How to Get Into Hong Kong International School (HKIS)
Key Dates and Information
- Location: Repulse Bay and Tai Tam, Hong Kong
- Grades: Reception 1 (pre-K) through Grade 12
- Application deadline:
- Reception 1–Grade 5: October 1, 2026
- Grades 6–12: November 1, 2026
- Admissions assessments:
- Reception 1 and Reception 2: In-person assessment of developmental readiness, motor skills, behavior, and English language skills.
- Grades 1–2: In-person assessment of early literacy, numeracy, developmental readiness, behavior, and English language skills.
- Grades 3–12: Standardized computerized adaptive assessment covering math, reading, writing, and oral language.
Introduction
Hong Kong International School (HKIS) is a top day school for grades pre-K through 12, with campuses located in Repulse Bay and Tai Tam, Hong Kong. HKIS offers American-style education.
It may feel intimidating to put together an application for a top school like HKIS, so Test Innovators has created this guide to help you through the process. We recommend using this guide in conjunction with our Admissions Assist Courses, which is designed to help you create a strong and cohesive application.
In addition, it is important to do your research and share specific reasons why you are interested in HKIS. Take a look at their mission and vision and see what resonates with you. Check out their facilities and explore their campuses. Read about their approach to learning and their philosophy of education. Explore how Chinese studies are incorporated into the HKIS curriculum. Look into extracurricular activities and consider how you would like to get involved. Genuine excitement and passion will take you far in your application, so find your motivation for applying before you start.
Application
The application to HKIS varies based on grade level. Applicants to HKIS must complete the following steps:
- Complete the initial online application through HKIS’s admissions portal.
- Pay the application fee of HK$2,000. The fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Priority deadline: October 1, 2026.
- Submit the required teacher recommendation.
- Submit school reports from the previous academic year and the first semester of the current academic year.
- Submit the required supporting documents listed in the online application checklist.
- Submit proof of age, such as a birth certificate or passport, for Reception 1 and Reception 2 applicants.
- If invited, participate in an in-person pre-entry assessment. Assessments for Reception 1 and Reception 2 evaluate developmental readiness, fine and gross motor skills, behavior, and expressive and receptive English language skills. Assessments for Grades 1 and 2 include phonics, phonemic awareness, numeracy, developmental readiness, behavior, and English language skills.
- Complete the initial online application through HKIS’s admissions portal.
- Pay the application fee of HK$2,000. The fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Priority deadline: October 1, 2026.
- Submit the required teacher recommendation.
- Submit school reports from the previous academic year and the first semester of the current academic year.
- Submit the required supporting documents listed in the online application checklist.
- If invited, complete the pre-entry assessment, which evaluates math, reading, writing, and oral language skills.
- Standardized achievement test results may also be submitted as supporting documents.
- Complete the initial online application through HKIS’s admissions portal.
- Pay the application fee of HK$2,000. The fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Priority deadline: November 1, 2026.
- Submit the required teacher recommendation.
- Submit school reports from the previous academic year and the first semester of the current academic year.
- Complete the student questionnaire.
- Submit any additional required supporting documents listed in the online application checklist.
- Students entering Grades 7 or 8 may need to submit a mathematics recommendation.
- If invited, complete the pre-entry assessment, which evaluates math, reading, writing, and oral language skills.
- Standardized achievement test results may also be submitted as supporting documents.
- Complete the initial online application through HKIS’s admissions portal.
- Pay the application fee of HK$2,000. The fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Priority deadline: November 1, 2026.
- Submit the required teacher recommendation.
- Submit school reports from the previous academic year and the first semester of the current academic year.
- Request and submit mathematics and science recommendations, as applicable to the applicant’s grade.
- Complete the student questionnaire.
- Submit any additional required supporting documents listed in the online application checklist.
- If invited, complete the pre-entry assessment, which evaluates math, reading, writing, and oral language skills.
- Standardized achievement test results may also be submitted as supporting documents.
HKIS does not typically conduct admissions interviews as part of its standard admissions process. However, the admissions committee may request an interview if it has additional questions after reviewing an application.
For the most up-to-date requirements and instructions, visit HKIS’s admissions page.
Note: HKIS does not offer a general need-based financial aid program. However, it does offer the Black Kite Program, a limited scholarship opportunity for eligible Hong Kong residents applying to enter Grade 7. For eligibility requirements and details, visit HKIS’s Black Kite Program page.
Admissions Tests
The following tests and assessments are required for applicants to HKIS:
- Pre-K–Grade 2: In-person pre-entry assessment for selected applicants.
- Grades 3–12: Selected applicants may be invited to complete a pre-entry assessment. HKIS evaluates applicants individually, and families are notified by the admissions office about the next steps.
Extracurricular Opportunities
Athletics
HKIS offers sports academies in basketball and soccer to help students reach their full potential as athletes. They also have an aquatics program, which is part of the curriculum for primary school students and offers continued opportunities for middle and high school students. Their middle school athletics program offers 12 sports including rowing, netball, and hockey, and their high school athletics program offers 17 sports including dance, rugby, basketball, and table tennis. Finally, HKIS pairs with several associated sports clubs that students are able to join. For more information on athletics opportunities at HKIS, please refer to their website.
Arts and Extracurriculars
HKIS offers extracurricular activities, with several categories focused on the arts. Students can explore opportunities in visual arts, culinary arts, performing arts, and oratory arts. Additional extracurricular themes include health and wellness, service and spirituality, and STEM. Please visit their website for more information on extracurriculars offered.
Clubs and Organizations
Students can also choose to get involved in middle school clubs and high school clubs. Clubs cover an array of student interests, such as UNICEF, Robotics Club, and National Honor Society. Check out all the opportunities that HKIS has to offer, and consider sharing how you hope to get involved in your application materials.
Conclusion
Hong Kong International School has abundant opportunities for students to learn and grow in and out of the classroom. Preparation is key to creating a strong application and giving yourself the best chance for success.
Preparation Resources:
- Enroll in our Admissions Assist Course for Middle School or Upper School
- Learn more about preparing for the ISEE
- Learn more about Hong Kong International School
Originally published on October 18, 2022. Updated on September 8, 2024.
