Program terms: Fall, Full Academic Year, Spring
Restrictions: Vanderbilt applicants only
Type of Program: Direct University Enrollment
Costs: Budget Sheets
Academic Calendar: Similar to VU
Key Dates:

Term	Application Deadline	Program Dates
Full Academic Year 2025	02/17/2025	To be determined

Overview

In this Engineering exchange program, students enroll directly at the College of Engineering at City U, one of Vanderbilt's partner institutions. This program is a good option for students wishing to study Computer Science, Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Biomedical, and Computer Engineering, and is best suited for those who are independent, proactive, and self-motivated.

Location

Hong Kong, officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, is a territory located in Southern China in East Asia. It is frequently described as a place where East meets West, reflecting a cultural mix of the territory's Chinese roots with the culture brought to it during British colonization. Hong Kong was officially returned to China in 1997. While densely populated, Hong Kong is also known for its well-managed parks and greenways, and the beautiful Victoria Harbor. Hong Kong touted as one the world’s top culinary capitals, where you may find the cheapest Michelin restaurant in the world. Chinese and English are both official languages.

City U is located in Kowloon Tong, an affluent, low density, quiet residential district just minutes away from the happening Mong Kok, Yau Ma Tei, and a short train ride Hong Kong Central. City U is right on the MTR line, and is connected via a pedestrian link to Festival Walk, a seven-story mall with hundreds of shops, restaurants, cinema and ice rink. City U’s premium location affords students easy access to all that the city has to offer, and is considered the most appealing aspect of the City U exchange program by past participants.

Academics

Students in this program MUST register for 12-18 credits of courses at City U to stay as a full-time student and maintain visa eligibility. Of this study load, a minimum of 9 credit hours must be registered with departments under College of Engineering. Students are advised to have back-up courses in case their first choice class be fully occupied. Academic environment, teaching style, course structure and grading scale at City U is influenced by the British education system, where class sessions are along, lecture-based, and grades are distributed on a bell curve with heavy weight placed on mid-term and finals. Students should be prepared to make learning style adjustment accordingly. Much of the learning in study abroad takes place outside of the classroom. Students should balance academics with community engagement, social/cultural activities, travel, and fully take advantage of what a semester in Hong Kong has to offer. More information regarding City U course offer here.

Housing

On-campus accommodation, although not always guaranteed, is available to exchange students and an application is required. Most of the residence halls cluster at the Cornwall Street, forming a complex of student dormitories about 10 minutes walking distance away from main campus. City U offers resources to help students find off-campus housing as well. Per Vanderbilt's Housing Policy, students seeking off-campus housing must sign the Vanderbilt University Study Abroad Housing Waiver form. For more information regarding housing, visit the City U Student Residence Office website.

Visa

Visa application forms are to be completed during the City U application process. City U will serve as the local sponsor, and there is a fee associated with visa application. Visa application materials must be submitted to GEO, and GEO will mail the materials to City U on the student’s behalf. The visa application processing may take up to 8 weeks or longer. Once visa is granted, City U will collect the visa label and send it back to the student via courier. Click here more detailed instructions on visa application.

Application

Students must complete an application with GEO by the GEO application deadline. Eligible applicants will be reviewed by the School of Engineering for nomination. Once nominated to City U, students will complete an application directly with City U, and submit all application materials to GEO. Final acceptance comes from City U.
Spots are limited for the City U exchange program. Students are highly encouraged to identify and apply to viable back-up programs.

Useful Links

Incoming Exchange Students Study Plan
Academic Calendar
Course Registration Website
Living in Hong Kong
Student Residence Office

For more information, visit program homepage.

Fact Sheet

Housing: Dormitory
Minimum GPA: 3
Language of Instruction: English
Language prerequisite: No
Additional prerequisites: Engineering students only
Costs: Budget Sheets
Student contacts: Peer alumni

Photo: Hong Kong, courtesy of Joanna Choi