FAQ

Academics

How many courses can I take in total?

  • You may take one or two courses as you wish.
  • Exchange students can take up to two courses, of which there should be no more than one language course.  If you take two language courses, you will be required to pay an additional course fee.

Are the credits earned transferable back to my home university?

  • This will be determined by your home university.  You are advised to present the course outline or syllabus to your home university for approval in advance.

Application

Am I considered an exchange student or a fee-paying student?

  • If you are from an exchange partner university and have been nominated by the university as an exchange student, then you are considered an exchange student (please contact the international office of your home university to confirm that you can come as an exchange student). If not, you are considered a fee-paying student. You can see if your university is an exchange partner by checking our list.

Although I am from an exchange partner university, my university will not send me as an exchange student.  Can I still apply?

  • Yes, you may apply directly through our office as a fee-paying student and pay the required fees.

I hold a Hong Kong Identity Card but live overseas.  Do I still need to apply for a student visa?

  • If you are a Hong Kong Identity Card holder and have the right to study in Hong Kong without a student visa, then you do not need to apply for a student visa.

How do I go about applying for a student visa?

  • The Office of Summer Programmes (OAL) will send you a welcome package shortly after your registration.  A set of application forms will be included in the package. Complete and return the forms to the Office of Academic Links (OAL) and the application will be made on your behalf.  Be sure to follow the instructions and provide the OAL with the necessary documentation to avoid any delay. 

I am currently a student of the IAS Programme, can I extend my studies and join the CUHK International Summer School?

  • Yes, you can extend your student period. However, you must contact your home university for approval and seek advice from our Office of Academic Links in advance.  Your student visa may need extension as required.

Cultural Programmes
Do I have to pay each time I join a cultural activity?

  • For exchange and fee-paying students, all the cultural activities except for the optional tour to Beiijing are covered. Students who are Hong Kong residents, including CUHK students, are welcome to join any of the cultural activities.  Each cultural tour costs HK$200.

Living in Hong Kong
What is the weather like in Hong Kong during the summer? Is there air-conditioning in the hostel room?

  • The weather tends to be around 30°C to 33°C (86°F to 91.4°F), but don't worry, there is air-conditioning in each room.

Can I bring my computer with me to CUHK? Is there Internet access in the rooms?

  • High-speed Internet connections are available in each room, free of charge.

Tour to Beijing
How much does the trip cost?

  • We do not have a price confirmed at the moment, but we estimate that it will be around HK$5,000 per person.  The price will be confirmed in June; the more people we have on the trip, the lower the cost will be.

What is included in the cost?  Will meals be included?

  • The cost will include airfare to Beijing, accommodation (equivalent to a 4-star hotel), 3 meals a day and transportation within China.  Your own personal expenses are not included.

Do I need a visa to go to Beijing?

  • Yes, you will need to apply for a China entry visa.  Full instructions will be given to you once you apply.  (Students from Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan do not need a visa to enter China).

Is this tour mandatory?

  • No.  It is optional.