FAQs
What is the meaning of the word "Mensa"?
“Mensa” means “table” in Latin, and the organisation was so named because Mensa is a round-table society where ethnicity, colour, creed, national origin, age, politics, educational and social background are all completely irrelevant.
Is it a club only for English speakers?
Mensa Hong Kong welcomes people from all walks of life and therefore language is never a criterion. Over 70% of our members speak Chinese. This website is written in English just because it is hard to seek a translator who is willing to do the translation for free.
Is Mensa here to make money?
Mensa is a non-profit-making organisation. As a recognised chapter of Mensa, Mensa Hong Kong is also a non-profit-making organisation.
So where does the money come from?
Mensa Hong Kong has two major sources of income: the Admission Test fee, and the membership fee. Since the committee members of Hong Kong Mensa are all volunteers, and most of the activities are at the participants' expenses, Hong Kong Mensa is able to run at a very low cost.
Do members spend most of the time solving IQ puzzles in gatherings?
No. Members are too busy to solve any IQ puzzle when they are having debates, playing tennis, enjoying dinner, or cracking jokes.
I am from mainland China/Macau. Can I join Mensa Hong Kong?
No, but you can join our admission test in Hong Kong. Once you qualify, you will become a Direct International Member. You can also directly apply for Mensa membership by submitting a valid IQ test result to Mensa International. For details, please contact Mensa International directly. After becoming a Direct International Member, you can still join our activities as a visiting member.
I just took the Admission Test. Will you tell me my score?
Thank you for taking our Admission Test. Unfortunately, according to the current policy of Mensa Hong Kong, we would not disclose a candidate's score in the admission test, but would only inform the candidate of his/her eligibility for membership.
How many members are there around the world/Hong Kong?
Currently, there are approximately 150,000 members in around 50 countries worldwide. The largest concentrations are in the UK and the USA; however, in recent years, new groups have been established in many parts of Asia and other countries. Mensa Hong Kong currently has more than 600 members.
My 9-year-old child is very smart and has proven to be gifted.
Can (s)he join Hong Kong Mensa?
For application to join Hong Kong Mensa, testing by way of the Admission Test is only for those who are aged 14 or above. For children aged under 14, applications need to be made by submitting prior evidence.
For more information, please refer to this page.
My friend said (s)he's a member of Mensa. His/er name is XXX.
Could you please verify?
It is Hong Kong Mensa's policy not to disclose a member's personal details without that member's permission. By the way, we issue a new membership card every year for each member in good standing.