Application

To apply for the exchange programme at HKU, students must meet the following entry requirements.

• Ensure you have been nominated by your home institution.
• Complete at least one year of university-level study by the time you begin your exchange at HKU.
• Provide valid and acceptable English Proficiency Proof (required for both native and non-native English speakers).
• Be in good academic standing at your home institution. Higher entry requirements must be met if applying for the following faculties:

Invitation to Online Application

• You will be invited by email to complete the Online Exchange Application when the application period opens.
• Submit your application by the deadline; late submissions will not be processed.

Start Online Application

Please refer to the step-by-step Exchange Student Online Application User Manual for guidance.

Proposed Study Plan at HKU

• The preliminary course plan is provided for host faculty review of your application; you are not yet enrolled in these courses.
• Enrolment in courses must be completed online during the Course Selection and/or Add/Drop Periods at the beginning of each semester. Course options can be found under Academic Information > Available Courses Offered by Faculties.
• If certain course codes are marked as invalid in the system, this indicates that those courses are either currently unavailable or may be subject to change.

Personal Statement

• Describe your interest in the exchange and reasons for choosing HKU (no word limit).

Supporting Documents

Application Processing Time

• After the application deadline, students’ applications will be reviewed by their proposed faculty.
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and may take up to 1.5 months. Students can refer to the Exchange Application Schedule for details.
• You will be notified of the result by email.
• Students are reminded to check their emails regularly during this period.

For exchange application enquiries, please refer to our FAQ page for information.

• Please refer to the Accommodation Information from CEDARS Housing.
• You may apply for accommodation as soon as you have started your exchange application; there is no need to wait for an admissions decision.
• Apply online through CEDARS using your 10-digit exchange application reference number.
• Due to limited spaces, early application is highly recommended. The allocation of housing is subject to availability.
• After receiving your Notice of Admission, email a signed copy to CEDARS Housing for further processing.
• Accommodation results will be sent by email. If offered a place, confirm with the hall manager and state your check-in date. Offers will be withdrawn if not accepted.

For accommodation enquiries, please refer to the FAQ or contact CEDARS Housing at cedars.housing@hku.hk.

• Begin your visa application only after receiving your Notice of Admission.
• Visit the HKU Student Visa page for detailed instructions.
• Register for an account on the visa application portal.
• Upload your signed Notice of Admission and other required documents.
• Submit the online application and mail hard copies as instructed by the Admissions Office.
• Visa processing takes at least 10 weeks; the application fee is non-refundable.

Visa Application Paths

Depending on the student’s nationality, the visa application will follow one of two different paths:

• Mainland students (using an Exit-Entry Permit as a travel document and entering Hong Kong from Mainland China)
  • Apply here
• International, Macao or Taiwan students (nationalities other than Chinese or, Chinese nationals with permanent residency overseas, entering Hong Kong from places other than Mainland China)
  • Apply here

For visa enquiries, please contact the Admissions Office.

After receiving the Notice of Admission, students are required to complete the following steps to accept the offer.

• Accept the Offer
  • Check all information for accuracy (e.g., name, registration period).
  • Sign the Notice of Admission.
  • Log in to the online application account to accept or decline the offer and upload the signed Notice.
  • Email a copy of the signed Notice to your host faculty.
• Secure Accommodation Application
  • Email the signed Notice of Admission to CEDARS Housing for further processing.
  • If you receive an accommodation offer, confirm with the hall manager by email and indicate your check-in date. Offers will be withdrawn if not accepted.