We offer exchange for one semester / one full year to students. The accepted HKU students will continue to pay tuition fees to HKU during the exchange period. The student may apply for credit transfer for the courses completed at the partner institution, subject to their curriculum requirements and the approval of the faculty concerned.

How does student exchange work at HKU?

You may choose one of the following two options:
(1) HKUWW Undergraduate Student Exchange Programme
Normally we would have three rounds each year. Application is opened for the exchange programme which takes place in the next academic year. It means students are required to apply for the exchange programme one year in advance. The main round will be opened for applications in around late September which offers S1 / S2 / full-year (FY) options to students, while the late rounds will be opened in around March to April which only offers S2 exchange term to students. All undergraduate students from all faculties are welcome to join this programme.
The application link should be available on our webpage when application period starts. Please refer to the application page for timeline and details.
OR
(2) Faculty level/departmental level Exchange Programme
Certain faculties or departments run their own exchange programmes. Note that the application period for faculty-level exchange programmes varies among faculties. If you wish to participate in the programmes, please approach your faculty to obtain further information.
Alternatively, if you are interested in the institutions that are not on our partners list, you may consider joining their visiting or other short-term study abroad programmes. Please note that paying tuition fees to the host institution is required. You will also have to go through the whole application process on your own. Obtaining your faculty’s approval for credit transfer is also required. Please contact your faculty’s academic advisor for further information if you have such plan.

How can I apply for exchange?

Before submitting your application, we strongly recommend reaching out to your faculty to understand the specific policies. It is important to note that different faculties may have different policies in place. If you plan on applying for multiple programmes, please be aware that only one offer will be extended to you.

Can I apply for both HKUWW Exchange Programme and Faculty Level Exchange Programme?

Please note that there are different types of exchange agreements with the partner institutions. Some agreements are exclusively assigned to specific faculties only. Different institutions may also have their own restrictions on programmes offered to exchange students. For instance, some institutions do not allow exchange students to take courses from certain faculties. You are reminded to do some research on the host university’s webpage and read the fact sheets for the relevant information before you start the applications.

Should I apply for exchange through IAO or my faculty?

For questions related to credit transfer, please contact your faculty directly as your faculty is the approval authority to decide which courses to be awarded the credits towards your HKU degree. 
You are reminded to apply to your faculty for approval of credit transfer and leave of absence after you have been formally admitted by the host institution. During the application stage, you may refer to the course database with previously successful course approval information as reference. Planning ahead and communicating with your faculty is key.

How can I transfer credits from the host institution?

Many partner institutions provide housing for exchange students. Some do not, but provide assistance to find accommodation. Be prepared that you may need to arrange your own accommodation.

Where will I live while I am studying at the host institution?

In previous years there have been at least two rounds of late round applications. However, late round application(s) will only be available if we have remaining exchange places to offer. Please check our website for the most up-to-date information.

Can I apply for exchange places given up by students in the Main Round?

In principle, institutions in Mainland China only accept students with valid travel documents from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Students who do not have valid travel documents may be rejected by the host institutions.

Participating in Exchange Programme at Mainland China Institutions

General Information

Here is a brief rundown of the procedures:
<ol>
	<li>Apply for exchange programme through related office (IAO / faculty / department).</li>
	<li>Submit required supporting documents.</li>
	<li>Attend interviews (if any).</li>
	<li>Receive placement result from related office and pay HK$2000 deposit.</li>
	<li>Receive application instruction emails from related office</li>
	<li>Complete the exchange application process and submit required supporting documents to the host institution.</li>
	<li>Receive admission/acceptance letter from the host institution.</li>
	<li>Apply for entry visa (if required).</li>
	<li>Time to fly!</li>
</ol>

What are the procedures?

Please make sure that you do some research before you start the HKUWW application. You may visit your interested host institutions’ webpage for the course(s) offered / course restrictions to exchange students, note that they may have restrictions on choosing course(s) among faculties to exchange students. Please check to see if they match your curriculum, otherwise there is the risk that credits could not be transferred back to HKU afterwards.
Be prepared you have the English proficiency proof ready. Note that TOEFL/IELTS score is one of the most important assessment criteria for HKUWW. If students are not able to provide the related result, they may have disadvantage during the exchange placement. Please note that late submission of English proficiency proof would not be accepted.
Please make sure that you check carefully before you submit your HKUWW application, note that no further amendments would be accepted after application submission.

