Tuesday, December 8, 2009

GETTING READY TO STUDY IN HONGKONG

INTRODUCTION :

We've made it easy! This is your one-stop shop to find all the information you'll need for getting ready and getting started. Check out the university calendars to help you plan for the near future. Prepare for your studies with information on student visas, application forms, procedures, and academic requirements. You can get a head start on packing with our sample checklist for your trip. We have also provided a list of links to useful websites. Here, you'll find everything you need to plan an unforgettable experience in Hong Kong.

While each institution has its own specific calendar, here's a general guide of important time periods. Check with a particular University for its timetable, as schedules change and dates may vary from year to year.

The Academic Year usually consists of two semesters, from early September to late December and mid-January to May. Days off for public holidays (Hong Kong has 12) may need to be made up at the end of a semester. An Orientation session for first-year students is usually held in late August.

Holidays in 2009:
The first day of January
1 Jan
Thursday
Lunar New Year's Day
26 Jan
Monday
The second day of the Lunar New Year
27 Jan
Tuesday
The third day of the Lunar New Year
28 Jan
Wednesday
Good Friday
10 Apr
Friday
The day following Good Friday
11 Apr
Saturday
Easter Monday
13 Apr
Monday
Ching Ming Festival
4 Apr
Saturday
Labour Day
1 May
Friday
The Buddha's Birthday
2 May
Saturday
Tuen Ng Festival
28 May
Thursday
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day
1 Jul
Wednesday
Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival
3 Oct
Saturday
National Day
1 Oct
Thursday
Chung Yeung Festival
26 Oct
Monday
Christmas Day
25 Dec
Friday
The first weekday after Christmas Day
26 Dec
Saturday


Application Deadlines vary greatly. Applications are due the spring semester prior to your intended entry date, but may fall as early as January or as late as May. Confirm the deadline with your chosen institution well in advance; it'll save you and your university many headaches.

By now, you know that Hong Kong is the place to be for an incomparable educational experience. Here's an overview of everything you need to do to apply, arrive, and get started!

Check out each of our fine universities. Decide which ones best suit your goals.
Contact the schools and programs that interest you. They can give you more information about admissions requirements, program-specific criteria, and application deadlines.
Make sure you qualify for admission. International schools and methods of assessment vary widely, as do prerequisites for specific universities. In general you will need to have completed secondary school, have earned satisfactory results on your country's Leaving or Aptitude exams, if offered (for example, A Levels, Baccalaureate, SATs, etc.) If English is not your mother tongue, you'll need to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System), or equivalent examinations. Of course, you should contact the universities for more detailed information.
Apply. The timetable for this varies by institution, so make sure to confirm what paperwork you'll need to do, and when to submit it.

Once you've been accepted, you must get a student visa or entry permit.* All non-local students need one, whether they come for an exchange program or full-time degree-seeking studies. (*If you have the right of abode in Hong Kong, you can skip this step.) You'll need a local sponsor, which can be arranged through your university, as well as a number of supporting documents. Normally, the Immigration Department requires the following, although they may ask for others. It can take up to six weeks to process a visa or entry permit - apply as far in advance as possible!

Forms 936 A, E, K, and L, completed and signed
Sponsor's Certificate ID(E)936B (English) or ID(C)936B (Chinese)
Photocopy of your sponsor Identity Card/ Passport
Photocopy of your identity card and/or travel documents
Proof of your academic qualifications (transcripts, awards, and certificates)
One photo of yourself
A photocopy of your letter of admission from a university in Hong Kong, as well as your letter accepting their admission
Evidence of your financial standing (bank statements, passbooks, proof of scholarship funds). If someone is sponsoring you financially, that person must submit a declaration stating their relationship to you and their intention to support your study and living expenses
Evidence of residence in Hong Kong (this means you'll need to make arrangements to live on campus, or find another abode, before applying)

Students from Mainland China should file their visa application through the institution at which they plan to study. Residents of Taiwan should apply directly to the Hong Kong Immigration Department through their sponsoring institution. All other overseas students can submit their applications and supporting documents in one of several ways.

By mail, to the Receipt and Dispatch Unit, Hong Kong Immigration Department, 2/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.
At the nearest Chinese Embassy or Consulate
Foreign passport holders living in Mainland China can apply at the Beijing Office of the Government of the HKSAR
*: Individual universities will help non-local students apply for their visas, or complete the process for them. Institutions provide detailed visa information upon admission.

You've been accepted, received your visa... now you're getting ready to come to Hong Kong. Wondering what to pack? Here are a few suggestions from people who've been there.

