Exchange guide The University of Hong Kong
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at The University of Hong Kong in Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
Study abroad at The University of Hong Kong (HKU): overview
Study abroad at The University of Hong Kong means choosing the city historic flagship, with 45,000+ students in 2025/26, a huge global network and strengths in medicine, dentistry, law, business, engineering and social sciences. The advantage is reputation and Hong Kong Island access; the trade-off is competitive housing and high cost near campus.
Enrollment
45,303 students on all programmes in 2025/26, according to HKU Quick Stats.
International Mix
25,051 non-local students by nationality in 2025/26, excluding exchange-in; 2,391 incoming visits from non-local institutions in 2024/25.
Why students choose it
Pok Fu Lam and HKU station give a very Hong Kong Island experience: easy access to Central, Kennedy Town and Sai Ying Pun, with high cost and competitive housing.
Language of instruction: English, Chinese in specific courses/contexts
Exchange & application at The University of Hong Kong (HKU)
HKU exchange requires a partnership and official nomination from your home university. Do not contact IAO without nomination; prepare course plan, visa and CEDARS housing in parallel.
✅Requirements
Official nomination, transcript, course plan, language proof where applicable, student visa/entry permit and adequate insurance.
📨Nomination Process
HKU states that students should not contact the office without official nomination from the home exchange coordinator.
🧭Orientation Week
Use arrival for student portal, course add/drop, housing, CEDARS and societies.
🗓️Deadlines by intake
| Intake | Nomination deadline | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | Home institution nominates according to the current HKU cycle. | HKU provides the process after nomination; check IAO. |
| 2nd semester | Home institution nominates according to the current HKU cycle. | HKU provides the process after nomination; check IAO. |
Arrival Checklist
- Wait for official nomination
- Review course selection and academic dates
- Apply to CEDARS housing early
- Prepare student visa
- Plan Hong Kong Island budget
Academics & courses at The University of Hong Kong (HKU)
HKU runs clear semesters, course selection and strong faculty-level expectations. Confirm credits, restrictions and assessment before signing the Learning Agreement.
📝Course Registration
HKU requires planning by faculty, capacity and timetable. Final credit approval must sit with your home university.
🎓Credit System
Map HKU credits with your home degree before finalising the Learning Agreement; clinical/professional subjects can have restrictions.
💯Grading System
Confirm grade conversion and minimum load before choosing high-risk courses.
✍️Exam Culture
HKU combines autonomy with demanding assessment. Expect fast add/drop, steady reading and strong final exams or projects.
📚Library Access
Libraries and learning spaces are central; activate access early and book spaces around assessment.
Tuition & fees at The University of Hong Kong (HKU)
Separate exchange tuition from full-degree fees. HKU says exchange students pay tuition at their home institution, while 2026/27 non-local degree tuition starts at HKD 224,000/year for non-STEM.
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | You pay tuition at the home institution under the exchange agreement | HKU states exchange students remain enrolled with and pay tuition at their home institution. |
| Full degree - non-local non-STEM | HKD 224,000/year for 2026/27 non-STEM faculties | STEM and professional programmes may differ; check the fee page. |
| Full degree - local | HKD 47,000/year for 2026/27 | Local reference, not automatically applicable to non-local students. |
| Living expenses reference | Up to HKD 50,000/year living expenses reference | Housing is separate or varies by residence/private market. |
You pay tuition at the home institution under the exchange agreement
HKU states exchange students remain enrolled with and pay tuition at their home institution.
HKD 224,000/year for 2026/27 non-STEM faculties
STEM and professional programmes may differ; check the fee page.
HKD 47,000/year for 2026/27
Local reference, not automatically applicable to non-local students.
Up to HKD 50,000/year living expenses reference
Housing is separate or varies by residence/private market.
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Student housing at The University of Hong Kong (HKU)
HKU housing is competitive: CEDARS manages halls, residential colleges, non-hall and off-campus options. Apply early and compare Pok Fu Lam/Kennedy Town against cost and real commute.
Full housing guide
Find housing in Hong Kong
Official contacts, student residences, private platforms, tips & red flags.
Insurance & campus support at The University of Hong Kong (HKU)
Use IAO, CEDARS, libraries, faculty advising and residential life from arrival. HKU has strong resources, but you need to activate them early.
Campus services
Student life at The University of Hong Kong (HKU)
HKU life mixes historic campus, Hong Kong Island, societies, halls and quick access to Central/Kennedy Town. It is ideal for students who want global reputation and an intense city.
Student Clubs
- Faculty societies
- Residential hall communities
- Sports clubs
- International student networks
Buddy Program
IAO/CEDARS and faculties communicate orientation, student support and arrival activities.
Your First 2 Weeks
- Activate portal and student card
- Confirm CEDARS housing
- Close add/drop
- Test HKU station/Pok Fu Lam commute
- Join a society or hall activity
Key exchange dates at The University of Hong Kong (HKU)
Track nomination, course selection, add/drop, housing, visa, orientation, assessment period and checkout in one calendar.
-
1
IAO nomination
Before semester
HKU Exchange Programme
-
2
Academic dates and course selection
September-December / January-May
HKU Academic Information
-
3
CEDARS housing
According to residence rounds
HKU CEDARS Residence Application