Programme Overview
The JD Programme is a versatile postgraduate law degree for graduates with bachelor degrees in non-law disciplines, which potentially leads to admission into the legal profession or assuming leadership roles in a variety of work sectors. It is a respected and internationally-recognised award conferred by many universities in leading jurisdictions abroad and provides students with an intellectually-enriching general education in law.
An important feature of this Programme is that it is entirely postgraduate in both form and substance. As a JD student, you will share classes only with other graduate students. You will also be able to choose from a wide range of exciting electives.
How and when to apply
Applications for 2026 intake are now invited. You may apply through the online application system at the University’s Graduate School webpage.
Admission Requirements
You must have:
- graduated from a recognised university and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in a non-law subject or a law degree from a non-common law jurisdiction, normally with honours not lower than Second Class; or
- graduated from an Honours Programme of a recognised university with a Bachelor’s degree in a non-law subject or a law degree from a non-common law jurisdiction, normally achieving an average grade of not lower than “B” in undergraduate courses; or
- completed a course of study in a tertiary educational institution and obtained professional or similar qualifications equivalent to an honours degree.
You must also satisfy the English Language Proficiency Requirement by:
- possessing a Bachelor’s degree obtained by completing a programme of study in Hong Kong or an English-speaking country, or which was taught primarily in the English Language; or
- achieving a result of Band 7.5 or better in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), which result was obtained not more than two years prior to the date of applying to join the JD Programme; or
- achieving a result of 600 (Paper Based Test) or 100 (Internet Based Test) or better in the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL), which result was obtained not more than two years prior to the date of applying to join the JD Programme; or
- providing alternative evidence of English Proficiency equivalent to one of the preceding measures.
Application Deadlines for 2026-27
31 January 2026 (First round)
28 February 2026 (Second round)
10 April 2026 (Third round)
Applications will be processed on a rolling basis until all places have been filled. Therefore, early applications are strongly encouraged.
Applications submitted after 10 April 2026 may be considered, subject to the availability of places.
Programme Information
- Medium of Instruction: English
- Campus: The CUHK Graduate Law Centre, 2/F, Bank of America Tower, 12 Harcourt Road, Central.
Programme Duration
Full-time mode:
Normative: 24 months
Part-time mode:
Normative: 42 months
(Application for change of study mode prior to the beginning of the first term of study will not be approved).
Programme Requirements
72 units: including 15 or 18 units required courses and 54 or 57 units of elective courses. Student should also pass all assessments and obtain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 in order to be recommended for graduation.
Required Courses:
- Comparative Legal Studies
- Ethics and Jurisprudence
- Legal Research, Analysis and Writing
- Legal System
- Independent Research or Independent Research Dissertation
Elective Courses
- Click here
Study Sequence
Full-time Mode
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Part-time Mode
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| Summer Term |
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| Year 2 | |
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| Summer Term |
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| Year 3 | |
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| Year 4 | |
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Full-time Mode
Term One of Year 1
- Legal Research, Analysis and Writing
- Legal System
- Principles of Constitutional Law
- Principles of Contract
- Principles of Criminal Law
Term Two of Year 1
- Principles of Administrative Law
- Principles of Equity and Trusts
- Principles of Tort
- Elective
- Elective
Summer Term of Year 1
- Comparative Legal Studies
- Elective
Term One of Year 2
- Principles of Company Law
- Principles of Land Law
- Elective
- Elective
- Elective
Term Two of Year 2
- Ethics and Jurisprudence
- Independent Research OR Independent Research Dissertation
- Principles of Commercial Law
- Principles of Evidence
- Elective
Summer Term of Year 2
- Principles of Property Law
- Elective
Part-time Mode
Term One of Year 1
- Legal Research, Analysis and Writing
- Legal System
- Principles of Contract
Term Two of Year 1
- Principles of Administrative Law
- Principles of Equity and Trusts
- Principles of Tort
Summer Term of Year 1
- Elective
Term One of Year 2
- Principles of Company Law
- Principles of Land Law
- Elective
- Elective
- Elective
Term Two of Year 2
- Principles of Criminal Law
- Elective
- Elective
Summer Term of Year 2
- Comparative Legal Studies
Term One of Year 3
- Principles of Company Law
- Elective
- Elective
Term Two of Year 3
- Ethics and Jurisprudence
- Principles of Commercial Law
- Principles of Evidence
Summer Term of Year 3
- Principles of Property Law
Term One of Year 4
- Independent Research OR Independent Research Dissertation
- Elective
- Elective
Delivery Mode
There will be typically classes of three hours per week for each course during term time. For part-time students, classes will be held on weekday evenings and Saturday afternoons. Evening classes will typically commence at 6:30pm. Saturday classes will typically commence at 2:30pm. Classes will incorporate a mix of lectures, seminars, presentations and class discussions.
