Do I need to apply for a HKSAR entry permit/ student visa?

In general, non-local students must obtain an entry permit/ student visa before coming to Hong Kong to study. The application normally takes at least 8 weeks. Students should apply for an entry permit/ student visa soon after accepting the offer in order to meet the target of arriving at HKUST two weeks before the program begins. If you are still unsure whether you need a visa to study, you may consult the HKSAR Immigration Department web site.

Do I need to apply for an entry permit/ student visa if I have a dependent visa?

If you hold a valid dependent visa during your program of study, you do not need an entry permit/ student visa. However, you will need one when your dependent visa expires.

Is it compulsory to submit my entry permit/ student visa application through HKUST?

All students from the People’s Republic of China must apply for their entry permit via HKUST.

Other non-local students may choose to make other arrangements to apply for a student visa. In that case, please be mindful that you will have to:

• find your own local sponsor (the head of postgraduate studies will NOT act as your sponsor in this case);
• make your own arrangements for the visa collection when it is approved;
• provide additional documents (e.g. a financial statement from the local sponsor);
• invite the local sponsor to attend an interview with HKSAR Immigration Department upon requested.

When should I apply?

The application process normally takes about 8 weeks.  Applicants who fail to obtain a valid entry permit/ student visa in time for program registration will not be allowed to register as student at the University. You are advised to apply at least 9 weeks (11 weeks for students from the People’s Republic of China) prior to program commencement.

What documents do I need to submit?

Please refer to the Checklist of Documents Required for Visa/ Entry Permit Application. The relevant documents/ samples are downloadable in the Online Application System.

Where should I submit the documents for my entry permit/ student visa application?

At the end of the online process, we provide you with a downloadable Mailing Cover showing our mailing address:

Room 6418 (Lifts 25/26)
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Clear Water Bay, Kowloon
Hong Kong

I am a resident of the People’s Republic of China. What should I do if my travel document is not yet ready when I submit my application for entry permit?

PRC residents who have not yet been issued a travel document should provide their name in pinyin and copies of their PRC resident identity card as supporting documents.

What amount should I put on my financial proof?

The HKSAR Immigration Department requires evidence that you are well covered financially during your period of study at HKUST. They will want to know you can cover tuition, accommodation and daily living expenses for the period of your studies.

It will also be helpful if you can provide evidence of your financial standing (e.g., a photocopy of your latest bank statement, passbook, etc.). If you are awarded a postgraduate studentship, you may include the amount and duration of the postgraduate studentship in Part 7 (iii) on Page 3 of the ID995A form (with proof).

How long will my entry permit/ student visa application take?

The application normally takes at least 8 weeks after all supporting documents are submitted. Students should apply for an entry permit/ student visa immediately after accepting the offer so as to meet the target of arriving at HKUST 2 weeks before the program begins. Students from the PRC should allow an additional two weeks to apply for the Exit-Entry Permit For Travelling To And From Hong Kong And Macao (EEP)《往来港澳通行证》 and Relevant Exit Endorsement 《相关赴港签注》 from the Public Security Bureau Office (户口所在地公安机关出入境管理部门) where your household registration is kept. You may visit here for a suggested timeline of applying for an entry permit/ student visa via HKUST.

How do I know the status of my entry permit/ student visa application?

Any status updated for your application will be shown in the Online Application System. Please make use of the System to track the progress.

How do I activate my entry permit/ student visa in Hong Kong?

Passport holders should stick their student visa/ entry permit label onto a blank page of their passport. Make sure that the Immigration Officer puts a Student Visa Stamp on your passport stating “STUDENT – Permitted to remain until DD-MM-YYYY (a student status expiration date)”.

PRC Students shall stick the label onto the EEP. For those using an electronic EEP, you should present it together with the entry permit. Be noted that the label will be voided if it is stuck into a PRC passport.

Will I be provided university housing?

Student accommodation is ONLY available to full-time research postgraduate students. Accommodation standards and rents vary considerably. However, rent is generally high by international standards and living space small.

How can I know more about living in Hong Kong?

You may visit http://nlss.ust.hk/en-us/live-in-hong-kong for details about living in Hong Kong.