Spend a term or a summer in Hong Kong UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology EXCHANGE PROSPECTUS
CONTENTS 02 DISCOVER HONG KONG 06 EXPLORE HKUST 10 STUDY EXCHANGE OPTIONS 14 LIVING AT HKUST 16 CAMPUS SUPPORT 18 FOOD ON CAMPUS 20 PREPARE FOR EXCHANGE 22 HOW TO APPLY Printed by Office of Global Learning The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology 01
DISCOVER HONG KONG THE ORIENTAL MARVEL AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Situated in the heart of Asia at the southern tip of Mainland China, Hong Kong is a unique place where you will find a fast-paced, 21st-century lifestyle interwoven with local traditions and countryside charms. Here, you can be a part of the city’s hustle and bustle in the morning, unplug with a stroll or hike along a picturesque beach or peak in the afternoon, and come evening, an array of entertainment options awaits. In this city with endless possibilities, you are bound to discover something new around every corner. And you will be glad to know that with consistently low crime rates, Hong Kong is a remarkably safe place, by day and by night. RICH HERITAGE AND DIVERSITY Hong Kong flourished from a fishing village to an international city with a well blend of cultures. Rich cultural heritage can be observed in culinary, artistic, and architectural aspects. You can visit Tai Kwun, a cultural hub revitalized from the police headquarter complex established in 1864, and appreciate the harmony of a mixture of heritage and contemporary architecture. Or you may take a stroll in Tai-O, a fishing town with stilt house-lined riverbanks with a pungent scent of dried seafood. There are plenty more to discover and you will be amazed to find out how rich Hong Kong’s heritage and diversity is. BREATHTAKING CITYSCAPE AND NATURAL SCENERY Albeit a compact city, Hong Kong has the perfect balance of cityscape and natural attractions. In fact, nearly 75% of Hong Kong’s land remains in a natural state, with most of these areas comprised of beautiful country parks, Geoparks and nature reserves. Thanks to our efficient public and private transportation network, most attractions are easily accessible and within reach. One of the first activities that many visitors do is to visit the Victoria Peak. There you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Victoria Harbor and our world-famous skyline. Then head downtown and explore the nooks and crannies of this marvelous city. You never know what you can discover next. Hong Kong also houses an unparalleled range of ecosystems and natural landscapes. From UNESCO Global Geoparks which depicts unique landforms to beautiful country parks, wetlands to outlying islands, Hong Kong is filled with natural marvels for you to enjoy. GREAT FOOD AND SHOPPING Hong Kong is without doubt a paradise for shopping and dining. From local street stalls to fine dining to cuisine from all parts of the world – you name it, we’ve got it. Visitors are also fascinated by the endless opportunities for discovering shopping treasures, whether in bargain alleys and roadside markets or designer boutiques and glitzy malls. With its 24/7 lifestyle, this vibrant city has something for everyone. TOP-TIER TRANSPORTATION NETWORK With a highly developed, sophisticated and reliable subway system, paired with convenient buses, trams and ferries, Hong Kong’s first-rate public transport system puts every corner within easy reach. Not to mention that with an Octopus Card, you can gain access to all these public transport without the hassle of fumbling for loose change. So while you are exploring the city, a nearby nature reserve or a sleepy fishing village, rest assured that Hong Kong offers all the conveniences of a world-class city to live in. World-class education, a vibrant city nearby and people from all over the world, HKUST combines it all right above a lovely beach. Urs, ETH Zurich 02 03
Facts and Figures HONG KONG *** Data Source: 2021 Population Census, HKSAR Government 25% developed Size 1,106km2 75% open space 40% country parks and nature reserves Population 7.5M (7,140 people/km2) Language 88% Cantonese Speakers Chinese and English are the official languages English is widely used in the government, legal, professional and business sectors Ethnic Groups Currency HKD Hong Kong Dollar 26-31 Summer (Jun–Aug) 10-20 Winter (Dec–Feb) Climate Sub-tropical with distinct seasons °C Korean 8,000 Filipino 201,000 Indonesian 142,000 White 61,000 Japanese 10,000 Thai 12,000 Pakistani 24,000 Nepalese 29,000 Indian 42,000 92% Chinese descent 8% Other Ethnic Groups 04 05
