$20,800 /Yr
City University of Hong Kong Bachelor of Arts and Science in New Media is a 4-year full-time undergraduate degree spanning 48 months. International students pay HKD 190,000 annually. The program admits approximately 500 non-local students each September. Entry requires IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 79. A portfolio submission is strongly recommended for first-preference applicants.
This degree fuses art, science, and technology through four specialization tracks: Media Art, Robotics and AI, Art and Technology, and Materials and Digital Fabrication. The program trains graduates for careers in animation, game design, interactive media, web design, digital content creation, and emerging creative industries. BAS New Media is ideal for students who want interdisciplinary creative training with technical depth—balancing hand skills, theoretical knowledge, and computational thinking.
- Interdisciplinary curriculum spanning creative arts, technology, and innovation.
- Four specialized tracks allowing focus on media art, AI, design, or digital fabrication.
- Access to state-of-the-art studios, labs, and industry-standard production tools.
Current Admission Status
Applications for the September 2026 intake closed on 15 January 2026. The next cycle for September 2027 intake is expected to open in late September 2026. Indian applicants should plan for portfolio preparation and credential verification (typically 6–8 weeks before the deadline).
Also Check: CityU Bachelor New Media Admission
City University of Hong Kong Bachelor New Media Fees 2026
International undergraduates pay HKD 190,000 per year (INR 23.06 Lakhs). Additional fees apply annually.
| Fee Component | Amount (HKD) | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (annual) | 190,000 | 23.06 Lakhs |
| Campus and facilities fee (annual) | 2,200 | 26,699 |
| Laboratory and studio equipment fee (annual) | 1,500 | 18,204 |
| Total per year | 193,700 | 23.51 Lakhs |
| Total for 4 years | 774,800 | 94.04 Lakhs |
The studio and laboratory fee covers access to production equipment, software licenses, and creative workspaces essential for coursework. Campus fees include library, health services, and recreational facilities. Tuition remains fixed once you enroll—it does not increase year-on-year during your degree.
- Studio facilities include video production suites, 3D printing labs, animation studios, and VR/AR spaces.
- Software access covers industry-standard creative tools such as Maya, Cinema 4D, Unreal Engine, and Adobe Creative Suite.
- Facilities fee provides gym access, counseling, career support, and student events throughout your study period.
Source: City University of Hong Kong Finance Office, 2026 fee schedule
Cost of Living in Hong Kong for Bachelor New Media Students
Monthly living expenses in Hong Kong average HKD 4,200 (INR 51,000). This covers food, transport, utilities, and personal care. On-campus accommodation is limited; most international students rent off-campus.
| Expense | Monthly (HKD) | Monthly (INR) | Annual (HKD) | Annual (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food and dining | 2,500 | 30,341 | 30,000 | 3.64 Lakhs |
| Transport (MTR card) | 600 | 7,282 | 7,200 | 87,382 |
| Utilities and internet | 400 | 4,855 | 4,800 | 58,254 |
| Personal care and supplies | 700 | 8,495 | 8,400 | 1.02 Lakhs |
| Subtotal | 4,200 | 51,000 | 50,400 | 6.11 Lakhs |
| Private accommodation (off-campus, estimated) | 5,750–7,200 | 70,000–87,400 | 69,000–86,400 | 8.38–10.50 Lakhs |
| Health insurance (annual) | — | — | 3,350 | 40,685 |
Key insight: Hong Kong’s high density means shared apartments near campus (Kowloon Tong MTR) often cost less than halls of residence; budget HKD 5,500–6,500 (INR 67,000–79,000) monthly. Studio flats range HKD 7,000–9,000 (INR 85,000–109,000).
Read More: Cost of Living in Hong Kong
City University of Hong Kong Bachelor New Media Admission 2026
CityU admits international students on rolling basis. Intake occurs once yearly in September. Eligibility hinges on secondary (Grade 12) exam performance, English proficiency, and portfolio strength for creative disciplines.
Academic and Language Eligibility
| Requirement | Standard | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Secondary qualification | GCE A-Level / IB / equivalent upper-secondary exam | HSC, ICSE, CBSE 12th grade accepted; minimum 60% aggregate in major subjects |
| IELTS overall | 6.5 (band 6.0 minimum per component) | Test taken within 2 years of application; no waiver for native speakers |
| TOEFL iBT | 79 overall (reading 18, writing 17, speaking 18, listening 18) | Alternative to IELTS; same 2-year validity window |
| Portfolio (HKDSE only) | Recommended for top-choice applicants; optional for other bands | For non-HKDSE students: portfolio submission strengthens application but not mandatory |
City University of Hong Kong ranks #53 globally on QS 2023 World University Rankings and is among the top 18 universities in Asia. The university maintains 97% full-time employment for graduates and invests heavily in creative industry partnerships.
English Language Proficiency (ELP)
The IELTS 6.5 threshold is standard for all CityU undergraduate programs. Indian applicants typically require 10–14 weeks of exam-focused coaching to reach band 6.5.
