IB requirements at HKUST, course by course
| Course | IB points | Maths required | Maths AI HL | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering (all BEng programmes)2027 entry | Not stated | Math is a must; accepted IBDP Math subjects: Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (HL), Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (SL), Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation (HL) | Accepted | seng.hkust.edu.hkchecked |
| Computer Science2027 entry | Not stated | Senior level Mathematics, and one senior level subject from Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science | Accepted | join.hkust.edu.hk and maths policychecked |
| Physics2027 entry | Not stated | Mathematics, and one senior level subject from Physics, Chemistry | Not stated on the page | join.hkust.edu.hkchecked |
| Mathematics2027 entry | Not stated | Mathematics, and one senior level subject from Physics, Chemistry | Not stated on the page | join.hkust.edu.hkchecked |
| BBA Economics2027 entry | Not stated | IBDP: SL Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or HL Mathematics | Not stated on the page | bmundergrad.hkust.edu.hkchecked |
| Economics and Finance2027 entry | Not statedMathematics must be HL | IBDP: HL Mathematics | Not stated on the page | bmundergrad.hkust.edu.hkchecked |
What the pages say about the two maths courses
Engineering (all BEng programmes). AI HL is listed explicitly; AI SL is not in the list of accepted IBDP Math subjects. No minimum grade is stated. Physics: One science subject (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science) at HL or SL; Physics is the preferred subject for several disciplines, e.g. Mechanical Engineering.
Computer Science. The programme page only says senior level Mathematics; the School of Engineering FAQ (policy_source) names AA HL, AA SL and AI HL as the accepted IBDP Math subjects, so AI SL is not accepted. Physics: Preferred: Physics or Computer Science (applicants without them are still considered).
Physics. The School of Science requirement says only 'Mathematics' without naming AA or AI; the interactive IB table on the same page is inconsistent (it lists Chemistry/Biology under Mathematics), so AI HL acceptance is not clearly stated for Science. Physics: One senior level subject from Physics or Chemistry (Physics not compulsory).
Mathematics. The School of Science requirement says only 'Mathematics' without naming AA or AI; the interactive IB table on the same page is inconsistent (it lists Chemistry/Biology under Mathematics), so AI HL acceptance is not clearly stated for Science. Physics: One senior level subject from Physics or Chemistry (Physics not compulsory).
BBA Economics. The business school lists 'HL Mathematics' without naming the course, which reads as either HL course, but AI HL is not named; AI SL is clearly not enough since only AA is named at SL.
Economics and Finance. The business school requires 'HL Mathematics' for its quantitative programmes without saying whether AI HL counts; AA SL is not enough.
How to read an offer like this
The points total and the Higher Level grades are conditions that must all be met together. A student with 41 points and a 6 in HL Mathematics does not meet an offer that asks for 40 points with a 7 in HL Mathematics.
Where the page says a maths course is preferred, both are considered and the preference can count between similar applicants. Where it says only, the other course does not meet the requirement. If the school does not offer Analysis and Approaches at Higher Level, write to admissions before applying and keep the answer.
Frequently asked questions
Does HKUST accept IB Maths AI HL for Engineering (all BEng programmes)?
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Does HKUST accept IB Maths AI HL for Computer Science?
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Does HKUST accept IB Maths AI HL for Physics?
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Does HKUST accept IB Maths AI HL for Mathematics?
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Does HKUST accept IB Maths AI HL for BBA Economics?
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Does HKUST accept IB Maths AI HL for Economics and Finance?
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