University of Hong Kong Direct Enroll

More Information on the Hong Kong Direct Enroll Program

Through HKU's study abroad program (called Visiting Student Program by HKU) you can study there for one or two semesters taking courses in your major and in other fields (schedules allowing). For more details about the Visiting Student Program at HKU check here.

The University of Hong Kong, as an English-medium, research-led, comprehensive university (the only one in China), provides world-class, campus-based education in a wide range of academic disciplines to outstanding students. The University is situated in a geographically and culturally unique part of China and has historically sat at the gateway between East and West, pursuing teaching and research which enhance the understanding of Asia in a comparative way. We now need to develop innovative approaches to tackling current Asian and global issues. The Belt and Road Initiative for the future development of China’s relationship with the rest of the world provides wonderful opportunities for us to collaborate with partners in mainland China and elsewhere in Asia. We have a strong international focus but also a distinct Asian perspective, and the University is recognized by the international community for its high-quality talents, assets and skills.

Our deep connections with strategic partners all over the world coupled with our distinct advantages in Greater China provide exceptional opportunities for students and staff to make meaningful contributions to the building of knowledge and the advancement of society. By so doing, not only are we supporting student and staff engagement with the global community, we are training them to apply their skills and talents effectively, and to be successful anywhere in today’s increasingly globalized society.

MIT students on the exchange can study at UHK for the Fall, Spring, or Academic Year.

Fall Semester Dates: End of August to mid-December

Spring Semester Dates: Mid-January to end of May

We recommend verifying program start and end dates directly with UHK: Academic Calendar

You must meet the admissions standards outlined by the University of Hong Kong. For details check here. (You would be a visiting student, NOT an exchange student.)

Applicants for the University of Hong Kong need to be:

Have a GPA of 4.0 or above
In good academic standing
In good judicial standing
Up to date with the Communication Requirement
Up to date with HASS courses

Contact MISTI if you have questions about your particular situation.

Application to the study abroad (visiting student) program at the University of Hong Kong is a two-part process:

Apply through MISTI for approval to study abroad. Apply before the HKU deadline for the term in which you plan to study abroad.
Apply directly to the University of Hong Kong Visiting Programme (not the exchange program) by the deadline stated on the HKU website.

Note that a crucial part of the HKU application is verifying the confirmation of your study abroad by your home institution (MIT). Be sure to be in contact with MISTI well ahead of the HKU application deadline to discuss this.

Course Options

Education in Hong Kong is largely modeled after the English system and reflects a blend of Asian and Western philosophy of education. The University of Hong Kong offers a wide range of study areas, including engineering, science, humanities and social sciences. You will be able to select courses in your major and add a course or two from other disciplines, schedules allowing. For more information on majors and subjects at HKU check here.

All courses are taught in English, except courses offered by the School of Chinese.

Students are recommended to take 24-30 credits (6 credits per course in general) for each semester. 50% of the course load must be chosen from one Faculty (your intended host faculty). It is optional for students to take the remaining credits from other faculties.

See more information, restrictions on courses, and available courses here (bottom of the page).

Transfer Credit

Information on the transfer credit process at MIT can be found here.

Grades for the fall semester will be released in February or March, and grades for the spring will be released in July or August.

For this program, you will pay for tuition, accommodation, and other living expenses directly to the University of Hong Kong or in country (depending on the category of expense) and not to MIT.

Financial aid is portable for this program. A few months before departure, SFS and MISTI will share with the students the most up-to-date budget for the participation on the program based on an agreement with the University of Hong Kong.

Admitted students who receive financial aid should make an appointment with the financial aid representative to whom they are assigned to discuss the particulars.

You will need to apply for HKU student accommodation by their deadlines. Please check here for more details.

You will need to secure a student visa for your study abroad at the University of Hong Kong. For details and guidance check here.