Before application

Please take note of the assessment criteria for the placement of nomination. All the applications received will be assessed based on the following:
• Academic performance (CGPA as of Semester 1 in the year of application)
• Personal statement
• English language proficiency
You may select a maximum of 8 choices. Note that all 8 choices will be reviewed and considered during the assessment.

During application

After HKUWW applicant has been offered a place at the particular host institution, you will then require to pay HKD$2000 deposit and upload the payment proof to our outgoing system before the given deadline. If we don’t receive your payment proof by the deadline, we would consider that you are no longer interested in joining the programme. 
Students who accepted the offer will be officially nominated by IAO to the host institution, and will be instructed to submit application to the host institution.
Note that different host institutions will have different application timelines. For students who are offered S1 / FY exchange, you would receive application instruction emails in around February to May. For students who are offered S2 exchange, you would receive application instruction emails in around July to November. Our programme manager would contact you in due course.

After application

Note that you are not allowed to change the exchange period once you have accepted the offer.

Can I change my exchange period at a later stage?

There is no regular extension of exchange study. However, you may consider applying to the host institution through a sperate Visiting Student programme. Note that students are responsible for paying the full tuition fee.

Can I extend semester of my exchange period at a later stage?

If you go on exchange during the last semester of your final year, there is a chance that you will not be able to graduate on time. As different host institutions have different semester dates, there may be insufficient time to process the credit transfer at HKU which in turn will defer your graduation. Please be cautious about this arrangement and planning ahead is important. You are advised to discuss with your academic advisor in advance.

Can I go on exchange during the last semester of my final year?

If you have the plan of deferring your study while at the same time wish to apply for exchange, you are required to obtain the approval from your faculty showing that you are eligible to participate in the exchange programme.  Application access will only be opened with the valid proof provided by the faculty’s staff.

I am a final year student but I would like to defer my study and would like to apply for the exchange programme.

Students who did not accept their exchange offer in the current round will be eligible to apply for the late round. Please decline your current offer and submit the application for late round on or before the application deadline. There is no guarantee that you will receive an offer in the late round.
Students who have accepted an exchange offer will not be eligible to apply again.

I have received an offer in the main round. Can I apply for the late round again?

Note that the exchange period cannot be deferred to the next academic year. If you wish to exchange in next year, you will have to decline your existing offer and apply again. There is no guarantee that you will receive an offer in the later round.
Students who have accepted an exchange offer will not be eligible to apply again.

Is it possible for me to defer my exchange period to next academic year?

Please login to the application system: <a href="https://goglobal.hku.hk/outgoing/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://goglobal.hku.hk/outgoing/</a> and submit the withdrawal.

How can I withdraw from exchange?

The HKUWW exchange program is a valuable opportunity that requires substantial effort and is organised jointly by HKU and the partner university. Starting from the 2024-25 academic year, students who choose to withdraw from HKUWW will no longer be eligible for any future exchange opportunities. Please be reminded that your exchange deposit will also be forfeited upon withdrawal.

Can I apply again if I withdraw from the HKUWW programme?

In previous years, the chance of getting into the programme is those students with relatively higher academic standing around CGPA 3.0. However, please note that the competition is very fierce and the situation is different every year. During exchange placement, your CGPA in Semester 1 during the year of application will be taken into consideration. For MBBS applicants, your academic ranking will be taken into consideration.

Can I apply if my current CGPA is not high enough?

Yes, you can. We will refer to your CGPA after the release of Semester 1 results of in the year of the HKUWW application. It usually takes place in around late January.

I am a Year 1 student and I don’t have my CGPA now. Can I apply for HKUWW?

In general, only students participating in physical exchange programme are eligible to receive financial assistance for semester exchange. 
For details, you may visit <a href="https://intlaffairs.hku.hk/scholarships">Financial Assistance</a>.

