Study in Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s academic year consists of two semesters: one from early September to late December and the other from mid-January to May. The application deadlines for universities in Hong Kong vary but are typically between December and May for courses beginning the following September. Applicants for undergraduate degrees must have finished secondary school and earned passing scores on their country’s leaving examinations (such as A-levels, Baccalaureate, or SATs). To gain admission to a Hong Kong public university, non-native English speakers must demonstrate their English proficiency by passing a test such as the IELTS or TOEFL.

The university should establish a local sponsor for your visa application after a spot has been offered. In addition to submitting a visa application form, you must submit proof of identity, proof of academic qualifications, and a financial statement (either of your own finances or those of someone who is supporting you). The Immigration Department is also likely to want information on where you plan to live in Hong Kong while you are a student, so it is preferable to arrange this well in advance through the university or independently. Most visas must be renewed annually; make sure to do it in advance (at least four weeks before the expiry date).

International students wanting to study in Hong Kong should be aware that there are restrictions on the types of part-time work they can engage in; nonetheless, study-related internships, on-campus part-time jobs, and summer vacation work are generally acceptable. When your visa is accepted, you should obtain a “No Objection Letter” outlining the categories of employment for which you are eligible to apply in Hong Kong while you are a student there.