Study Options
Students may also take elective courses offered in the LLM Programmes at CUHK LAW.
Course and Unit exemptions: may be granted. Please click here
Financial Information
Tuition Fees
HK$7,360 per unit* for a total of 72 units within normative study period.
Students will be billed at the beginning of each term based on the number of units for which they have registered. Extra fees may be charged for students studying outside the normative study period.
*subject to annual review
Scholarships and Financial Aid
- Juris Doctor Scholarships for outstanding full-time students admitted in 2026/27
- Other Postgraduate Scholarships and Prizes
- The below four courses are CEF reimbursable courses under the Juris Doctor (JD) Programme. JD students may claim reimbursement for taking the below courses commencing between 14 December 2021 and 13 December 2025, subject to the fulfilment of the requirements prescribed by Government’s Labour and Welfare Bureau.
- Comparative Legal Studies #
- Ethics and Jurisprudence #
- Legal Research, Analysis and Writing #
- Legal System #
# This course has been included in the list of reimbursable courses under the Continuing Education Fund. The mother course (Juris Doctor Programme) of this module is recognised under the Qualifications Framework (QF Level [6]).
Career Options
Solicitor
In-house Lawyer
Barrister
Careers in commerce, finance, education, public service etc.
Admission to practice
You are qualified to be eligible for admission as a Solicitor or Barrister of the High Court of Hong Kong after completing a Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL) and a Solicitor’s training contract (2 years) or pupillage at the Bar (1 year). More
Further Study Options
Postgraduate studies for Master or PhD degrees.
Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL) (on completion of required elective courses and meeting other rigorous admission requirements).
Additional learning & development opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the JD Programme a doctoral or a master’s degree?
The JD Programme is formally classified as a taught master’s degree programme and it is not customary for JD graduates to use the title “Doctor”.
What is the difference between JD & LLM programmes?
The JD Programme is much more extensive than the typical LLM Programmes. At CUHK the JD requires the completion of three times more units than is required for the LLM. The LLM typically aims to develop expertise in a particular area of law, while the JD provides a comprehensive postgraduate legal education. Successful completion of the JD Programme may also qualify students to apply for the PCLL Programme leading to practice, whereas the LLM does not.
Do classes take place at the University’s main campus in Shatin or at the Graduate Law Centre?
All classes for the JD Programme will be taught in the CUHK Graduate Law Centre in the Bank of America Tower in Central, Hong Kong, the heart of the legal district of Hong Kong.
How many hours of teaching each week is there for each course?
Except for research based courses and International Legal Advocacy II, all courses in the JD Programme are 3 unit courses with 3 hours of teaching per week. For the JD Full-time Programme, the recommended course load for terms one and two is 15 units and 6 units for the summer term. For the JD Part-time Programme, the recommended course load for terms one and two is 9 units, and 3 units for the summer term.
How are applicants selected for the JD Programme?
The paramount factor in deciding upon applications will be the strength of the applicants’ academic record and prior study history. CUHK LAW is not looking for any particular GPA or class of honours but will take a comprehensive view of the applicants’ ability to successfully complete the JD Programme. Where an applicant has been in the workforce and acquired a record of professional attainment or community service, CUHK LAW will consider (i) the nature and extent of the record, and (ii) the time which has elapsed since the applicant last engaged in formal academic study. An impressive record of professional attainment or community service may compensate for a less strong academic performance especially where the academic record is not recent.