- IELTS is accepted worldwide and test centers exist in every major Indian city; exam slots available monthly.
- Band 6.5 translates to intermediate English—fluent in everyday speech but may face difficulty with fast-paced lectures; consider pre-arrival language support.
- TOEFL iBT 79 is marginally easier than IELTS 6.5 for many Indian candidates; if you struggle with listening or writing on IELTS, TOEFL may suit you better.
- Neither test has a minimum per-component score for admission (unlike some UK universities), but some programs may advise additional writing support if your writing band is 5.5 or below.
Portfolio Requirements for New Media
HKDSE applicants who select the School of Creative Media as their Band A or B choice must submit a digital portfolio via the online portal by late November (exact date announced by end-2025). Non-HKDSE applicants (including Indians) are encouraged to submit, as it significantly strengthens the application.
- Portfolio should contain 10–15 pieces of original creative work (drawings, 3D models, video, coding projects, photography, mixed media).
- Emphasis on conceptual thinking, technical skill, and originality—not commercial polish.
- High-quality image files (300 dpi, in focus, even lighting); video clips up to 5 GB accepted.
- Include an artist statement (500 words max) explaining your creative motivation and why BAS New Media aligns with your goals.
City University of Hong Kong Bachelor New Media Application 2026
The 2026 intake deadline passed on 15 January 2026. The next intake cycle for September 2027 is expected to open in late September 2026. Applications for international direct entrants close in late January each year. Plan accordingly if you are a high school graduate applying for fall entry.
| Intake | Expected Application Opens | Expected Deadline | Admission Decision |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 2027 | Late September 2026 | 15 January 2027 (expected) | March–May 2027 |
| January 2028 (if available) | Late September 2027 (expected) | 15 November 2027 (expected) | December 2027 / January 2028 |
The School of Creative Media handles all BAS admission. Direct applicants (non-HKDSE) file applications via the international admissions portal. Application requires: secondary school transcript, IELTS or TOEFL score, portfolio link (optional but strongly advised), and a 300-word statement of intent. Processing typically takes 6–8 weeks.
Application tip: International applicants who submit portfolios are shortlisted separately; even if your exam scores are borderline, a compelling portfolio can secure an offer. Submit early (September–November) to avoid late technical glitches on the portal.
Also Check: Full CityU Admission Guide
City University of Hong Kong Bachelor New Media Scholarships 2026
CityU automatically considers all admitted international undergraduates for merit scholarships. No separate application required. Scholarship renewal requires maintaining a CGPA of 3.2 or higher each year.
| Scholarship Tier | Annual Award (HKD) | Annual Award (INR) | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top Scholarship | 160,000 | 19.42 Lakhs | Full tuition + on-campus accommodation + partial living costs |
| Full Tuition Scholarship | 190,000 | 23.06 Lakhs | 100% of annual tuition only |
| Half Tuition Scholarship | 95,000 | 11.53 Lakhs | 50% of annual tuition |
The Top Scholarship is highly competitive and reserved for applicants in the top 2–5% globally. For the Bachelor of New Media specifically, admission with a Top Scholarship occurs rarely; most successful applicants receive Half or Full Tuition awards. Total cost for a 4-year degree with a Full Tuition Scholarship reduces from INR 94.04 Lakhs to approximately INR 70.98 Lakhs (tuition paid, living costs and ancillary fees out-of-pocket).
Scholarship reality: International students with IELTS 7.0+ and portfolio scores in the 85th percentile have the strongest odds of a scholarship. Belt and Road applicants (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar) benefit from targeted support, but no India-specific fund exists.
City University of Hong Kong Bachelor New Media Salary 2026
Median starting salary for CityU graduates (all disciplines, Class 2023) is HKD 268,000 per year (INR 32.5 Lakhs). Media and creative industry roles tend toward the mid-range of this distribution.
| Career Path | Entry-Level Role | Starting Salary (Annual) | Starting Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animation / Visual Effects | Junior Animator | HKD 240,000–320,000 | INR 29.13–38.84 Lakhs |
| Game Design | Associate Game Designer | HKD 200,000–280,000 | INR 24.27–34.00 Lakhs |
| Web / Interactive Media | UX/UI Designer | HKD 220,000–300,000 | INR 26.70–36.41 Lakhs |
| Digital Content Creation | Content Strategist | HKD 200,000–260,000 | INR 24.27–31.55 Lakhs |
| Fine Arts / Curation | Junior Curator / Artist | HKD 180,000–240,000 | INR 21.85–29.13 Lakhs |
Salaries in Hong Kong are taxed progressively at standard rates starting at 2% on annual income below HKD 120,000. A gross salary of HKD 268,000 translates to net take-home of approximately HKD 230,000–245,000 (INR 27.95–29.75 Lakhs) after tax and mandatory provident fund (MPF) contributions. Salaries grow 8–12% annually with experience and specialization.
