Why Study Abroad

Have you considered studying abroad, but are not sure how to start? Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience. Here are the benefits you can gain from an extended stay in a foreign country, and why you should consider taking the leap.

To learn to be more independent and for personal development
To take courses that are not available at HKU
To learn a new language
To travel and make new friends from around the world
To experience a new culture and a different learning environment

Preparing for Your Study Abroad Experience

At HKU, we aim to equip our students with not only academic excellence, but also the knowledge, skills, and values needed to become influential citizens in today's globalised world. To achieve this goal, we offer a variety of overseas learning opportunities. Studying abroad can be a transformative experience, and we actively encourage our students to take advantage of these programmes. Please see below for the variety of study abroad programmes.

Programme Type	Programme / Payment	Duration/Period	Financial Assistance
Exchange Programmes HKU Worldwide Programme Faculty-based Exchange Programme	Exchange (HKU Tuition Fees)	One or two semesters	Various Types of Scholarships
Visiting Programmes (Organised by IAO) Worldwide Plus Visiting Programme	Fee-paying	One or two semesters	Worldwide Plus Visiting Scholarship HSBC Overseas Scholarship
Visiting Programmes (Self-initiated) Visiting Programmes	Fee-paying (Tuition Fees paid to the Host University)	One or two semesters	Self-funded
Short-term Programmes Winter Programmes Short-term Abroad Partnerships Short-term Abroad Opportunities	Fee-paying (Tuition Fees paid to the Host University)	Reading weeks, Winter or Summer breaks	Various Types of Scholarships

Effective Planning to Maximise Your Study Abroad Experience

Embarking on a study abroad programme can be a valuable learning experience during your university journey. To make the most of it, it is crucial to plan ahead. We may suggest you apply for the semester-based exchange programme during your second year. This way, you can take advantage of the opportunity to study advanced courses in the host institution.

Year of Study	Semester 1	Semester 2	Summer
1	Attend as many information sessions as possible to get yourself familiar with the requirements Take time and do research on the host institutions’ requirements Get yourself to be prepared and fulfil the specific requirements		Short-term Programme (optional)
2	Grasp a better idea on the declaration of major Research the major and course offerings through the websites of preferred host institutions Seek advice from your Faculty regarding course approval and credit transfer arrangements Apply for the semester-based exchange programme during your second year		Short-term Programme (optional)
3	Attend the semester-based programme in the host institution	Attend the semester-based programme in the host institution	Short-term Programme (optional)
4 or higher	Apply what you have learned from the programme to the final year of study Join information sessions and share the experience with the newcomers		Short-term Programme (optional) - must obtain prior approval