Study in Hong Kong for international students for FREE 2024-2025

Hong Kong, a cosmopolitan administrative region seamlessly blending Eastern and Western cultural elements, has emerged as a highly coveted destination for students worldwide seeking an enriching study abroad experience. Renowned for its exceptional educational institutions, Hong Kong offers top-notch instruction and exposure, drawing students eager to explore its vibrant traditions and global connectivity. The government’s steadfast commitment to education is evident in its substantial investment, allocating over 20% of the budget to ensure students receive a cutting-edge and comprehensive learning environment.

Situated at the crossroads of Asia, Hong Kong’s strategic location provides an optimal setting for advancing careers. Proximity to the dominant Asian market transforms the city into an ideal launchpad for professional growth. International students not only benefit from a world-class education but also gain valuable support and exposure to burgeoning businesses. Beyond academia, Hong Kong’s dynamic cityscape becomes a living laboratory, offering students a multifaceted experience where cultural immersion intersects with global economic forces. Studying in Hong Kong transcends traditional academic pursuits, inviting students to partake in a transformative journey that intertwines cultural exploration, academic excellence, and unparalleled professional opportunities in this dynamic global hub.

Hong Kong As a Study Destination: Highlights

An overview of every aspect of studying abroad in Hong Kong for an international student is provided below:

Language of Instruction	English
Average Cost of Study	HK$90,000 – HK$265,000/ year
Average Cost of Living	HK$30,000 – HK$50,000/ year
Sources of Funding	Scholarships, Bursaries, Grants, Fellowship, Part-Time Jobs, etc.
Exams Required	IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT,  SAT, etc.
Intakes	2 times a year – September to December and January to May
Type of Visa	Student Visa
Top Courses	Law, Accounting, Finance, Engineering, Computer Science and Information Technology, Psychology, Sociology
Types of Degrees	Associate degree, Undergraduate degree, Graduate degree, Doctorate degree

Why Study In Hong Kong?

Studying in Hong Kong offers a myriad of compelling reasons that make it an attractive choice for international students seeking a transformative educational experience:

1. World-Class Education: Hong Kong is home to prestigious universities consistently ranked among the world’s best, providing high-quality academic programs and a conducive learning environment.
2. Cultural Fusion: With a harmonious blend of Eastern and Western influences, Hong Kong offers a unique cultural experience that broadens perspectives and enriches learning.
3. Global Connectivity: As a global financial and business hub, Hong Kong’s strategic location facilitates networking and exposure to diverse industries, making it an ideal place for professional advancement.
4. Multilingual Environment: While English is widely used in academic settings, students can immerse themselves in Cantonese and Mandarin, contributing to a multilingual and multicultural experience.
5. Innovative Research Opportunities: Hong Kong universities are renowned for their research contributions. Students have access to cutting-edge facilities and collaborative projects, fostering an environment of innovation.
6. Proximity to Asia: At the gateway to Asia, Hong Kong provides easy access to neighboring countries, making it an excellent base for exploring the region’s diverse cultures and opportunities.
7. Safe and Dynamic City: Hong Kong is known for its safety, efficiency, and vibrant city life. Students can explore a dynamic urban landscape, cultural events, and diverse cuisine while feeling secure.
8. Global Career Opportunities: The international business connections and the city’s status as a global financial center open doors for students to pursue rewarding careers globally, enhancing their employability.
9. Scholarship Opportunities: Various scholarship programs are available for international students, easing financial burdens and making education in Hong Kong more accessible.
10. Quality of Life: Hong Kong provides a high standard of living with excellent healthcare, efficient public transportation, and many recreational activities, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable lifestyle for students.

Education System in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong government gives the educational field special attention. Some prestigious colleges and universities in Hong Kong grant different degrees in various subject areas. The following degrees are available from higher education institutions in Hong Kong:

Undergraduate Degree: It is a full-time degree pursued after competition of class 12th in Hong Kong. The undergraduate programs in Hong Kong are 3 – 4 years, depending on your chosen course. 

Associate Degree: An associate degree in Hong Kong is two years and aims to equip students with a strong educational base in the selected field.

Graduate Degree: A Master of Arts or Science is a graduate degree typically taking two years to complete.