Scholarship for Semester Exchange

HKUWW Exchange Programme

Please note that the TOEFL / IELTS score is one of the most important assessment criteria. If students are not able to provide the related result, they may have a disadvantage during the exchange placement.
If your existing proof is valid until the HKUWW application deadline, you may submit the proof as a supporting document. Please arrange to retake the language test in due course for the application to the host institution. Given the limited available timeslots for IELTS or TOEFL tests, you should schedule to take/re-take the test as soon as possible.
If you do not have one, please upload proof showing that you have already registered for the test or a statement that you do not have the result and with the date that you expect the result to be released. Submit your official test report to our office as soon as possible is important.
English proficiency proof is required for all applications. If you graduated from an international school or overseas high school, you may submit IB / SAT / GCSE or other related international qualifications. Subject to the respective host institution's recognition, students may sometimes be required to submit IELTS / TOEFL results as the host institution's application.

Can I apply without TOEFL / IELTS?

If you are required to apply for Tier 4 student visa, only IELTS (UKIV Academic) will be accepted. Please be reminded to apply for the specific test rather than the regular one.
If you are not required to apply for Tier 4 student visa in order to study in the UK, both IELTS (UKIV Academic) and regular tests can be accepted for exchange application. 
Please make sure you refer to the most updated policy as it may change from time to time.

Special Arrangement: should I apply for IELTS (Academic) or IELTS (UKIV Academic), if I wish to apply for UK institutions?

English Proficiency

Summer Abroad Partnership programmes are a series of programmes organised through HKU’s collaboration with partnership institutions. You can enjoy partner benefits such as fee-reduction, priority registration, requirement waiver and potential external scholarships through joining a SAP programme.

What is SAP?

To participate in one of the programmes listed under SAP, you will first need to apply for nomination from the International Affairs Office. If, after your application is reviewed, you are offered nomination, you will need to pay a deposit of HKD2,000 and submit proof of payment to accept the nomination offer. Once your deposit payment and acceptance of the nomination offer have been confirmed, you will receive instructions on how to complete your application to the host institution.
Students are strongly advised to research programmes and plan ahead to ensure that they are able to meet all of the relevant deadlines.
**Note: SAP deposits are refundable upon your successful completion of the programme and the submission of they post-programme report. Under normal circumstances, deposits will not be refunded to students who withdraw from the programme after accepting the nomination offer, or who fail to complete the programme.

SAP – Application

We have three rounds for SAP in total. Note that we offer different host institutions for different rounds. You may refer to the institution list on our webpage and take note of the application timeline at: 
<a href="https://intlaffairs.hku.hk/short-term-abroad-partnerships">https://intlaffairs.hku.hk/short-term-abroad-partnerships</a>.

SAP – Available host institutions

While most SAP programmes have returned to face-to-face instruction, some still offer hybrid or virtual participation options; refer to each programme's official website for information on how teaching will be conducted. Please note that only programmes that are conducted in-perso,n where students are at the host institution for at least 2 teaching weeks, are eligible for financial assistance through the SAP scheme.

SAP – Teaching mode

Good academic standing: students with a CGPA 3.0 or above have a relatively higher chance of getting a placement in the programme.
Please refer to the programme details as well as the eligibility criteria at:
<a href="https://intlaffairs.hku.hk/short-term-abroad-partnerships">https://intlaffairs.hku.hk/short-term-abroad-partnerships</a>.

SAP – Eligibility

As the application is rolling, you will only be able to apply to the system once. Students could select a maximum of five choices for SAP. Therefore, we would encourage you to consider filling in all five choices in your application to increase your chance of nomination. However, you may only apply to one SAP programme.
You will be considered in the list according to your order of preference, i.e., your first choice will be considered before others. Alternative offers may be given if you cannot meet the eligibility requirements. In case you are not allocated to any programme options from your five choices, you may be considered for an offer in the next placement exercise.

SAP – Programme choices

For MBBS students, please combine the transcript or portal exam result page so that we could assess both accordingly.

SAP – No GPA MBBS

In your SAP application, you will be asked to submit academic results. Scholarship funding and placement will be evaluated based on your results in the first semester during the academic year of the application. When you apply, please submit a screenshot of your SIS record, which shows the list of courses you are taking. You should expect to receive the nomination offer after the announcement of your first semester exam results.

SAP – No GPA Year 1

TOEFL/IELTS is applicable if it is part of the programme-specific requirement.
Most SAP programmes have waived the English proficiency requirements for HKU students. As HKU students, you do not need to provide TOEFL, IELTS or other qualifications to prove your English language proficiency, but you are still expected to meet the English proficiency requirement to fully benefit from the learning experience.
If the programme you apply for requires proof of your English proficiency, you will need to present your qualification in your SAP application. If you do not yet meet the English qualification required by the host institution, you should specify the expected date of your result in your application. You may upload a document explaining your case into the ‘required document’ field.

