If the medium of language of teaching and/or examination is English.
4. My home institution only issues e-transcript to students. Are e-transcripts accepted by the University?
Please note that the following e-transcript systems are accepted. Please confirm if your home institution is using the following: My eQuals, Parchment, Gradintelligence / Gradintel, National Student Clearinghouse, MyCreds.ca.
For other e-transcript systems, we may need to further check with the issuing universities to see if they are acceptable.
Candidates may insert mnpm@hku.hk as the recipient in the e-transcript systems. For other supporting documents, please submit the supporting documents by post to our department address.
5. What does “certified true copy” mean?
A photocopy of the original document that has been duly declared as a true copy before a notary public (e.g. a Commissioner for Oaths at a District Office in Hong Kong民政事務處/公證處 for mainland China) (Please click here for details on making declarations of documents at District Offices). For overseas candidates, copies of documents may be certified by appropriate officials of their home institute.
Candidates should complete the declaration process and submit the full set of documents along with the cover page that includes the following wordings in English or Chinese:
| English | The documents marked xxx attached to this declaration are true copies of original documents held by me. |
| Chinese | 聲名附件xxx與本人持有之正本原件相同 |
They may find a declaration sample below. Please note that the document is provided by the Home Affairs Department, HKSARG.
https://admissions.hku.hk/tpg/sites/default/files/Declaration%20Sample%20210520.pdf
Please note that missing declaration cover page/not submitting the whole set of declared documents/declaration cover page missing the above wordings may not be accepted by the Registry of the University.
6. If a person enrolls in both Associate Degree and Bachelor’s Degree Programme in Hong Kong, is it required to submit transcripts for both degrees?
The submission of bachelor’s degree supporting documents will be sufficient.
7. May I provide additional evidence of my academic qualifications?
If a candidate wants to provide evidence of their performance in other courses or Programmes, the candidate may submit them for our review.
8. Am I required to submit a reference form?
Candidates should nominate 2 referees on the application system to support their application to the University. Please communicate with the referees and seek their consent prior to submitting the application. An email will be sent to each referee AUTOMATICALLY to seek their confidential reference after successfully submitting an application. Hence, valid information must be provided. Otherwise, the application may not be processed.
9. Do you accept graduation certificates and/or transcripts that are not in English?
Graduation certificates and/or transcripts that are not in English should be accompanied by an officially certified translation into English, normally completed by the Registry of the awarding institution and/or the High Court/Lawyer.
10. I am a candidate holding a qualification from an institution outside Hong Kong where the language of teaching and examination is not English. I found discrepancies between the Programme and the University’s English language requirements. Which one should I follow?
Please note that our Programme has a different admission standard regarding English Language requirements. We require candidates to obtain either one of the following:
In addition, since medium of instruction of the Programme is English, applicants with a higher English test score (IELTS 7.0+ or TOEFL iBT 95+) are preferred and will be given priority to interview and admissions.
11. I have qualified for the English requirement but have yet to receive the true copy of my certificate. What should I do?
If you have already qualified for the English requirement but have yet to receive the true copy of your certificate, please state your result in the application form first; You may receive a conditional offer whereupon you will need to submit a copy of the certificate by post before the deadline stated in the conditional offer letter.
1. What will the written test and interview be?
Shortlisted candidates would be invited for a 1 – 2 hours written test and 30 minutes group interview. The written test would be in essay type and candidates are required to answer and type in English. The written test and interview would be about the topic of the Non-profit Management discipline.
2. By what means will admission tests & interviews be provided to candidates?
Online admission tests and interviews via zoom will be provided. Candidates should download and install Zoom Client and observe the Zoom guidelines in advance if necessary. For details, please refer to the zoom official website at https://zoom.us/
3. Are intake quotas evenly distributed for each round of admission?
No. Places are offered on a first-come-first-serve basis. Due to keen competition, potential candidates are strongly encouraged to apply earlier.