Ph.D. Degree: The Doctorate or Ph.D. is a specialized post-graduate degree that can take 3-4 years to complete.

Below is a discussion of the various types of higher education institutions in Hong Kong in more detail:

Type of Institution	Key Points
Degree Awarding Institutions	These include UGC-funded universities, Self-funded institutions, and public institutions. They offer undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.
Technical/Vocational Education Post-secondary Institutions	Provides a wide array of locally-accredited sub-degree programs.  The focus is on applied skills in fields including arts and sciences.

Credit System in Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s universities all use the same credit system. The final calculation considers the credits a student earns throughout the course.

• The universities of Hong Kong follow the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS).
• The credit system in Hong Kong is semester-based.
• For a 4-year undergraduate program, a student is required to complete more than 240 credits. A 3-year program, on the other hand, requires 180 credits.
• All course results are included in calculating semester GPA, Year GPA, and Cumulative GPA.

Popular Universities in Hong Kong

Your university decision significantly impacts how you learn and grow. Therefore, picking the top university in Hong Kong is critical to ensure your overall development. Let’s take a look at the top international universities in Hong Kong:

University Name	QS World Ranking 2022	Average Tuition Fees/ Year
The University of Hong Kong	22	HK$171,000
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology	34	HK$140,000
The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)	39	HK$145,000
City University of Hong Kong	53	HK$140,000
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University	66	HK$145,000
Hong Kong Baptist University	287	HK$145,000
Lingnan University, Hong Kong	581-590	HK$180,000
Hong Kong Shue Yan University	–	HK$80,000
The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong	–	HK$157,000

Top Courses in Hong Kong

The universities in Hong Kong provide a broad selection of programs in many academic fields. All of these classes focus on careers and aid in the overall development of the students. However, a few are regarded as the top courses for international students to enroll in in Hong Kong:

• Accounting
• Finance
• Marketing
• Architecture
• International Relations
• Computer Science
• Environmental Science
• Engineering
• Law

Now let’s go over the most well-liked courses that international students enroll in Hong Kong:

Program	Duration	Average Tuition Fees
Master of Accounting, MACC	1-2 years	HK$171,000
MSc Data Science	1-2 years	HK$157,000
BSc Telecommunications	3-4 years	HK$155,000
MSc Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering	1 year	HK$155,000
MSc Mathematical Finance and Financial Markets	1-2 years	HK$157,000
BA Applied Linguistics	4 years	HK$82,000
MA International Higher Education and Management	1 year	HK$138,000

Admission Process in Hong Kong

You must adhere to the following steps to apply for admission to a higher education facility in Hong Kong:

• Decide the course you want to pursue and look for the best universities that suit your needs and goals.
• Once the universities are shortlisted, check out each university’s official university website and gather information about the requirements and eligibility criteria.
• Start the application process. Fill out the application form and upload all required documents and certificates. Pay the required application fees.
• Wait for the universities to revert.
• Once selected, you will be sent a letter of acceptance. It is the document that you will need to apply for your student visa. A sponsor is needed for a student visa application process, and your institute may act as one.

Hong Kong University Admission Requirements

Understanding the admission standards for various courses in Hong Kong is necessary to comprehend how to study there:

Degree	Requirements
Associate Degree	High school transcript or equivalent  IELTS – 6.5 TOEFL- 60
Bachelor’s Degree	A secondary school graduation certificate  IELTS – 6.5 TOEFL – 80 SAT
Master’s Degree	Relevant undergraduate degree with GPA 3.0 or above IELTS – 6.5 TOEFL – 80 GRE/GMAT CV SOP  References
Doctorate Degree	Master’s degree in the related field Bachelor’s degree with first-class honors Proven research abilities IELTS – 6.5 – 7.5 TOEFL – 90

Cost of Attendance in Hong Kong

The cost of attending a particular university and course in Hong Kong varies. Here, your lifestyle choice is also taken into account. Tuition fees and living expenses in Hong Kong for international students make up the two main components of the overall cost of attending school there.

Tuition Fees in Hong Kong

Hong Kong has different tuition costs for local and international students, with the latter paying a higher rate. International students in Hong Kong must pay additional fees for student services and other educational activities besides the tuition.

