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
Fall 2025	02/17/2025	To be determined
Full Academic Year 2025	02/17/2025	To be determined

Overview

In this Engineering exchange program, students enroll directly at the School of Engineering (SENG) at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), one of Vanderbilt's partner institutions. This program is a good option for students wishing to study Computer Science, Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, 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.

HKUST’s residential campus occupies a stunning 150-acre site overlooking the Clear Water Bay on the far east of Kowloon Island. This beautiful campus and its surrounding neighborhood will open your eyes to the 75% of Hong Kong that is less known to the world. As the first research university established in Hong Kong, HKUST has achieved top international rankings, especially the School of Engineering. Being a young university, HKUST boasts state-of-the-art facilities, and everything on campus from the outdoor dining patio, library, to the dorm room has a view! HKUST is about an hour and half away from Hong Kong central on public transportation (minibus + metro).

Academics

Students in this program MUST register for 12-18 credits of courses at HKUST to stay as a full-time student and maintain visa eligibility. On average, exchange students take five courses per term, adding up to approximately 15 credits. Students can choose a combination of courses across different disciplines to fulfill their academic needs, provided that they fulfill the prerequisites of the respective course(s) and meet all enrolment conditions. Computer Science classes are in high demand, and may be difficult to enroll in. 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. For more information regarding HKSUT course offer, visit HKSUT School of Engineering Exchange page.

Housing

On-campus accommodation, although not always guaranteed, is available to exchange students and an application is required. Students may choose single, double or triple rooms from one of the 10 residence hall. 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 may also work with HKUST OFF-Campus Housing Section to identity off-campus housing options if interested. Per Vanderbilt’s Housing Policy, students seeking off-campus housing must sign the Vanderbilt University Study Abroad Housing Waiver form. For more information on your housing options, visit the Student Housing and Residential Life website.

Visa

A visa is required to study in Hong Kong, and HKUST will act as the local sponsor. HKUST will provide visa application information after the student’s exchange placement is confirmed. Students should send their visa application to HKUST, as HKUST will submit student visa application to the Hong Kong Immigration Department on the students’ behalf. When visa is approved and issued, HKUST will collect it and mail it to the student before their departure for Hong Kong.  The visa application processing may take up to 8-10 weeks from the day visa application documents are received by HKUST. Thus, students are strongly advised to send in visa application documents to HKUST as soon as possible.

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 HKUST, students will complete an online application directly with HKUST. Final acceptance comes from HKUST.
Spots are limited for the HKUST exchange program. Students are highly encouraged to identify and apply to viable back-up programs.

Useful Links

HKUST Engineering Exchange Page
HKUST Study Abroad Inbound
HKUST Non-local Student Guide

For more information, visit program homepage.

Fact Sheet

Housing: Dormitory
Minimum GPA: 3
Language of Instruction: English
Language prerequisite: N/A
Additional prerequisites: Engineering students only
Costs: Budget Sheets
Student contacts: Peer alumni

Photo: Hong Kong, courtesy of Joanna Choi