SAP – English qualification

The credit transfer process at HKU is handled by each Faculty individually. Please contact your home Faculty or department directly for information on the application and approval process.

May I transfer credits for SAP programme?

If you are in your final year of undergraduate study, you can still join a summer programme within the last academic year. Financial assistance and insurance coverage are still open to final year undergraduate students with restrictions, subject to whether the programme takes place during the time when your HKU student status is still valid.
If you plan to transfer credits that contribute to your degree, you will need to crosscheck with your faculty on the arrangement to facilitate your timely graduation.

SAP – Final Year Eligibility

We recognise that many of you may be considering other summer opportunities along with your SAP application. If you are offered nomination to a SAP programme, you will be required to pay a refundable deposit of HKD2,000 to the University within one week to accept your offer. The deposit will be refunded upon completion of the programme and submission of your reports. If you drop out of the programme to take up other opportunities, the deposit will unfortunately not be refundable.
If you would like to consider both opportunities, you may want to submit your application at a later time, but please be reminded that you are encouraged to apply early to take advantage of the wide range of programme choices available.

SAP – Drop-out Arrangement

Please login to the application system: <a href="https://goglobal.hku.hk/outgoing/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://goglobal.hku.hk/outgoing/</a> and submit the withdrawal request.

Note that students would be joining SAP on fee-paying basis. Most programmes require direct payment from you to the host institutions, while some payments for some SAP programmes should be made through HKU. You will be instructed on programme fee payment after you accept the SAP nomination. For more details, please refer to the individual programme webpage.

SAP – Programme fees

When applying to participate in a short-term programme, you will then be automatically considered for a scholarship or allowance. No separate application will be needed.
**Points to Note for Financial Assistance:
Some SAPs in Summer 2021 are yet to be confirmed if the programme will be conducted in virtual or physical format. In general, only students participating in physical short-term programme are eligible to receive financial assistance for short-term programmes.
For details, please refer to: <a href="https://intlaffairs.hku.hk/short-term-abroad-partnerships">https://intlaffairs.hku.hk/short-term-abroad-partnerships</a>.

SAP – Funding

Short-term Abroad Partnership (SAP)

The Short-term Abroad Opportunities (SAO) scheme offers support to HKU students participating in any of the 200+ recognized short-term programmes offered by partner institutions around the world. By registering their participation in a recognized programme with IAO, students will automatically be considered for financial assistance, enrolled in HKU's group travel insurance plan, and put in contact with other HKU students who will be participating in the same programme. Additional information can be found on our Short-term Study pages:
<ul>
	<li><a href="https://intlaffairs.hku.hk/winter-programmes">Winter Programmes</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://intlaffairs.hku.hk/short-term-abroad-opportunities">SAO Summer</a></li>
</ul>

What is SAO?

To participate in a SAO programme, you will need to apply to the host institution directly and also complete the Registration for Summer Study Abroad Programmes. Your registration at HKU will enable you to be considered for funding support and gain access to fellow students’ contacts, and insurance and other partner benefits offered by host institutions.
Apply with the host institution directly. Different institutions have different application procedures and deadlines. Please make sure you follow the application procedure of individual institution and complete their application. After receiving your admission, you can login back to the IAO system and complete your registration.
Submit your registration with IAO. This registration also serves as the application for IAO's financial assistance for short-term programmes. You can open the application as soon as you plan to apply for a summer programme. The application can only be submitted and be processed for Short-term Abroad Scholarship or Allowance after you received an admission offer from the host institution. Please refer to this page for the requirements and conditions of the financial assistance.
For details, please refer to: <a href="https://intlaffairs.hku.hk/avail_program.php?pid=10&amp;type=outgoing">https://aal.hku.hk/studyabroad/avail_program.php?pid=10&amp;type=outgoing</a>.

SAO – Application

While most SAO programmes have returned to face-to-face instruction, some still offer hybrid or virtual participation options; refer to each programme's official website for information on how teaching will be conducted. Please note that only programmes that are conducted in-person, where students are at the host institution for at least 2 teaching weeks, are eligible for financial assistance through the SAP scheme.