Degree Type	Average Annual Tuition Fee
Bachelors	HK$72,000 – HK$150,000
Masters	HK$90,000 – $250,000

Cost of Living in Hong Kong

The type of lifestyle one chooses will determine how much it costs to live in Hong Kong for an international student. If money is tight, you must choose student housing and apply for various scholarship programs. However, some expenses cannot be avoided. The following is a discussion of the major factors affecting the cost of living in Hong Kong for international students:

Particular	Average Cost Per Year
Apartment housing, including utilities	HK$15,000 – HK$45,000
Food	HK$9,500
Books and supplies	HK$6,000
Miscellaneous	HK$15,000

Student Visa in Hong Kong

A student visa is a requirement for any international student wishing to enroll in a course in Hong Kong. Indian students can study in Hong Kong with a relatively easy visa application process. A step-by-step procedure for applying for a student visa to Hong Kong is provided below:

1. Find a sponsor is the first step. The educational institution that admits you or a person of legal age may serve as your local sponsor (18 and above). Additionally, he or she must live in Hong Kong and have the means to support you as a student.
2. Complete the application process by filling out form ID 995A while your sponsor fills out form ID 995B. Both can be downloaded online from the official website of Hong Kong’s immigration department.
3. Upload all required documents and pay the fees.
4. After the online process is completed, you will be called to attend your student visa interview at the embassy office you choose.
5. It might take six to eight weeks to process a visa. Once you have a letter of acceptance from your chosen university, you should apply for a student visa there.

• Name and date of birth
• Address and contact number
• Passport details
• Transcripts, awards, and certificates
• A photocopy of your letter of admission from a university in Hong Kong and your letter of acceptance to the specific course.
• Photocopy of the applicant’s travel document, which contains personal credentials, date of issue, date of expiry, and/or details of any re-entry visa held (if applicable).
• One passport-sized photograph
• Photocopy of other qualifications such as IELTS or TOEFL (if any)

Top Scholarships in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong government ensures that its international students have a hassle-free time living and studying there. One way to achieve this is by offering scholarships to cover tuition, lodging, and other costs. The majority of them are fully funded merit-based scholarships. The following is a list of some of the best scholarships for Indian students and other international students to study in Hong Kong:

Hong Kong Government Scholarships

-International students are pursuing undergraduate or graduate courses at the top universities in Hong Kong. 

-Amount/ Benefit: Fully Funded with an annual stipend of up to HK$309,600

Self-financing Post-secondary Education Fund

Students are pursuing full-time locally-accredited self-financing sub-degree or bachelor’s degrees.

Amount/ Benefit: Amount and benefit varies with the course and citizenship

Diversity Grant for International Students at City University of Hong Kong

Meritorious international students are undertaking an undergraduate degree at the City University of Hong Kong.

Amount/ Benefit: HK$120,000

Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Hong Kong Scholarship

International students are pursuing graduate and undergraduate courses at GIA.

Amount/ Benefit: Tuition Fees (Varies with respective courses)

ASEAN Countries Admission Scholarships, Hong Kong

-International students from ASEAN member countries pursue undergraduate programs at Lee Woo Sing College, Hong Kong.

-Amount/ Benefit: HK$20,000

International Award at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)

Outstanding students with decent JEE scores to pursue undergraduate courses at HKUST.

Amount/ Benefit: HK$50,000

Full-Tuition Entrance International Awards at Hang Seng University of Hong Kong

International students will undertake undergraduate courses at the Hand Seng University of Hong Kong.

Amount/ Benefit: Tuition Fees (Varies with respective courses)

School of Communication and Film International Awards in Hong Kong

Meritorious international students are pursuing undergraduate courses at Hong Kong Baptist University School of Communication and Film.

Amount/ Benefit: HK$70,000

Work Opportunities

You are permitted to work various part-time jobs thanks to your student visa. In Hong Kong, many part-time jobs are available for international students. However, to do so, you must obtain a “No Objection Letter” (NOL) from the immigration department of Hong Kong.

International students may work 20 hours per week in Hong Kong with a student visa and an NOL.

