One of the most common HKUST application worries is discovering that a document is missing, outdated or wrong after pressing Submit. The good news is that submission does not freeze every document-related part of your application.
HKUST’s official Online Application Guide explicitly allows applicants to upload additional supporting documents after submission and to provide new examination results later.
Can I upload documents after submitting my HKUST application?
Yes. HKUST states that applicants may log back into the application system after submission and upload additional supporting documents.
This is particularly useful when final examination results, updated transcripts or other documents were not available when you initially applied.
What if a document is not available yet?
For documents connected with the first six sections of the application, HKUST’s guide allows applicants to enter an expected date if the document is not yet available. Once the document becomes available, it can be uploaded to the application system.
Do not invent a document just to fill the slot. If HKUST provides an expected-date field for a document you have not yet received, use the workflow provided by the application system.
Can I delete a document after submission?
No, according to the official guide. Once the application has been submitted, uploaded documents cannot be deleted. However, HKUST says you may add a revised document for review.
That distinction is important. If you notice a wrong or outdated file, the practical action is usually to upload the corrected version rather than wait for a delete button to appear.
Can I update exam results later?
Yes. HKUST’s guide says applicants may continue to update examination scores after application submission when new results become available. The post-submission section also lists the ability to provide or update new exam results.
Can I update my GPA after submission?
If your programme of study is still ongoing, HKUST advises applicants not to mark the GPA as “Final”. The guide states that you may update the GPA later when it becomes available after submission.
What information cannot be directly amended?
Not everything remains editable. HKUST says information entered in the sections for prizes and awards, extracurricular or voluntary activities, and work experience cannot be amended after submission. If an amendment is required, the guide suggests uploading a CV in the Supporting Documents section.
Programme choices are another major exception: HKUST says they cannot be amended after the application has been submitted.
The 6 MB upload limit
HKUST’s guide states that the total document upload size is limited to 6.00 MB. Applicants should make sure scans remain clear and readable while reducing file size where necessary.
- Scan only the required pages.
- Check that text is readable before uploading.
- Avoid unnecessarily high-resolution photographs.
- Make sure the complete page is visible.
- Use descriptive filenames so you can identify the document later.
I uploaded the wrong transcript. What should I do?
Because submitted documents cannot be deleted, upload the revised or correct document for HKUST’s review. Use a filename that makes the correction obvious where possible, and follow any specific instructions appearing in your portal.
I have submitted my application but final results are months away
This situation is normal for applicants applying with predicted or pending qualifications. HKUST’s application system is designed to accept later updates to examination results and additional supporting documents. Your school may separately be asked to provide predicted grades depending on your qualification.
Uploaded documents vs official documents after an offer
Do not confuse documents uploaded for application review with any later requirement to verify official academic documents after an offer. Applicants frequently discuss this distinction online. The exact verification requirement should be taken from your own offer letter and HKUST’s official instructions, not from another applicant’s experience.
Document problem checklist
- Check whether the document is actually required for your qualification.
- Check the portal for an expected-date option.
- If you uploaded a wrong file, prepare a clearly labelled revised version.
- If new exam results are now available, update them in the application system.
- Check “My Mailbox” and your email for document requests.
- If HKUST asks for official verification after an offer, follow the instructions in that offer rather than assuming the original upload is sufficient.
Related HKUST application guides
- HKUST Predicted Grades & Academic Referee: Exactly What Happens
- HKUST Application Account: Small Mistakes That Can Delay Your Application
- HKUST Application Problems After Submission: Common-Issues Checklist
Official source
Requirements can change. Verify current instructions in HKUST’s Guide to HKUST Online Application and in your personal application portal.