EXPLORE HKUST BACKGROUND OF THE UNIVERSITY HKUST is a publicly funded university that opened in 1991. It is a leading international research university dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge in science, engineering, business, humanities and social science, and the education of tomorrow’s leaders. Undergraduate programs are offered by the School of Science, School of Engineering, School of Business and Management, School of Humanities and Social Science, and the Interdisciplinary Programs Office. As a young university in its fourth decade, HKUST’s achievements are quite remarkable. It has consistently been in the top spots in international rankings, a demonstration of the University’s high academic quality and the global recognition it has gained. My semester at HKUST has given me a new outlook on life. I have created new lifelong friendships, both with locals and other exchange students. The academic aspect of the exchange has been fruitful, and I may come back to do research later. Martine, University of Bergen 16,000+ Total number of Students 700+ Teaching Staff 400+ Exchange Students each term 19% Non-local 81% Local Undergraduate Students Demographics 06 07
I love the outdoors, nature, and photography. Luckily, Hong Kong offers opportunities for all of them in fairly proximity. I also like the ability to travel freely and change destinations with ease. It is a great experience to not know what the next day will bring or who you will meet. Thomas, Missouri University of Science and Technology EXPLORE HKUST SAI KUNG AND CLEAR WATER BAY BEAUTIFUL TRAILS AND BEACHES Sai Kung is endowed with great natural beauty. The area is host to a number of outstanding hiking trails and beaches. One trail that has consistently been popular with locals and visitors alike is the Sai Kung Peninsula hike. It winds around the Sai Kung Peninsula, passing through some of the most scenic spots and lets you see the amazing hexagonal volcanic columns of High Island. SAI KUNG TOWN Sai Kung town, 15 minutes from the HKUST campus, boasts a number of great eateries, including seafood restaurants, western restaurants and bars. The area began as a market town where fishermen and villagers gathered. Today, the Sai Kung Pier is used as a typhoon shelter. Visitors can conveniently hire sampans or boats or go on tours around the outlying islands nearby. OUTLYING ISLANDS You can head out to one of the 70 outlying islands in the Sai Kung area. One such island is Yim Tin Tsai. The island was first settled by Hakka people in the 19th century, with the early settlers mostly engaged in sea salt farming. Home to around 1,000 villagers at its peak more than three decades ago, the island has since been abandoned, as inhabitants moved to urban areas. One of the main attractions on the island is St. Joseph’s Chapel, a beautifully restored Catholic chapel first inaugurated in 1890, which won an Award of Merit at the 2005 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. Yim Tin Tsai is also home to many mangrove species. Ferry services are available from the Sai Kung Pier. HKUST occupies a stunning 150-acre (60-hectare) site overlooking the pristine Clear Water Bay, located on the Sai Kung Peninsula, an area often considered to be one of Hong Kong’s havens for outdoor lovers. 08 09
HKUST welcomes you as an exchange student, for one term or one year. With so many courses offered, you will be able to design a study program that meets your interests and needs. You can further your major or minor discipline, or explore a totally different one. You are allowed to select undergraduate courses across faculties. As long as you meet prerequisite requirements and provided that there are seats available, you can normally take most undergraduate courses offered at HKUST. More information will be provided closer to the time of course selection. Before leaving home, check with your home institution on its credit transfer policy for the courses you plan to take at HKUST. HKUST OFFERS COURSES IN THE FOLLOWING SUBJECT AREAS: STUDY EXCHANGE OPTIONS REGULAR TERM EXCHANGE AT HKUST It was a great experience studying at HKUST. A beautiful campus, nice friends, great lectures and so forth. Everything about HKUST will stay in my memory. If I had a chance to be an exchange student again, I would surely choose HKUST. Junhan, Sungkyunkwan University SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING Chemical and Biological Engineering Civil and Environmental Engineering Computer Science and Engineering Electronic and Computer Engineering Industrial Engineering and Decision Analytics Integrative Systems and Design Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCE Humanities Social Science INTERDISCIPLINARY PROGRAMS OFFICE Environmental Management and Technology Sustainable & Green Finance Technology and Management SCHOOL OF SCIENCE Chemistry Life Science Mathematics Ocean Science Physics SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT Accounting Economics Finance Global Business Information Systems, Business Statistics and Operations Management Management Marketing Risk Management and Business Intelligence 10 11