Other prerequisites for international students seeking part-time employment in Hong Kong include:

• He/She must be enrolled in a full-time undergraduate or above program at a recognized university of Hong Kong.
• The duration of the course should not be less than one year.
• Must have a student visa and valid NOL. 

Popular part-time jobs for students in Hong Kong include:

Part-Time Jobs	Average Salary Per Hour
Flightseeing Tour Salesperson	HK$90
Tutor	HK$150
Assistant Graphic Designer	HK$80
Assistant Program Coordinator	HK$110
Online English Tutor	HK$155
Receptionist	HK$100

Post-Study Work Options For International Students In Hong Kong

Hong Kong offers attractive post-study work options for international students, providing avenues for professional growth and employment in this dynamic global hub. Here are key elements of the post-study work options available:

1. Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP): Upon completing a degree program in Hong Kong, international students are eligible for a post-graduate work permit. The length of the permit varies depending on the level of study: up to one year for diploma and undergraduate programs and up to two years for postgraduate programs.
2. Special Work Arrangement for Non-local Graduates: Introduced to retain talent, this arrangement allows non-local graduates to stay and work in Hong Kong for an additional year without the need for a job offer. This provides flexibility for graduates to explore career opportunities or secure employment within this extended period.
3. Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS): For those who wish to stay longer and contribute their skills to the Hong Kong workforce, the QMAS is an option. It is a points-based system that considers factors such as age, academic qualifications, work experience, and language proficiency. Successful applicants are granted a visa to seek employment or start their own business in Hong Kong.
4. Employment Opportunities in Key Industries: Hong Kong’s status as a global financial center, coupled with its thriving business and innovation sectors, provides ample opportunities for employment. Graduates with backgrounds in finance, technology, and other key industries can explore various career paths.
5. Entrepreneurial Opportunities: For those with an entrepreneurial spirit, Hong Kong encourages the establishment of start-ups. The city’s supportive business environment and access to global markets make it an attractive destination for aspiring entrepreneurs.
6. Language Advantage: Proficiency in English and exposure to Cantonese and Mandarin during the study period enhance the employability of international graduates in Hong Kong’s multilingual business landscape.
7. Networking Opportunities: Hong Kong’s vibrant networking events, industry conferences, and career fairs provide platforms for international graduates to connect with potential employers, fostering professional relationships that can lead to employment opportunities.
8. Quality of Life: Hong Kong offers a high quality of life, with excellent healthcare, efficient public transportation, and a rich cultural scene. This contributes to the overall appeal of staying and building a career in the city.
9. Visa Flexibility: Hong Kong’s visa policies are designed to attract and retain international talent. The city’s commitment to being an international metropolis is reflected in its efforts to create a welcoming environment for skilled professionals.

Job Outlook for International Students after Studies

Here is a quick look at the top industries where international students can find jobs in Hong Kong after receiving an MS:

Area of Specialisation	Average Annual Salary
Management	HK$500,000
Computer Science	HK$350,000
Chemical Engineering	HK$550,000
Statistics / Data Science	HK$300,000
Electrical & Electronics Engineering	HK$550,000

Work Visa and PR in Hong Kong

A work visa in Hong Kong is good for a year and can be extended as long as your employment is still in effect. Your work visa or permit will not be transferred to a new employer in Hong Kong if you change jobs and begin working there. You must then apply for a new work visa.

In order to apply for a work visa, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must have a relevant job that suits your academic qualification and work experience.
• Documents to prove your educational background – degrees in the relevant field, achievements, technical qualifications, work experience, etc.
• A salary includes income, medical, accommodation and other benefits provided to Hong Kong professionals. The salary must be at par with the salaries paid to locals in Hong Kong.
• Necessary documents to prove that you have no criminal records.

You are also qualified to apply for permanent resident status if you have resided in Hong Kong for at least seven years. Residents with PR status are free to enter and exit Hong Kong, pursue any course of study, accept any job, and open any kind of business.

Hong Kong is undoubtedly a fantastic study-abroad location because of its top-notch universities, which provide excellent education, world-class research, and a secure environment. Students in HK have access to the best of both the east and the west as well as a wide range of job opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions: Study in Hong Kong