₹22.1 L/Yr
Bachelor of Arts in Landscape Studies at The University of Hong Kong is a 4-year undergraduate degree training designers to shape cities and regions for social and environmental change. The program combines studio-based learning with fieldwork across Hong Kong’s dense urban landscapes. International students pay HKD 224,000 (INR 27.26 Lakhs) annually. Applications open December 2025; deadline August 21, 2026 for the 2026/27 intake. This programme requires demonstrated creative thinking and design aptitude through a portfolio submission.
Landscape Studies at HKU trains you in design studio practice, environmental theory, and community engagement. The curriculum balances creative speculation with real-world problem-solving. You’ll undertake frequent fieldwork across Hong Kong, travel to international studios, and participate in design workshops on pressing urban challenges. Graduates enter top postgraduate programmes globally or HKU’s professional MLA.
- Design-studio education with hands-on projects addressing Hong Kong’s high-density urban ecology.
- International exposure through overseas field trips and exchange partnerships with world-leading programs.
- Portfolio-based admissions recognise creative thinking and self-directed learning capacity above exam scores alone.
Current Admission Status
Applications for the September 2026 intake are Open. International student deadline: 21 August 2026, 12:00 noon HK Time.
Indian applicants must submit portfolios demonstrating creative problem-solving and design thinking. Early submission is recommended to allow time for portfolio revisions after feedback.
Also Check: The University of Hong Kong Bachelor of Arts Landscape Studies Admission
The University of Hong Kong Bachelor of Arts Landscape Studies Fees and Living Costs 2026
International tuition for Landscape Studies at HKU is HKD 224,000 (INR 27.26 Lakhs) per year. Over four years, you’ll pay a total of HKD 896,000 (INR 1.09 Crore) in tuition alone.
| Fee Component | HKD | INR Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Tuition (Non-Local) | HKD 224,000 | INR 27.26 Lakhs |
| 4-Year Total Tuition | HKD 896,000 | INR 1.09 Crore |
All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of HKD 1 = INR 12.17 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily, verify before applying.
- Tuition covers classroom instruction, studio facilities, and access to design labs across four years.
- Architecture programmes classify as non-STEM faculties and charge the higher tuition tier.
- Fees are subject to annual increases in subsequent years beyond the 2026/27 cycle.
- International health insurance is mandatory, typically adding INR 40,000 to 50,000 annually.
Cost of Living in Hong Kong for Landscape Studies Students
| Expense Category | Monthly Range (HKD) | Monthly Range (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (Hall of Residence) | HKD 1,440 to HKD 3,160 | INR 17,530 to INR 38,460 |
| Accommodation (Off-Campus Rental) | HKD 4,000 to HKD 6,000 | INR 48,680 to INR 73,020 |
| Food and Groceries | HKD 2,500 | INR 30,425 |
| Transport | HKD 400 | INR 4,868 |
| Utilities and Phone | HKD 400 | INR 4,868 |
| Personal Care and Discretionary | HKD 2,700 | INR 32,859 |
| Monthly Total (Budget) | HKD 9,640 | INR 1,17,340 |
| Monthly Total (Comfortable) | HKD 16,260 | INR 1,98,000 |
Key Insight: Hong Kong’s dense urbanism means most students live off-campus within 30 minutes of campus, splitting shared flats at HKD 4,000 to HKD 5,500 per month. University halls are heavily subsidised but competitive; apply early.
The University of Hong Kong Bachelor of Arts Landscape Studies Admission 2026
HKU admits approximately 12 places per year to Landscape Studies, with a 17% overall acceptance rate for international applicants. The programme values creative thinking and design capability alongside academic achievement.
| Qualification | Minimum Score / Grade |
|---|---|
| International Baccalaureate (IB) | 38 points overall |
| GCE A-Levels (3 subjects) | AAB |
| CBSE Board Exam (All India) | Top 1–2% nationally |
| Application Fee | HKD 450 (INR 5,478) |
English Language Proficiency (ELP)
Non-native English speakers must demonstrate proficiency through an approved examination.
- TOEFL iBT: minimum 92 overall (Reading 20, Writing 22).
- IELTS: minimum 6.5 overall with no component below 6.0.
- Duolingo English Test: minimum 120 (accepted as alternative).
- Indian board graduates with English as a medium of instruction may be exempted; clarify with admissions.
