Submitting an HKUST application does not mean you are finished with the process. Applicants can still be asked for documents, new examination results, referee submissions and other updates. This is also the stage where small technical problems can create a lot of unnecessary anxiety.
This checklist covers the most common problems applicants encounter after pressing Submit, based on HKUST’s official Online Application Guide and recurring applicant questions.
Issue 1: I paid the application fee but did not get an acknowledgement
HKUST says that after successful online payment, an Acknowledgement of Submission should be displayed in the application system and an acknowledgement email should also be sent.
If your bank shows a successful transaction but the HKUST system does not show the Acknowledgement of Submission, HKUST warns that the payment may have failed before reaching the university.
What to do: HKUST’s guide instructs applicants in this situation to contact undergraduate admissions with the application number, English full name and a screenshot of the payment transaction.
Issue 2: My referee has not submitted the reference
HKUST sends the academic referee invitation after you submit the application. If the referee has not received it, first verify the email address and ask them to check spam or junk folders.
HKUST also allows applicants to log back into the application system and resend referee invitations after submission.
For a detailed explanation, see HKUST Predicted Grades & Academic Referee: Exactly What Happens.
Issue 3: My referee submitted, but predicted grades still look missing
For qualifications such as IB Diploma and GCE A-Level/IAL, the academic reference and predicted-grade process can be separate. If the same teacher performs both roles, HKUST says that person may receive two separate emails and need to complete two separate forms.
So “my teacher submitted something” does not necessarily mean every required school submission is complete. Check whether both the reference form and predicted-grade form were required.
Issue 4: I uploaded the wrong document
HKUST says documents cannot be deleted after application submission. However, applicants may upload a revised document for review.
Do not wait for a delete button to appear. Prepare the corrected version, label it clearly and upload it according to the portal instructions.
See the full guide: HKUST Supporting Documents: What Can You Upload or Change After Submission?.
Issue 5: My final results are not available yet
This is expected for many applicants. HKUST’s guide allows applicants to provide or update examination results after submission. For unavailable documents in relevant sections, the system may allow an expected submission date to be entered.
Issue 6: I want to change my programme choice
This is a major limitation. HKUST states that programme choices and the self-declared highest qualification can be modified only before application submission. Programme-choice amendments are not allowed after submission.
This is why programme selection should never be treated as a temporary placeholder. Read HKUST Application Account: Small Mistakes That Can Delay Your Application before finalizing a new application.
Issue 7: I need to update extracurricular activities or awards
HKUST’s guide says information in the prizes and awards, extracurricular/voluntary activities and work-experience sections cannot be amended directly after submission. If an amendment is required, the university suggests uploading a CV in Supporting Documents.
Issue 8: I submitted but my personal statement is missing
This needs attention. HKUST explicitly states that an application will be put on hold until the personal statement is received.
If your portal indicates that the personal statement is missing, treat it as a priority rather than assuming the university will review the rest of the application first.
Issue 9: I have received no decision yet
Do not treat silence as an unofficial rejection. Offer timing can vary by programme, application round and applicant. Other students receiving decisions before you is not proof that your application has failed.
Use the official application system as the source of truth. HKUST advises applicants to check the “My Application” page, monitor email regularly and review the “My Mailbox” function for messages sent by the application system.
Issue 10: I changed my email address
After submission, HKUST allows applicants to update personal contact details and change the login email through the application system. Make sure the address you actively monitor is the one recorded in the portal.
Your post-submission routine
- Confirm that the Acknowledgement of Submission appears.
- Check referee and predicted-grade requirements.
- Upload new results or documents when they become available.
- Review “My Application” for status changes.
- Review “My Mailbox” for requests and messages.
- Check your email and spam folder regularly.
- Keep copies of all uploaded files and payment records.
- Do not infer your decision from Reddit, group chats or another applicant’s timeline.
The four most useful HKUST application guides
- Predicted Grades & Academic Referee
- Application Account Mistakes to Avoid
- Supporting Documents After Submission
- Application Problems After Submission — this checklist.
Official source
This article explains the process in plain language. Current applicants should verify requirements in HKUST’s Guide to HKUST Online Application, their own application portal and any instructions sent directly by HKUST.