Passport or other travel document with a valid entry visa!!!
Documents concerning your study in Hong Kong, including admission and acceptance letters
Insurance documents, if required or desired
International Student ID card (for the multitude of discounts available to young people in Hong Kong)

Some passport-sized photos (necessary for gym memberships, HK visa extensions, and visas for travel around Asia, to name just a few things)

Money. Ideally, cash, travelers checks, credit and ATM cards
Medicine. Hong Kong's pharmacies are well-stocked, but if you require prescription medication or prefer specific brands, bring it along with you.
Appropriate clothing. Remember, it gets chilly in winter, rainy in summer, and warm the rest of the time. Pack accordingly. Also, while Hong Kong is a fashion capital, women here dress more conservatively than in most western countries.
A converter/adapter for your shaver or blow drier. Hong Kong uses 220v outlets, usually with 3 rectangular prongs. Older ones are different, with three circular ones.
Bedding. Some foreigners never get used to the blanket-wrapped-in-a-sheet under which Hong Kongers sleep. Plus, nobody wants to be without a pillow on their first night in town.
Personal items. Enough deodorant and toothpaste for your first few weeks, pictures of your family, your favorite stuffed animal... whatever you need to be comfortable in your new surroundings.
A camera. Hong Kong has stunning scenery and a gorgeous skyline. What better way to document your experience abroad?
Get ready, get set, GO !

Relevant Government Policies to Study in Hongkong

Entering Hong Kong for Study

Non-local students (those without the right of abode) must obtain a student visa or entry permit before they may study in Hong Kong. Once you have been accepted by a Hong Kong institution, you must find a local sponsor to support your visa application. Your school can usually arrange this. See Preparation for Study for more information.

Your visa or entry permit allows you to pursue education in Hong Kong, but not to work. You can't take on any employment, paid or unpaid (unless you can convince the Immigration Department that your part-time job is related to your studies). Internships are only permitted if they are required as part of your academic program.

You'll need to renew your visa each year to continue your studies. Your parents would probably be unhappy if you got deported for illegal residence, so do it at least four weeks before your old one expires!


Working in Hong Kong

Technically, people who are already in Hong Kong are not supposed to be granted employment visas. Also, don't forget that you can't work while you're studying. However, if you're offered a job after graduation, it's not impossible to take it. Going home and returning to Hong Kong on the new visa is usually acceptable. A competitive plan to attract talented immigrants allows some individuals with exceptional skills to apply settle here permanently.

Contact the Immigration Department (852-2824-6111, or www.immd.gov.hk) for more information.

Scholarships to study in Hongkong

Hong Kong is so committed to nurturing talented students - and we're willing to help pay your way!

A number of scholarships are available to assist non-local students finance their education in Hong Kong. Some are reserved solely for overseas students, and others are awarded on a competitive basis to all talented students, regardless of nationality or residency status. Depending on the type of scholarship or award, funds may be provided by respective universities, or bestowed by individuals, charitable or professional organizations, and academic departments, among others.

Awards for gifted students may be granted by institutions after reviewing admissions applications; others may require separate applications, as well as materials to be submitted, such as letters of recommendation, essays, or proof of financial need.

Amounts vary. Some prizes will lighten the load by paying for partial tuition, others cover full tuition fees, and the most competitive ones provide full tuition, fees, housing, and personal expenses.

Take a look some at the many ways to subsidize your way to the future:

City University of Hong Kong
Scholarships for overseas applicants
Post-entry scholarchips available

Hong Kong Baptist University
A full listing of scholarships from all sources

Lingnan University
Liu Lit Mo Overseas Student Scholarships
Scholarships and Prizes donated by individuals, private organizations, professional bodies, and academic departments

The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Admission Scholarship for Non-local Students
Information on post-entry University Scholarships as well as externally-funded awards

The Hong Kong Institute of Education
Information on Scholarships

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Academic Scholarships for Non-local Applicants, and Non-academic scholarships
Post-entry Scholarships and Prizes
External funding and Outstanding Students Award Scheme

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
A comprehensive page for scholarships and application procedures

The University of Hong Kong
Information on awards and application procedures

Other possibilities
Some nations offer funding for study overseas. Check with the government of your home country to see if you're eligible.

The Rotary Club offers Ambassadorial scholarships to international students in the name of global communication and understanding
Students at universities in England planning to study in Hong Kong, for a semester or academic year, can apply for funding from the Scholarships for Excellence programme managed by the British Council Hong Kong.