Will there be an interview or written test as part of the application process?
No. However, applicants who do not possess a bachelor’s degree obtained in Hong Kong or an English-speaking country are required to fulfill the English Language Proficiency Requirement required for admission to the JD Programme. Please refer to the admission requirements for the Programme set out on this website or the Programme brochure.
Can I apply for admission to the JD Programme if it has been several years since I finished my first degree?
Where an applicant has been in the workforce, CUHK LAW will consider the past work experience of the applicant, and the time which has elapsed since he or she last engaged in formal academic study. Impressive experience in the workforce may enhance past academic performance especially where the academic record is not recent. Applicants are encouraged to submit relevant documents which they think will strengthen the competitiveness of their applications.
If I obtained my bachelor’s degree not in Hong Kong or an English-speaking country or the bachelor’s degree I completed was not taught primarily in the English, what kind of evidence for do I need to satisfy the English Language Proficiency Requirement for admission to the JD Programme?
You will be required to obtain prescribed results in IELTS or TOEFL in order to fulfill the English Language Proficiency Requirement. Alternative evidence will be considered only in special circumstances on a case-by-case basis (subject to the recommendation of the JD Programme Director).
Are there any scholarships or financial subsidies for JD students?
There will be a limited number of scholarships and prizes for JD students. Students will be eligible to receive scholarships and prizes once they have accepted an offer to join the JD programme. Scholarships will be awarded to students of outstanding academic merit. Students may also be eligible to apply for the HKSAR Government’s Non-Means Test Loan, please refer to the website of Hong Kong Student Financial Assistance Agency for details.
Overseas students may check with organizations, government authorities etc, of their home countries if there is any financial support available.
Will I be charged extra tuition fees if I study outside the normative study period? Will the tuition fees be adjusted from time to time?
Yes. Extra tuition fees may be charged for students studying outside the normative study period. Tuition fees are subject to review and may be adjusted from time to time.
When do I need to pay my tuition fees?
For newly admitted students, you are required to pay your tuition fees for first term before the due date as stated in the debit note in the admission package provided to you. For current students, you will receive a debit note at the beginning of each term, and you are required to settle your tuition fees before the stipulated due date, normally around week two of the term.
I am a non-local student. If I am admitted to the JD Programme will there be any accommodation arranged for me? Can I live on the main campus in Shatin?
There is a shortage of on-campus student accommodation for non-local postgraduate students. When relocating to Hong Kong, students will need to rely on private off-campus accommodation during their studies. Relevant information regarding off-campus accommodation is available on the website of the Office of Student Affairs at http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/osa.
Are applications welcome from applicants from different cultural backgrounds and countries?
Yes. The JD Programme welcomes applicants from different cultural backgrounds and countries. In the JD Programme we have had students from Hong Kong, Mainland China, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, Korea, France, Singapore and other countries.
If I have studied similar course(s) at another institute, can I apply for an exemption?
Yes. JD students may apply for an exemption for certain courses that are either required for graduation in the JD Programme or for elective courses required for admission to the PCLL Programme. Students must satisfy the requirements as set out in the Policy on Course and Unit Exemptions for the JD Programme in order to qualify for exemption.
Can I apply to be a lawyer in other jurisdictions after completing JD Programme?
The JD Programme may fulfill certain entry requirements for admission into the legal professions of other common law jurisdictions. However, entry requirements vary across jurisdictions and are subject to change from time to time. If you are interested in practicing law in jurisdictions outside Hong Kong, please contact the relevant professional bodies directly for information.
Contact Information
Tel: (852) 3943 4310
E-mail: lawpgadm@cuhk.edu.hk / jd.law@link.cuhk.edu.hk
Address:
Faculty of Law
6/F, Lee Shau Kee Building
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Shatin, New Territories
Hong Kong, China