STUDY EXCHANGE OPTIONS SUMMER EXCHANGE AT HKUST CHINESE LANGUAGE COURSES The HKUST Center for Language Education offers Cantonese and Putonghua courses for students from non-Chinese language backgrounds. Exchange students are welcome to enroll in these credit-bearing courses. Enrollment is free as the courses form part of HKUST’s academic programs. Alternatively, you can enroll in one of the non-credit bearing Cantonese or Putonghua courses on a fee-paying basis. These courses are meant for students who wish to pick up the local language at leisure. They do not offer credits and will not appear on your official HKUST transcript. ACADEMIC YEAR AND TERM DATES The academic year runs from September to August, with the Fall and Spring terms being the major terms. Exchange students can choose to study at HKUST for one or both terms. In addition, students interested in summer exchange at HKUST may enquire with your home institutions. Fall Term: Early September to late December Spring Term: Late January / early February to late May COURSE NUMBERING AND PREREQUISITES You can enroll in any undergraduate course as long as there are places available and you fulfill the course prerequisites and any other enrollment conditions prescribed for the course. Postgraduate level courses are usually not open for enrollment to undergraduate exchange students. CREDITS The Fall and Spring terms are each 13 weeks long. Most courses at HKUST are 3 credits, with three hours of lectures per week, totaling 39 lecture hours per term. The normal credit load is 15 credits each term. The minimum credit load is 12 credits (equivalent to 3 or 4 courses) and the maximum is 18 credits (equivalent to 5 or 6 courses). ASSESSMENT A two-week final examination period takes place at the end of the Fall and Spring terms. Exam schedules are normally announced in the middle of the term. The format of the exams will vary from course to course. HKUST uses a 4.3 grading scale, with letter grades, with Grade D being a marginal pass. The typical course assessment is based on a combination of items, which may include class participation, projects, labs, mid-terms and final exams. You should check with your home institution on its policy regarding the transfer of grades. TRANSCRIPT HKUST will produce transcripts detailing the courses taken and the grades obtained. CREDIT TRANSFER Credit transfers are handled by your home institution in accordance to their policies. You should consult your home institution on this matter. PROGRAM DATES AND SCHEDULE HKUST International Summer Exchange Program (ISP) is an eight-week program running frommid-June to mid-August. COURSES AND CREDITS Courses are offered by HKUST’s four Schools and IPO: Science, Engineering, Business and Management, and Humanities and Social Science and Interdisciplinary Programs Office. Courses are taught by HKUST instructors. Course lists will be made available on the program website. For participation in ISP, you should take at least one regular undergraduate course. Courses normally bear 3 credits unless otherwise specified. The maximum course load is 9 credits and the minimum is 3 credits. You should check with your home institution on credit transfer policies. HKUST International Summer Exchange Program (ISP) welcomes students from our partner institutions to study at HKUST in the summer. The program aims to create a rewarding exchange experience for students from around the world. It comprises high quality courses taught by HKUST instructors and provides opportunities to participate in local excursions that enable you to gain insight into the region. APPLICATION AND FEES ISP accepts applications from students who are nominated by HKUST’s exchange partners. If you are interested, please inquire and apply through the Study Abroad Office at your home institution. Applications are normally invited from October to March each year. Details are available on our website in the fall before the year of the summer program. As with regular term exchange, students nominated by home institutions do not have to pay tuition to HKUST. HKUST will provide housing, and you will pay for accommodation costs and a few minor fees. 13 12
