Language Requirement: None
Academic Standing by Program Start: Junior or Above
Location: Asia, China, Hong Kong
GPA: 3.0

Program Overview

Take classes in English alongside students from all over the globe at one of the top universities in Asia. In this exchange program, you will directly enroll in coursework at the University of Hong Kong (HKU – also known as Hong Kong University), which is a highly-ranked university. HKU offers courses in a wide range of subjects, including arts and humanities, business and economics, education, sciences, and social sciences. All courses at HKU are taught in English, and you will be taking classes alongside local HKU students as well as other international students. HKU is a culturally diverse campus, with more than 9,000 international students out of a total student population of 29,000 students.

As the world’s economic center of gravity moves towards the East, it will be increasingly important and beneficial to be knowledgeable about Asian cultures, languages, and economies. As a very cosmopolitan city, Hong Kong is an accessible location for students without previous experience in Asia or language skills. While the main local language is Cantonese, English is also widely spoken, and the transportation system and signs are bilingual. Hong Kong has something for everyone – it is home to the most skyscrapers of any city in the world, and also has many beautiful green spaces. For students who want to see more of Asia, Hong Kong is an ideal jumping off point, with affordable flights to Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, and other locations.

While all classes will be taught in English, students are encouraged to study some Cantonese before going, in order to help with daily life. The UO Yamada Language Center usually offers a 1-2 credit Cantonese self-study class each term.

Dates and Deadlines

Term Year Deadline Arrival Date Departure Date
Fall Semester 2026 02/01/2026 Late August Late December
Academic Year 2026-27 02/01/2026 Late August Late May
Spring Semester 2027 02/01/2026 Early January Late May

The application process for this program is competitive: GEO staff will review your application materials, and a decision about your enrollment will not be made until after the application deadline. In some cases, an interview is required. If your program requires an interview, you will be contacted with further details about this process after the application deadline. Early applications are encouraged.

Successful applicants will receive an exchange nomination from GEO. Selection will be based on a holistic review of your application. This includes a review of your GPA, transcripts (including courses taken and in-progress), any additional requirements or prerequisites (see section "Additional Requirements"), and written statements. 

Applying for an exchange program involves 2 steps. If you receive a nomination from GEO, you will also need to complete the host university's application, which is administered and reviewed by your host university directly. Instructions will be provided after acceptance by GEO. The host university makes the final decision regarding acceptance into the program.

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Discount for Pell Recipients

To expand access to study abroad, GEO is offering a $500 discount for this program to UO students who currently have the Pell Grant as part of their federal financial aid (FAFSA).

Academic Details

You will choose from classes in the following faculties: Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Business and Economics, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Engineering, and Faculty of Social Sciences. All courses, except those offered by the Department of Chinese, are taught in English. You also have the option to study Mandarin Chinese or Cantonese.

You will typically take four or five classes per semester while at HKU, and at least half of your course load needs to be from a single department (called a faculty). Visit the HKU Academic Information website for further information about courses and programs. For fall semester, students usually register for classes online during the 2 weeks before the start of the semester. For spring semester, online class registration usually starts on the first day of the semester and lasts for 2 weeks.

In this exchange program, you will earn:

  • Around 20-25 UO credits per semester

Note: UO credits listed here are estimates and are subject to change. Please refer to the HKU links for the updated credit information on their classes. One credit at HKU is equal to 0.75 UO quarter credits.

Course Equivalencies

UO students: please refer to the UO Course Equivalency Process and the UO Office of the Registrar Course Equivalency Database.

Non-UO students: Actual credit awarded is determined by the relevant department at your university in consultation with the study abroad office. Check with your study abroad advisor for more information.

Additional Requirements

  • 3.25 or above GPA is required for graduate students
  • Note for non-native English speakers: Studying at HKU requires a high level of English proficiency. HKU may request additional proof of English language proficiency.

Housing Description

You may apply to stay in the residence halls that are conveniently located around campus and allow for interaction with other HKU students. In the residence hall, exchange students live with both local HKU students and other international students. The 13 residence halls typically provide beds, desks, internet, laundry facilities, and air conditioning. Most of the rooms are double rooms with shared bathrooms, and there are a limited number of single rooms available. Some dormitories come with a required meal plan, while others have kitchens available for your use. Campus cafeterias provide both Chinese and Western food options at reasonable rates. Halls of residence vary considerably in size and character. Halls of HKU are known for their strong hall spirit, with each hall having its own tradition, culture, and unique characteristics.
    
Note that on-campus housing is competitive and is not guaranteed. Some exchange students may need to secure off-campus housing. HKU provides some resources and guidance on this, but students are responsible for arranging their own housing.

Visit the HKU Housing Information website for more details.

Budget and Price

University of Hong Kong Exchange

Exchange programs have a fixed program fee that is calculated based on your Oregon residency status and the number of semesters that you spend abroad. Please note that the terms available for each exchange vary based on the university's academic calendar.

Please only include the relevant program fee when determining your estimated total cost of attendance.