Honest Take for Indian Students: Landscape Studies is more selective than generalist BA programmes because seats are limited (12 per intake). You’ll compete against strong design-school applicants from across Asia. Exam scores above the minimums, combined with a portfolio showing spatial thinking and creativity, significantly improve odds.
HKU Faculty of Architecture ranks 12th globally in QS 2024 for Architecture and Built Environment, cementing its reputation as a top design education provider.
Tip for Indian Students: The Creative Design Response portfolio is the differentiator. Spend 4–6 weeks on it, iterate with faculty feedback, and showcase problem-solving maturity. Generic design samples will not stand out among 100+ applications per intake.
The University of Hong Kong Bachelor of Arts Landscape Studies Application 2026
The application window for the 2026/27 intake has opened for both JUPAS and Non-JUPAS pathways. International applicants use the Non-JUPAS route. Below are the key dates.
| Application Phase | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Non-JUPAS Applications Open | 27 November 2025 | Open |
| Portfolio Submission Deadline | 21 August 2026, 12:00 noon HK Time | Open |
| First Round Interviews (Shortlisted Candidates) | December 2025 | Expected |
| Second Round Interviews | February 2026 | Expected |
| Final Interviews | July 2026 | Expected |
- Submit the Creative Design Response (portfolio exercise) through HKU’s application portal by the deadline.
- Shortlisted candidates proceed through three interview rounds to allow flexibility for international travel.
- Offers are conditional on final IB/A-Level results or equivalent.
Application Tip: Portfolio submissions close mid-August; aim to upload by early August to avoid server congestion. HKU’s admissions office does not extend deadlines for international students.
The University of Hong Kong Bachelor of Arts Landscape Studies Scholarships 2026
HKU awards 42 scholarships annually to undergraduate students, ranging from HKD 500 (INR 6,085) to HKD 35,000 (INR 4,26,000) per award. Full-tuition scholarships are rare, typically reserved for the top 0.5–1% of applicants globally.
For Landscape Studies, merit-based scholarships come from the Faculty of Arts Entrance Scholarship and university-wide academic excellence awards. Most international students receive partial support (HKD 5,000 to HKD 15,000 per year), offsetting 2–6% of annual tuition.
Scholarship Reality for This Programme: Landscape Studies seats are limited, so scholarship pools are modest. Competition is intense. If your IB is above 42 or A-Levels are A*AA, you have a genuine chance. Below 38 IB / AAB A-Levels, scholarship support is unlikely.
Honest Take: Do not assume scholarship support. Budget for full tuition. Any scholarship award is a bonus, not a default. Apply for external scholarships (INLAKS, Chevening) to strengthen your financial profile.
Also Check: The University of Hong Kong Scholarships and Financial Aid
The University of Hong Kong Bachelor of Arts Landscape Studies Salary and Placement 2026
HKU graduates in architecture and design fields report a 98.7% employment rate within six months of graduation. The average starting salary is HKD 33,492 (INR 4,07,000) per month gross.
Landscape Studies graduates typically enter roles in urban planning consultancies, architectural firms, government planning departments, or environmental NGOs across Hong Kong, Singapore, and Australia. The median salary is HKD 27,600 (INR 3,36,000) monthly, with senior designers reaching HKD 50,000+ within 5–7 years.
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| Employment Rate (6 months post-graduation) | 98.7% |
| Average Monthly Salary (Gross) | HKD 33,492 (INR 4,07,000) |
| Median Monthly Salary (Gross) | HKD 27,600 (INR 3,36,000) |
| Further Study / Postgraduate Route | 22.2% (e.g., HKU MLA) |
| Graduates Employed in Hong Kong | 72.6% |
Source: HKU Alumni Employment Survey 2024 (3,792 Bachelor’s graduates surveyed; 83% response rate)
Take-home pay after Hong Kong salaries tax (which is progressive and averages 8–12% for this income band) is approximately HKD 29,500 to INR 3,59,000 monthly. Most graduates save 30–40% of salary while living in Hong Kong.
ROI Reality: Total 4-year cost (INR 1.09 Crore) is recouped within 32–40 months of entry-level employment. Landscape designers command premium fees in Asia’s rapid urbanisation, strengthening long-term earnings.