LIVING AT HKUST ACCOMMODATION HKUST has nine on-campus student halls along the seaside and one off-campus student hall providing accommodation for undergraduate students. Undergraduate exchange students are guaranteed accommodation in one of these student halls for the program duration, subject to the submission of the housing application. You will be assigned to a double room randomly. ROOMS AND FACILITIES Each room is air-conditioned, and furnished with desks, chairs, bookshelves, beds (no bedding), wardrobes and a mini-fridge. Common facilities include showers, toilets, common rooms with TVs, pantries, microwaves, telephones and student card-operated washing machines and dryers. Students can connect to the internet in their rooms through the HKUST network with a LAN cable or via Wi-Fi. Air-conditioners are operated by student cards. Upon program registration and obtaining student cards, students can charge up their student cards at Add Value Machines (AVM) to operate the air-conditioners and other facilities. LIVING EXPENSES Living expenses will vary depending on your accommodation and lifestyle choices. We recommend that you budget HK$39,400 per term (approx. USD 5,130), excluding airfare and any personal traveling that you are planning. Below is an approximate breakdown for your reference. Note that these may change from year to year. # not applicable to students who do not require a student visa to study in Hong Kong Major expenses per term HKD Approx. in USD (1 USD=7.7 HKD) Approx. in EUR (1 EUR=8 HKD) UG exchange fee to be paid to HKUST (University housing fee, student visa application & handling fee#, and HKUST compulsory travel insurance fee) 14,400 1,870 1,800 Food (approximately HKD40 per meal on campus) 15,500 2,020 1,940 Books and supplies 1,500 200 190 Transportation and other personal expenses 8,000 1,040 1,000 14 15
CAMPUS SUPPORT ORIENTATION Exchange students normally arrive a few days before the start of the term. Two orientation sessions are organized by the University and the Schools for incoming exchange students prior to the start of each term, which can help them ease in and familiarize themselves with HKUST’s learning environment. ACADEMIC ADVISING The School Offices will provide advice on course selection and other academic matters. STUDENT COUNSELING Counselors at the Dean of Students’ Office can assist students with special educational needs. They can also provide assistance if you face academic or personal difficulties, or emotional distress or difficulties adjusting to the new environment. LIBRARY The HKUST library is a centrally located five-storey building that provides over 3,100 reader seats. In addition to nearly 700,000 print volumes and a large collection of media resources, it provides access to a vast number of journals, e-books, databases and other digital information resources. STUDENT SOCIETIES AND CLUBS Joining a club is a great way to make new friends and pick up a new skill or passion. There are more than 100 student societies affiliated to the Students’ Union, covering sports, recreational, academic, religious, music, and special interest groups. Moreover, there are over 30 sports clubs. No matter what your interests are, rest assured that there is something for you. HEALTH AND WELL-BEING At HKUST, your health and well-being are always a priority. As an exchange student, you are eligible to use our on-campus Medical Clinic and Dental Clinic. HKUST also strives to provide a high standard of convenience on campus. You can do your groceries and buy daily necessities at the campus supermarket. A 24-hour convenience store, a hair salon and a bookstore are also available, all located conveniently at the main academic building. SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES There is a wide variety of sports and recreation facilities available for your use. All the facilities at the Indoor Sports Complex are fully air-conditioned. We have a large indoor sports hall of 1,600 square meters for activities such as badminton, basketball, volleyball and handball. In addition, there are courts for squash and table tennis, and areas for fencing, dance, indoor archery, martial arts and weight training. Outdoor sports facilities include an artificial turf soccer pitch, a 400-meter 8-lane track, a hard-surface mini soccer pitch, a basketball court, a lawn area and tennis courts. We also have a 50-meter outdoor pool, a 25-meter indoor pool, and a Water Sports Centre for swimming and other aquatic activities, such as wind surfing and dragon boating. I have joined the Dragon Boat Society and that has given me the chance to integrate with the locals, experience amazing food and learn survival phrases like “I don’t understand” and “What time are we eating?” as well as how to count in Cantonese (which we practice when we are stretching!). Claudia, University College London 16 17
