HKU Worldwide Student Exchange

The HKU Worldwide Undergraduate Student Exchange Programme (HKUWW) provides exchange places from partner institutions (or host institutions) of the University for one or two semester(s). Applications to HKUWW should be made via the International Affairs Office (IAO). After an HKUWW applicant has been offered a place at a particular host institution, the applicant will be nominated by IAO to the host institution and instructed to submit an application to the institution for admission to the exchange programme.

Application Details

• List of Exchange Institutions - HKUWW 2024-25 (2nd Late Round)
• HKUWW Online Application Guide
• Students are advised to read the details carefully on Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for background information
• Application period: March 8 to March 15, 2024 (23:59)

Eligibility Criteria

1. Non-final year students:
   • those enrolling in the second-to-last or last semester in the current year are NOT allowed to apply; and
   • Year 2 or above students will be given higher placement priority than Year 1 students
2. Not joined any previous semester exchange programmes or special visiting programmes organised by IAO, faculties or departments 
3. Good academic standing: 
   • students with a CGPA of 3.0 or above have a relatively higher chance of getting a placement in the programme
   • An overall band of 6.5 or better in IELTS Academic Module in the same attempt
   • A score of 93 or better in the TOEFL internet-based test/ TOEFL iBT Home Edition in the same attempt
4. Supported by the applicant’s faculty
5. Outgoing and eager to meet new challenges
6. Ready to be an ambassador of HKU
7. Willing to share exchange experiences after the study 
   
   

Selection of Host Institutions

You are suggested to research the available host institutions and read through the institution details and fact sheets. You should consider the following criteria of respective host institutions for your application:

• CGPA requirement
• Restrictions on major and year of study
• Courses offered – credit transfer subject to approval by your faculty
• English language requirement – which could be higher than IAO’s requirements
• Medium of instruction at the institution and language use in the country
• Academic calendar – whether there will be any clash throughout the semester
  
  

Assessment Criteria

Applicants will be assessed based on the following:

• Academic performance (CGPA as of Semester 1 in the year of application) 
• Personal statement
• English language proficiency
• Interview performance (if applicable) - applicants will receive an interview invitation if applicable
  
  

Personal Statement

It is essential to state your reasons for why you would like to join this exchange programme, so we get to know more about you and whether you are fit and qualified for going to a specific country and institution. Please write 100 words by including the following. It is expected that you are able to present your ideas and demonstrate your writing skills with condensed and precise vocabulary.

• Reason(s) why you apply for this study abroad programme
• Reason(s) why you put the preferred institution as your first choice
• Reason(s) why you put the preferred country as your first choice
• Reason(s) why you apply for full-year exchange (if applicable) – since the quota for full-year exchange is limited, you need to explain clearly why you should be considered  
  
  

English Proficiency

You are required to upload valid English proficiency proof to the online application system on or before the deadline. Without the proper proof, you will not be eligible for being nominated to the institutions which require specific English proficiency test results.

• IELTS – please submit a copy of the IELTS test result
• TOEFL – please submit a copy of the TOEFL test result

The English proficiency proof should be valid until the host institution's application deadline.

• 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 host institution. In view of the limited available timeslots for IELTS or TOEFL tests, you should schedule to take/re-take the test as soon as possible.
• English proficiency proof is required for all applications. If you graduated from an international or overseas high school, you may submit IB / SAT / GCSE or other 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.
  
  

Application Timeline  (2024/25)

Nomination and Application to the Host Institution (2024/25)

Exchange Placement

All applications are reviewed carefully according to students' academic performance, personal statement, English proficiency level, major as well as the host institutions' requirements.

• The student who receives an offer from HKU Worldwide Student Exchange Programme should indicate on the system whether he/she accepts or declines the exchange offer.
• The student who receives an offer from the Faculty/Department should accept the offer through the respective Faculty/Department. 

How to Accept an Exchange Offer

Step 1 - Pay HK$2,000 Deposit

1. Follow the Deposit Payment Instructions to pay the HK$2,000 deposit

• • Remember to save the payment proof
  • Bank drafts or personal cheques are not acceptable

2. The deposit is refundable if all the followings are fulfilled:

• • Successfully admitted to the host institution
  • Successfully registered to the host institution
  • Completion of the programme in accordance with all the conditions listed on the Letter of Acceptance
  • Submission of Exchange Report

3. No refund can be arranged if students withdraw from the programme after the acceptance

Step 2 - Read the Letter of Acceptance and Fill in Reply Slip

1. Read the Letter of Acceptance carefully
2. Complete Reply Slip (Page 4)

• • Check and make sure all personal information is submitted accurately
  • The type-written electronic signature is acceptable

3. Insert deposit payment proof to the designated area (Page 5)
4. Save and convert the Letter of Acceptance into one PDF file

Step 3 – Accept the Offer through the Application System

1. Login to the Outgoing Application System and choose the correct application
2. Upload the PDF file (Letter of Acceptance) to the system
3. On the system, click “Accept” the green button to accept the offer
4. Click "OK" to confirm the offer

How to Decline the Exchange Offer

1. Login to the Outgoing Application System and choose the correct application
2. On the system, click “Decline” the red button to decline the offer
3. A student who declines the exchange offer in the main round may enter the late-round applications

Important Notes

1. Late submissions will not be considered
2. Acceptance without deposit payment will not be accepted
3. If you receive an offer from your faculty or department, please accept the offer through the respective Faculty/Department.

What’s Next

1. A student who has accepted an exchange offer is deemed a nominee meaning that he/she will be nominated by HKU to the specified host institution. The final decision of admission will be at the discretion of the host institution.
2. For the nominees of 2024/25 Semester 1 or Full Year, IAO's exchange coordinator will contact you directly regarding the nomination and application procedure. The schedule is tight and please make sure you follow the instructions thoroughly.
3. For the nominees of 2024/25 Semester 2. Please expect that IAO's exchange coordinator will contact you at a later time. Please refer to the application timeline for more information.
4. Nominees are not advised to make contact with the assigned host institution until the nomination has been confirmed.
5. Application procedures may vary from institution to institution. In general, the application can be completed through a paper form or online platform. Nominees should refer to the host institution's factsheet and application details.
6. Nominees should prepare all or parts of the following depending on each institution's requirements:

• • HKU Official Transcript [Login HKU Portal > Enterprise > SIS > Online Application > Apply for Transcript]
  • English Proficiency Proof
  • Copy of Passport Particulars Page
  • Personal Statement
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Financial Proof
  • Passport Size Photo
  • Proposed Study Plan