Read More: The University of Hong Kong Career Outcomes and Graduate Salaries
Hong Kong Visa and Post-Study Work for Landscape Studies 2026
Hong Kong grants international students a Category D student visa valid for the full duration of study (up to 4 years for a bachelor’s degree). After graduation, you’re eligible for the 24-month IANG (Immigration Arrangements for Non-Local Graduates) visa, which permits full-time employment without a sponsoring employer.
- Part-time work allowed: up to 20 hours per week during the semester; unlimited during summer breaks.
- IANG visa does not require a job offer—you can job-search freely for six months post-graduation.
- Spouse and dependent children can accompany you on dependent visas.
- Permanent residency pathway: seven years of continuous residence opens PR eligibility.
Visa Reality: Hong Kong’s IANG is the fastest post-study visa globally—approval in 2–4 weeks. Combined with design-sector skills shortages in Asia, transitioning to employment-based visas is straightforward for landscape architects and urban designers.
The University of Hong Kong Bachelor of Arts Landscape Studies Ranking 2026
HKU’s Faculty of Architecture ranks among the world’s top design schools. While Landscape Studies is not separately ranked, the faculty’s global standing reflects the calibre of studio education you’ll receive.
| Ranking Body | Subject Area | Rank (2024–2025) |
|---|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings | Architecture and Built Environment | 12th globally (3rd in Asia) |
| QS World University Rankings | Overall University | 17th globally |
| Times Higher Education | Overall University | 35th globally |
HKU’s Architecture and Built Environment rank of 12th globally places it above universities in the USA, Australia, and Europe in design education. Faculty leadership in research, design publications, and real-world civic projects (e.g., New Territories masterplanning) translates into studio-based learning grounded in current practice.
Key Insight: Studio culture at top-ranked schools breeds networking and internship pathways. Being part of HKU’s architecture ecosystem opens doors to leading firms across Asia faster than standalone Landscape Studies credentials alone.
Landscape Studies at HKU is for students seeking rigorous design training grounded in real urban challenges. If you thrive on iterative problem-solving, international collaboration, and building places that matter, this programme delivers. The 4-year investment (tuition + living) and design-portfolio hurdle filter for serious practitioners. Graduates command strong salaries across Hong Kong and Asia, and the IANG visa pathway is straightforward. Start your portfolio now—it’s the gate, and it’s worth the effort.
Bachelor of Arts Landscape Studies FAQs
Ques. What is the Creative Design Response, and how much time should I spend on it?
Ans. The Creative Design Response is a home-based portfolio exercise demonstrating your capacity for creative thinking, self-organisation, and analytical problem-solving. Landscape Studies typically allocates 4–6 weeks of guided work. Spend time on site research, iterative sketching, and digital presentation. Quality of thinking matters more than technical polish.
Ques. Do I need prior design experience or qualifications to apply for Landscape Studies?
Ans. No formal design qualifications are required. HKU admits based on academic grades (IB 38+, A-Levels AAB) and the portfolio exercise. If you’ve taken Art, Design Technology, or Architecture subjects at A-Level, mention them. Self-taught design projects also count if documented well.
Ques. What is the difference between HKU’s BA(LS) and MLA programmes?
Ans. The BA(LS) is a 4-year generalist undergraduate degree teaching landscape design foundations across theory, ecology, design, and community engagement. The MLA (Master of Landscape Architecture) is a 2–3 year postgraduate programme preparing professional practitioners for licensure and advanced specialisation. Most BA(LS) graduates pursue the MLA at HKU or elsewhere.
Ques. Can I work part-time during my studies to cover living costs?
Ans. Yes. Hong Kong allows 20 hours of part-time work per week during semesters and unlimited work during summer breaks. Students typically earn HKD 70 to HKD 100 per hour in hospitality, tutoring, or design internships. This covers 15–25% of monthly living costs (HKD 9,640 baseline).
Ques. What is the campus culture like, and are there student societies or design clubs?
Ans. HKU’s architecture school hosts a vibrant design culture with over 15 student societies, design competitions, and annual exhibitions. The Landscape Architecture Society organizes field trips, invited talks from practitioners, and collaborative projects with NGOs. International students report strong peer networks across the faculty.
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | ₹2213120 (HKD 182000) |
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2023 | ₹2213120 (HKD 182000) |
Important Dates


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TOP Scholarships
| Scholarship name | Award amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Reaching Out Award | HK$10,000 | Minimum CGPA requirement is 3.0 |
Key Resources for Your Study Abroad Journey
Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 24,320/Yr$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored |










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