SAO – Teaching mode

If you are interested in participating in a short-term programme that is not currently recognized under our SAO scheme, please send the full name and official website link to <a href="mailto:goabroad@hku.hk">goabroad@hku.hk</a> so that we can review the programme and determine whether or not it can be added to our SAO or SAP schemes. If the programme is added to one of these short-term study abroad schemes, participation will be eligible for funding support from HKU, subject to all relevant requirements and regulations.

Programmes not listed in SAO

Final-year students may still be eligible to participate in short-term programmes taking place the summer after their final semester, provided their student status at HKU is valid for the entire duration of their intended programme. Please consult with your home Faculty to confirm the duration of your student status and have them email <a href="mailto:goabroad@hku.hk">goabroad@hku.hk</a> confirming your eligibility to participate in a summer programme.
If you plan to transfer credits that contribute to your degree, you will need to coordinate with your Faculty on the specific arrangements to facilitate your timely graduation.

SAO – Final Year Eligibility

The credit transfer process at HKU is handled by each Faculty individually. Please contact your home Faculty or department directly for information on the application and approval process.

How do I transfer credits from my SAO programme?

All programmes administered through our SAO scheme operate on a fee-paying basis, not an exchange basis. This means that students are responsible for settling any and all fees associated with their intended programme, including application, tuition, transportation, and lodging. Please refer to the individual programme webpages or contact the host institution for more details on programme fees.

SAO – Programme fees

All students who register their participation in a programme recognized through our SAO scheme will automatically be considered for a scholarship or allowance. No separate application is necessary.
In order to be eligible for financial assistance, students must complete a programme that lasts for at least 2 weeks while physically at the host institution/organisation and in the host country. Financial assistance is NOT available for participation in virtual short-term programmes.
Additional information on financial assistance awards can be found on our Short-term Abroad Opportunities website:
<a href="https://intlaffairs.hku.hk/short-term-abroad-opportunities">https://intlaffairs.hku.hk/short-term-abroad-opportunities</a>.

SAO – Funding

Short-term Abroad Opportunities (SAO)

<div class="table-responsive"><table border="1" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>SAP</td>
<td>SAO</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Application</td>
<td>
To participate in one of the programmes listed under Short-term Abroad Programme (SAP), you would first need to obtain the nomination offer from International Affairs Office (IAO). You would then be considered for nomination to one of the SAP programmes. Nominees will receive instructions from IAO regarding the application procedure and details.
</td>
<td>To participate in one of the programmes listed under Short-term Abroad Opportunities (SAO), students are required to apply to the host institution directly. Note that different host institutions have different application procedures and deadlines. Please make sure you follow the application procedure of the targeted institution and complete the application on time. After receiving the admission confirmation, you can login to IAO system and complete the SAO registration.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nomination</td>
<td>Required</td>
<td>Not required</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>English proficiency</td>
<td>Depend on the host institution’s requirement</td>
<td>Depend on the host institution’s requirement</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Programme fees</td>
<td>Fee-paying</td>
<td>Fee-paying</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Scholarship / Allowance</td>
<td>Eligible for scholarships (In general, only students participating in physical short-term programme are eligible to receive financial assistance for short-term programmes)</td>
<td>Eligible for scholarships (In general, only students participating in physical short-term programme are eligible to receive financial assistance for short-term programmes)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>
&nbsp;

Differences between SAP and SAO

Short-term Programmes

The institution that you will complete your undergraduate degree, i.e. The University of Hong Kong.

Home Institution

The institution that you will complete your exchange study.

Host Institution

The institution that has a reciprocal exchange agreement with HKU.

Partner Institution

The process of officially nominating selected candidates as exchange students to the host institution.

Exchange Nomination

<div class="faq_question_box">
<div class="faq_answer">
Most of the partner institutions require applicants to submit ESL proof, such as IELTS or TOEFL test results.
</div>
</div>

English as Second Language (ESL)

You may refer to <a href="https://ielts.org/test_takers_information/what_is_ielts.aspx">https://ielts.org/test_takers_information/what_is_ielts.aspx</a> for more information.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

You may refer to <a href="http://www.ets.org/toefl/ibt/about/resource_centers/">http://www.ets.org/toefl/ibt/about/resource_centers/</a> for more information.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

HKU official transcript should be verified, attested, and issued by the Registry.

FAQ