ROI reality: A BAS graduate in animation or game design recovers the HKD 774,800 total cost within 3–4 years of full-time employment in Hong Kong or Singapore, assuming no career gaps or repatriation.
Source: CityU Class 2023 employment survey, industry salary databases, Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department
Read More: Post-Study Work Visa Options in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Visa Bachelor New Media 2026
All international students admitted to CityU receive a student visa valid for the full duration of your degree (4 years for BAS New Media). After graduation, you are eligible for a 24-month post-study work visa (IANG) to work full-time in Hong Kong without sponsorship.
- Student visa processing takes approximately 2 weeks once you submit an offer letter, proof of financial support (INR 25 Lakhs / USD 30,000 minimum), a valid passport, and a medical certificate.
- Part-time work is permitted up to 20 hours per week during semester; full-time work allowed during summer breaks and scheduled holidays.
- Part-time income (typical HKD 80–120 per hour) can offset living costs; many students earn HKD 10,000–15,000 (INR 1.21–1.82 Lakhs) monthly during semester.
- Post-study work visa (IANG) requires no job offer at graduation; you have 24 months to find employment. Employer sponsorship for skilled worker visas (Employment Pass) begins at HKD 35,000 (INR 4.25 Lakhs) monthly gross salary threshold.
Visa reality: Hong Kong student visas are straightforward to obtain and rarely rejected for admitted CityU students. The 24-month IANG post-study work period is one of Asia’s longest, giving graduates ample time to secure skilled employment or transition to PR through continuous residence and employment.
Also Check: Hong Kong Student Visa Guide
City University of Hong Kong Bachelor New Media Ranking 2026
City University of Hong Kong holds a global QS rank of 53 (2023) and is the 18th-ranked university in Asia. In specific subject areas, CityU excels in Engineering (QS 99), Law (QS 41), Physics (QS 48), and Business (QS 85), reflecting strong research and teaching across STEM and social sciences.
No dedicated QS or THE subject ranking currently exists for Media Studies or New Media at CityU. However, the School of Creative Media holds industry accreditation from the Hong Kong Design Centre and maintains partnerships with major studios and production houses (Disney, Pixar, Google, Autodesk) for student internships, signaling peer recognition and employment value.
Key insight: Rankings reward research output, not necessarily undergraduate teaching quality or industry alignment. CityU’s creative industry partnerships and 97% graduate employment rate are stronger proxies for program value than a subject ranking.
Bachelor New Media FAQs
Ques. Is a portfolio mandatory for Indian applicants to the BAS New Media program?
Ans. Portfolios are mandatory for HKDSE applicants applying to the School of Creative Media as their Band A/B choice. For international applicants (including Indians), portfolio submission is not required but is strongly encouraged—a compelling portfolio can offset borderline exam scores. If you have meaningful creative work (3D models, animation, design projects, photography), include it to maximize your odds.
Ques. Can I work while studying the BAS New Media program in Hong Kong?
Ans. Yes. International students are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic semester and full-time during semester breaks and summer holidays. Studio work (freelance animation, design, coding) is common among BAS students. Most earn HKD 10,000–15,000 monthly, partially covering living costs. The school encourages industry internships; many count toward elective credits.
Ques. What happens after graduation—can I stay in Hong Kong to work?
Ans. Yes. Upon graduation, all international students receive a 24-month post-study work visa (IANG) without requiring a job offer or employer sponsorship upfront. This gives you two years to secure a permanent role in animation studios, game companies, media agencies, or startups. If you earn above HKD 35,000 monthly, your employer can sponsor a skilled worker visa (Employment Pass) for extended stay leading to permanent residency after seven years.
Ques. Is the BAS New Media degree recognized internationally outside Hong Kong?
Ans. Yes, strongly. CityU holds institutional accreditation from Hong Kong’s UGC (University Grants Committee) and carries weight in Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the UK creative industries. Animation studios, game publishers, and design agencies actively recruit CityU graduates; many roles do not require additional certifications. A CityU degree alone qualifies you for mid-level creative roles globally without a master’s degree.
Ques. What is the difference between BAS New Media and BA Creative Media or BSc Creative Media?
Ans. BAS (Bachelor of Arts and Science) combines liberal arts coursework with engineering and programming; ideal if you want both artistic theory and technical depth. BA Creative Media emphasizes fine arts and design history, fewer technical modules. BSc Creative Media is code-heavy with graphics programming and computational design. BAS is the most balanced—suited for careers spanning animation, game design, and interactive media. If you prefer pure coding, choose BSc; if you prefer pure art history, choose BA.
The BAS in New Media at CityU prepares you for careers blending art and technology in a major creative hub. Hong Kong’s position as a regional media center, combined with CityU’s 97% employment rate and industry partnerships, makes this an affordable gateway to Asia’s creative sector. Scholarships reduce costs meaningfully; the 24-month post-study work visa extends your options well beyond graduation.
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | $20800 (HKD 160000) |
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $18850 (HKD 145000) |
Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 260/Yr$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored |












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