University of Hong Kong

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is the territory’s oldest institute of higher learning and an internationally recognised, research-led, comprehensive university. While honouring the strength of its heritage and traditions, HKU also engages in frontier research and academic endeavours that reflect and address the needs of a fast-changing, knowledge-based world.   

HKU offers campuses that stretch along the north-western slopes of Hong Kong Island, with its main campus a 10 minute bus ride away from the city centre.  

Available exchanges

The University of Hong Kong hosts the University-wide exchange and Subject-specific exchanges for students in the following subjects:

  • Business
  • Chemistry (research)
  • Law

Restrictions

  • The Faculty of Law and Faculty of Business and Economics have the following entry requirements for exchange students:
    • Faculty of Law: minimum CGPA 3.33 on a 4.3 scale (which converts to the letter grade of B+) or at least upper second-class honours (2:1) or equivalent. 
    • Faculty of Business and Economics: B average / CGPA 3.0 / Satisfactory level.
    • Whilst students with a slightly lower CGPA may be considered with justification, students who do not meet this threshold may not be accepted by HKU.
  • The following programmes/courses are not available to exchange students: 
    • Faculty of Dentistry
    • Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine
    • BSc (Exercise and Health) Programme
    • Most final-year project courses in all faculties.
  • Entry to some courses is highly competitive, particularly in the following subject areas:
    • Business
    • Economics
  • HKU is not recommended for English Literature, due to course access difficulties.
  • HKU has a very limited History course offering and may not be suitable for students studying a subject from the School of History, Classics and Archaeology (HCA). Students studying a HCA subject must discuss HKU’s suitability with their Exchange Coordinator before selecting HKU as an exchange destination. 
  • Students must take 50% of their courseload from their host Faculty at HKU (with the exception of the Faculty of Law, as detailed below).
  • The Faculty of Law has a restriction on non-Law courses for its students, allowing enrolment in 12 credits (two HKU courses, 40% of courseload) of non-Law courses per semester. Joint honours students with Law as the first subject should discuss the suitability of HKU as an exchange destination with their Exchange Coordinators.
  • Access to Law courses is very limited for exchange students who are not hosted in the Faculty of Law, including University-wide and Subject-specific Business exchange students. Joint honours students with Law as the second subject should therefore discuss the suitability of HKU as an exchange destination with their Exchange Coordinators.

Your responsibilities

  • The information provided here serves as a guide.
  • It is your responsibility to research whether the partner provides appropriate courses for your degree programme.
  • Even if there are no restrictions on your degree subject, this does not mean that there are appropriate courses for you.  

The language of instruction at this institution is English.


Please refer to the HKU webpage below for course information:

HKU Academic information for exchange students

Students are expected to complete at least half of their total study load within their host faculty, with flexibility for the remaining courses to be taken from other faculties. 


Guaranteed accommodation?

No 

University accommodation

Accommodation at HKU is managed by the Centre of Development and Resources for Students (CEDARS). They offer different types of housing options to meet student preferences and needs, but places are limited in availability and are not guaranteed for incoming students. You are strongly advised to apply as soon as it is possible. More information is available at the link below:

Home - HKU Cedars - Housing

Private accommodation  

CEDARS also provide resources for off-campus accommodation:

Options Beyond Campus - Private Student Living - HKU Cedars - Housing 


How much will it cost to go on exchange to HKU?

You will need to consider establishment costs, which may include buying furniture, paying a rental bond, and setting up electricity, gas and mobile phone accounts. Other expenses, such as visa and medical fees (see ‘Health insurance’, below), as well as return airfares, should also be considered. Students are advised to research the cost of living in Hong Kong, and remember that exchange rate variations may also affect your budget. 

Living expenses are estimated to be over HK$100,000 for the academic year, not including flights, insurance or visa costs. Costs may vary significantly depending on housing and lifestyle.    

Visa considerations

You should expect to pay a processing fee to obtain your study visa for Hong Kong.  Visa requirements can vary depending on your nationality.  Applicants will be required to provide financial proof, to demonstrate that they can meet the cost of living in Hong Kong. 

Health insurance 

The University Health Service (UHS) provides free primary health care to full-time registered students. Certain medications, preventive services and other items are charged at cost. Dental service is also available at a notional charge.  More information about UHS is available at the link below:

Overseas Students – University Health Service | HKU

Health and travel insurance is optional but highly recommended. 


HKU's academic calendar can be viewed at the link below:

Home – The University of Hong Kong Calendar | The University of Hong Kong Calendar


HKU has provided the following documents for prospective exchange students:


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