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 2025 2/1/2025 Late August Late December
Academic Year 2025-26 2/1/2025 Late August Late May
Spring Semester 2026 2/1/2025 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.

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.