A student holding one of the following documents is considered as a non-local student:
A non-local student is not allowed to pursue part-time research postgraduate studies (MPhil/PhD) in Hong Kong.
Most non-local students are required to obtain a student visa (or entry permit for students from Mainland China, Macao and Taiwan) for studying in Hong Kong. If you are from Mainland China, you must apply for an entry permit via HKUST. If you are from Taiwan, Macao or an overseas country, it is the simplest and most straightforward for you to apply for a student visa/ entry permit via HKUST.
For students currently studying in Hong Kong (including HKUST), you will have to submit an application for the new program of study at HKUST.
However, you don’t need the student visa/ entry permit if you have one of the following for the period of study:
In case you are unsure whether you need a student visa/ entry permit or not, please check the FAQs or check with HKSAR Immigration Department (IMMD) [phone: (852) 2824 6111; email: enquiry@immd.gov.hk].
|
|
||
|
|
||
3 |
|
||
4 |
|
||
5 |
Before Coming to Hong Kong
|
||
6 |
Activate the Visa Label upon Entry to Hong Kong
|
Visa application takes time. You are advised to arrive at HKUST two weeks before the program begins and you are allowed to register as a student only if you have obtained the student visa/ entry permit. The earlier you apply, the higher confidence level that you will receive the visa label in time.
IMPORTANT NOTE: You will not be able to register as a student if you fail to obtain the student visa/ entry permit in time.
Fall Admission: March or soonest possible
Spring Admission: Mid-October or soonest possible
Apply right after you have accepted the admission offer
Respective program office will advise you the details separately
It is important to submit your application early to ensure that you can obtain the visa/ entry permit in time for program commencement.
The following shows the rough timeline based on our past experience. This is for reference purpose only. The processing and approval processes rest with the HKSAR Immigration Department (IMMD) and situation may vary from case to case.
Properly Completed Visa Application submitted by Student in: |
Expected Visa Issuance from the Hong Kong Immigration Department in: |
---|---|
March, April and Early May |
June |
Late May |
July |
June |
Mid-August |
July |
Mid to late August |