2025 Fall Semester

Program Fees Paid to GEO
UO Exchange Program Fee – Oregon Resident $4,885
UO Exchange Program Fee – Non-Resident $11,550
UO Study Abroad Fee ($500 per semester) $500
Estimated UO Insurance* $368
Other Estimated Expenses
Estimated housing** $2,000
Estimated meals $1,600
Estimated airfare from Eugene to Hong Kong $1,600
Estimated books & course supplies $150
Estimated cost of acquiring passport $150
Estimated travel clinic & pre-departure physical $50
Estimated local transportation $200
Estimated visa expenses $150
Estimated additional living expenses*** $1,000
Estimated cell phone expenses $200
Total
Estimated Total Cost of Participation – Oregon Resident $12,853
Estimated Total Cost of Participation – Non-Resident $19,518

Included in Program Costs: Program tuition, medical insurance, pre-departure orientation, and on-site support

*Estimated insurance cost per program, based on program length ($2.50 per day of coverage). The insurance fees will be charged to your UO student billing account.

**Paid directly to host university or housing company. Housing costs vary. This estimate is based on a double room in HKU's residence halls. Students who live off-campus will likely pay higher fees. For information on housing costs, please visit HKU's website.

***This is a rough estimate for other living expenses such as doing laundry, buying toiletries, going to the movies, etc. This amount will vary depending on your spending habits and does not include personal travel.

Please visit GEO Billing Information for information about how you will be billed and when payments are due.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Date Cancellation Penalty
Upon acceptance to the program

Student agrees to $500 non-refundable program deposit
8 weeks before program start date

Student is responsible for 50% of total GEO program fees
Program start date or after program begins

Student is responsible for 100% of total GEO program fees
Note that scholarship funds are not able to be applied to program deposit.

2025-26 Academic Year

Program Fees Paid to GEO
UO Exchange Program Fee – Oregon Resident $9,770
UO Exchange Program Fee – Non-Resident $23,100
UO Study Abroad Fee ($500 per semester) $1,000
Estimated UO Insurance* $743
Other Estimated Expenses
Estimated housing** $4,000
Estimated meals $4,000
Estimated airfare from Eugene to Hong Kong $1,600
Estimated books & course supplies $300
Estimated cost of acquiring passport $150
Estimated cell phone expenses $500
Estimated travel clinic & pre-departure physical $50
Estimated local transportation $400
Estimated visa expenses $150
Estimated additional living expenses*** $2,500
Total
Estimated Total Cost of Participation – Oregon Resident $25,163
Estimated Total Cost of Participation – Non-Resident $38,493

Included in Program Costs: Program tuition, medical insurance, pre-departure orientation, and on-site support

*Estimated insurance cost per program, based on program length ($2.50 per day of coverage). The insurance fees will be charged to your UO student billing account.

**Paid directly to host university or housing company. Housing costs vary. This estimate is based on a double room in HKU's residence halls. Students who live off-campus will likely pay higher fees. For information on housing costs, please visit HKU's website.

***This is a rough estimate for other living expenses such as doing laundry, buying toiletries, going to the movies, etc. This amount will vary depending on your spending habits and does not include personal travel.

Please visit GEO Billing Information for information about how you will be billed and when payments are due.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Date Cancellation Penalty
Upon acceptance to the program

Student agrees to $500 non-refundable program deposit
8 weeks before program start date

Student is responsible for 50% of total GEO program fees
Program start date or after program begins

Student is responsible for 100% of total GEO program fees
Note that scholarship funds are not able to be applied to program deposit.

2026 Spring Semester

Program Fees Paid to GEO
UO Exchange Program Fee – Oregon Resident $4,885
UO Exchange Program Fee – Non-Resident $11,550
UO Study Abroad Fee ($500 per semester) $500
Estimated UO Insurance* $368
Other Estimated Expenses
Estimated housing** $2,000
Estimated meals $1,600
Estimated airfare from Eugene to Hong Kong $1,600
Estimated books & course supplies $150
Estimated cost of acquiring passport $150
Estimated cell phone expenses $200
Estimated travel clinic & pre-departure physical $50
Estimated local transportation $200
Estimated visa expenses $150
Estimated additional living expenses*** $1,000
Total
Estimated Total Cost of Participation – Oregon Resident $12,853
Estimated Total Cost of Participation – Non-Resident $19,518

Included in Program Costs: Program tuition, medical insurance, pre-departure orientation, and on-site support

*Estimated insurance cost per program, based on program length ($2.50 per day of coverage). The insurance fees will be charged to your UO student billing account.

**Paid directly to host university or housing company. Housing costs vary. This estimate is based on a double room in HKU's residence halls. Students who live off-campus will likely pay higher fees. For information on housing costs, please visit HKU's website.

***This is a rough estimate for other living expenses such as doing laundry, buying toiletries, going to the movies, etc. This amount will vary depending on your spending habits and does not include personal travel.

Please visit GEO Billing Information for information about how you will be billed and when payments are due.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Date Cancellation Penalty
Upon acceptance to the program

Student agrees to $500 non-refundable program deposit
8 weeks before program start date

Student is responsible for 50% of total GEO program fees
Program start date or after program begins

Student is responsible for 100% of total GEO program fees
Note that scholarship funds are not able to be applied to program deposit.

IMPORTANT: The GEO Cancellation Policy is effective from the time a student agrees to pay their non-refundable program deposit or electronically signs the program commitment form, regardless of application or acceptance status. It is essential to read this policy before a potential cancellation takes place, to fully understand the withdrawal and cancellation penalties, and to understand what it means financially to commit to a study abroad program.

Students who cancel their participation must notify GEO in writing. Email is acceptable (geoinfo@uoregon.edu). Verbal notification to GEO or notification given to a non-UO campus study abroad office is not sufficient.

For full details, see the complete GEO Cancellation Policy.

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