An easy answer could be encapsulated in one word: AP-PLI-CA-TION: a design serves a purpose, one that is linked to context. Whereas designers need to appreciate context to provide appropriate solutions to given briefs, they will brought to rationalize their proposals and justify their solutions. Artists may virtually propose to “take it or leave it”. Also, designers work with stakeholders – the user being the most important. Artists have the liberty to express a very personal take on the world, and relate to their own emotions and ideas to shape their work. 

Applicants are expected to attain a minimum 3 Score in their English and Chinese subjects at the HKDSE.

We accept JUPAS applicants on the basis of potential, not acquired knowledge or skills, hence the presentation of a portfolio at interviews, although recommended, being optional. If you have a portfolio, we will seek to discern:
- if you have taken the initiative to sketch out of your interest (evidence of personal passion for creativity, expression, problem-solving, manipulation, etc.)
- the scope of media explored (evidence of a taste for experimentation), 
- if this has been consistent (through quantity of works, or visual diaries, scrap books, etc.)
Note: JUPAS applicants are not required to bring a portfolio. JUPAS applicants who in interviews demonstrate critical thinking, critical awareness of the broader cultural context, awareness of design in general and awareness of the design discipline chosen will be considered for the programme. 

Not necessarily – We favour applicants who demonstrate critical thinking, critical awareness of the broader cultural context, and awareness of design in general and awareness of the design discipline chosen.

Go to galleries, museums, bookstores like Page One and Basheer books, go online to find about design practice, processes, works, designers, etc… and see how design influences your everyday – you have almost two months!
In addition, you are advised to watch the series of videos produced to help you prepare your portfolios at http://www.sd.polyu.edu.hk/en/news/portfolio-videos-announcement2018.

While Visual Arts or Design and Applied Technology subjects have been designed to better prepare applicants to a design or art tertiary curriculum and career, this does not mean those who did not take these subjects cannot apply. They should be proactive and seek knowledge about their discipline of choice online, in galleries, in museums, in exhibitions, and at the School of Design. Personal initiative in making a portfolio is valued by admission panels. Personal drawings, collages, visual diaries, small home projects i.e. craft and tinkering are highly valued.

Only insofar as it helps you appreciate cultural issues and provide appropriate design solutions to given briefs. If you feel you need to improve your knowledge of science/technology/maths, you should be able to learn as you do. Designers learn by doing…

This is OK. Drawing is a technique. Techniques are learned through practice and perseverance. SD will support your acquisition of such skills.

Whereas engineers favour control over the developmental processes, designers are involved in processes of transformation through inquiry and , defining problem and solution in an iterative development, not unlike a conversation. Designers shape the everyday and provide meaning to the artificial world. Designers and Engineers work together.

In aptitude tests we seek to gauge your motivation and awareness. We cannot give away questions, but as you can imagine we seek to find out how prepared you are for this programme, i.e. your motivation, your awareness of design in general, your awareness of your chosen design discipline, and how you contextualize this in the broader cultural realm. Of course the more original, creative, intelligent your answers the better. Surprise us!

We accept JUPAS applicants on the basis of potential, not acquired knowledge or skills, hence the presentation of a portfolio at interviews, although recommended, being optional. If you have a portfolio, we will seek to discern:
- if you have taken the initiative to sketch out of your interest (evidence of personal passion for creativity, expression, problem-solving, manipulation, etc.)
- the scope of media explored (evidence of a taste for experimentation), 
- if this has been consistent (through quantity of works, or visual diaries, scrap books, etc.)
Note: JUPAS applicants are not required to bring a portfolio. JUPAS applicants who in interviews demonstrate critical thinking, critical awareness of the broader cultural context, awareness of design in general and awareness of the design discipline chosen will be considered for the programme.
- For Product Design students, to the above you may add little things you made: any hobby or trinket you built in the past such as T shirts, fashion accessories, bags, toys, gifts, furniture, etc. Of course the more original, creative, intelligent your visual experiments the better. Surprise us!

In addition, watch this video to get more ideas: https://www.facebook.com/PolyUDesign/videos/10156115897611460/

There are scholarships available to our students. Click https://www.sd.polyu.edu.hk/en/education/scholarships for details.