FOOD ON CAMPUS There are many eateries on and around campus. They are a great place to catch up with your friends as well as fill your stomach. ▼ STARBUCKS AND PACIFIC COFFEE They offer a large variety of handcrafted beverages, pastries and cakes. Try out the exclusive menus that you could only find in Hong Kong. 7-ELEVEN The 7-Eleven convenience store is located centrally on HKUST Campus. It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, catering to your daily needs and indulgences. Snack up whenever you feel like it! CAMPUS SUPERMARKET You can get your daily necessities from the campus supermarket. Those wishing to opt for a simple breakfast can get dairy products, cereals, breads and fresh fruits here. ▲ PASSION Serves salads, sandwiches, bakeries, pastries and other western hot entrées. ◀ HUNGRY KOREAN Hungry Korean serves classic Korean food that is fast and fresh, and prepared without MSG or artificial ingredients. Head over whenever you feel like having some authentic Korean dishes! CHINESE RESTAURANT ▶ What would be an authentic Hong Kong experience without dim sum and the many-course Cantonese dinner? The Chinese Restaurant, located right on campus, is a full-scale restaurant. You can order dim sum for lunch, and Chinese dishes for dinner. ▼ CANTEENS The student canteens located on Lower Ground Levels 1 and 7 and at Lee Shau Kee Business Building are the largest on campus. They mainly serve Chinese dishes, with some noodles, pastas and sandwiches. There is also a 24-hour McDonald’s on campus. ▲ EBENEEZER’S (HALAL-CERTIFIED) Ebeneezer’s Kebabs & Pizzeria is a well-known Halal-certified eatery in Hong Kong that specializes in a variety of kebabs, curries, biryanis and pizzas. ▼ UNIBISTRO & BAR The University Center Bistro serves a western menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The adjacent UniBar is the bar on campus. ▲ SEAFRONT CAFETERIA “Seafront” is a cafeteria located at Hall VI serving Chinese soup noodles, rice dishes, and desserts. It is the only caterer on campus that opens until midnight. 18 19
PREPARE FOR EXCHANGE STUDENT VISA The Hong Kong Immigration Department requires all non-local students to obtain a student visa in order to study in Hong Kong. In general, if you do not possess the right of abode or the right to land in Hong Kong, or a dependent visa, then you will require a student visa. After receiving HKUST’s confirmation of your exchange placement you will receive information that assists you with the student visa application process. HEALTH AND INSURANCE Health and dental check-up We recommend that you have a thorough health and dental check-up before you leave home. This will give you the peace of mind that you are embarking on your studies with no major health or dental concerns. It also helps to avoid the hassle and possibly high costs involved in seeking treatment while abroad. We also advise that before you leave home, check with your medical practitioner for any medical/health advice for the regions you are travelling to, including any suggested immunizations. Healthcare in Hong Kong The Hong Kong public healthcare system is of high quality. As an exchange student, you are eligible to use the public hospitals in Hong Kong at the local rates. Being a HKUST student also allows you to use the campus medical and dental clinic. Travel insurance You are required to purchase travel insurance through HKUST that covers the duration of your study. The policy provides for the coverage listed below. • Medical and hospitalization for illnesses and accidents • Personal liability • Medical evacuation and repatriation Pre-existing medical conditions Please note that the HKUST travel insurance plan, like many others, does not cover pre-existing conditions. These include medical or physical conditions that you had before you enroll in the plan. If you require additional coverage for a pre-existing condition, it is advisable that you check whether your pre-existing condition will be covered by that policy. FOR FURTHER INFO 20 21
HOW TO APPLY Want to join HKUST as an exchange student? If you are a student at one of our partner institutions, you should first approach the Study Abroad Office at your home institution to check on the application procedures, timelines, eligibility and selection criteria. Once you are nominated by your home institution, they will notify HKUST and we will send you further information to complete the HKUST application and procedures. FOR FURTHER INFO 22 23
ENQUIRIES Office of Global Learning The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong Telephone: +852 2358 8178 Email: study.abroad@ust.hk School of Science Website: https://advise.science.ust.hk/sfs/exchange/incoming/application-procedures Email: ssciexchange@ust.hk School of Engineering Website: https://seng.hkust.edu.hk/academics/undergraduate/exchange/inbound Email: sengexchange@ust.hk School of Business and Management Website: https://bmundergrad.hkust.edu.hk/exchange/inbound-exchange Email: bmugexch@ust.hk School of Humanities and Social Science Website: https://shss.hkust.edu.hk/global_experience/exchange_in_overview Email: exchange@ust.hk Interdisciplinary Programs Office Website: https://ipo.hkust.edu.hk/life-ipo/enrichment-programs/exchange-program Email: ipo@ust.hk FOLLOW US ON https://studyabroad.hkust.edu.hk/ @hkust.studyabroad hkuststudyabroad
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