Generally speaking, if you wish to study in Hong Kong and you do not have right of abode or right to land in Hong Kong, you need to apply for a HKSAR student visa.

For all international students (except summer programme participants) and Mainland research students, please contact Centre of Development and Resources for Students (CEDARS).

Website: cedars.hku.hk/campuslife/visamatters/faq Email: cedars@hku.hk

For Mainland exchange students, undergraduates and taught course postgraduates, please contact China Affairs Office for help in your student visa application.

Website: aal.hku.hk/cao Email: visaapp@hku.hk

All non-local students need to obtain a student visa to study in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Immigration Department normally issues student visas only to applicants enrolling in a FULL-TIME course in the University. If you are admitted to a part-time programme, the Hong Kong Immigration Department will still accept your entry student visa application. They however will take the actual teaching dates of your programmes into consideration during the assessment stage. It is very likely that the Hong Kong Immigration Department will only permit you to stay in Hong Kong as a student on those dates that you need to attend classes at the University. For the rest of the week, you are expected to leave the HKSAR territory and return to your city of domicile. Students may seek advice from CEDARS on visa matters at cedars.hku.hk/campuslife/visamatters/faq.

It is the responsibility of individual students to maintain a valid and legitimate visa status throughout their studies at HKU. Should there be any circumstantial or personal changes leading to the termination of the student’s prevailing visa status, the concerned student is required to report the changes immediately to the HK Immigration Department and to apply for a fresh visa for study. Pursuing study without a valid visa is a breach of the law.

Non-local students who have extended their study or whose limit of stay is shorter than the normal duration of their study programme should apply for a visa extension 4 weeks before their limit of stay expires. It is the responsibility of individual students to renew their visa in a timely manner to maintain a valid and legitimate visa status throughout their study at HKU.

Student visa holders cannot take up work in Hong Kong unless they have got a “No Objection Letter” from the Hong Kong Immigration Department. Violation of the conditions of stay is a serious immigration offence.