Do I have to have a paper published to apply for graduate students in Hong Kong? Compared with foreign countries, which application conditions are stricter and the application probability is greater? . . One of the reasons is that the postgraduate application of HKU must have a thesis, because it is the evidence that directly proves your academic ability. Secondly, the tutor should weigh your intention and research interest, including research ability and research method. In addition, there will be an audit team to review your postgraduate entrance examination plan, and then consider whether to give you an offer after comprehensive evaluation. However, once admitted, graduate students of HKU will be well treated.