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Term Time Exchange
Getting Started
Why should I go on exchange?
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Going on exchange will be one of the most productive, career-enhancing and personally enriching experience in your life.
Planning your exchange
Start to plan your exchange during your first year at CUHK. That might sound early, but the process takes longer than you think: about nine months from the time you start planning to the time you leave Hong Kong for your exchange. Bear in mind that a lot of exchange programmes require you to achieve certain academic standards; some also require knowledge of a foreign language. Here are a few things you should think about when planning:
Duration
Ideally, you should go during your second or third year at CUHK (or your fourth if applicable). Most students choose to go after their second year. Exchange programmes last either a term, a summer or an academic year. CUHK full-time students can go on exchange for a cumulative maximum of one academic year (Term 1, Term 2 and summer).
Destinations
Click here for the list of exchange destinations.
CUHK offers over 280 student exchange programmes; they include university-wide, college, faculty and department options. University-wide programmes are administered by OAL and available to all CUHK students. Undergraduate students can also go on exchange during the summer through the Summer Exchange Programme.
Final Year Students
You are a final year student if your remaining study period at CUHK is less than or equal to one year. If you fall into this category, you may or may not qualify to apply for exchange. Click here for more details.
Eligibility
Full-time registered undergraduate students (except first year students whose expected graduation date is 31 July 2024 or after) and postgraduate students can apply. Applicants must meet certain requirements.. These vary from programme to programme, but typical ones include:
- A valid TOEFL or IELTS score report with a particular minimum score, depending on the programme
- A good academic record at CUHK – typically a cumulative GPA of at least 2.70, although some exchange programmes set the bar higher
- A good disciplinary record and standing at CUHK
- Basic knowledge of the place where you intend to study
- Maturity and responsibility in social conduct, along with physical and emotional health
- Readiness to represent CUHK
Language
Remember to check if the exchange programme you’re interested in has any foreign-language requirements. Most university-wide programmes are in English, but some programmes require you to know the language of its home country. We strongly advise you to take a TOEFL or IELTS test as early as possible. Once you are selected to go on exchange, you will be asked for proof of English proficiency along with your application. If you can’t provide it, you risk being rejected. The earlier you take a test, the better chance you have of being accepted.
Academics
You are not limited during your exchange to courses from your major subject, but you will have to meet the course requirements in order to get onto a course in the first place. You are encouraged to enrich your knowledge of varied subjects during the exchange, but make sure you consult the relevant academic departments before taking a course to make sure you can transfer the credits back to CUHK.
Credit Transfer
You should contact the Registration and Examinations Section at CUHK for instructions on transferring credits. Before you come back to Hong Kong from your exchange, you should ask the host institution for an official transcript to be sent directly to OAL in a sealed envelope.
Course Load Requirements
For undergraduate students in the new curriculum, the minimum requirement is 9 units and passing at least 6 of them per term or the equivalent, except for summer exchanges. If you are in the old curriculum, the minimum requirement is 12 units and passing at least 9 of them per term or the equivalent, except for summer exchanges. Failure to do so could make it hard for you to graduate or to receive full payment of any financial support under the CUHK Student Exchange Financial Aid and Scholarship Scheme (FASS). If you are a postgraduate student, you should enrol in enough courses to meet the minimum course load requirement of your full-time postgraduate programme at CUHK.
Graduation
For enquiries about whether you need to defer your graduation date if you go on exchange, or whether you can graduate right after the exchange, please contact the Registration and Examinations Section.
Costs
The fees for a typical exchange programme include the following:
- CUHK tuition
- CUHK and College Student Union fees (for undergraduate students only)
- Accommodation (CUHK, host university or private rental depending on the programme structure)
- Health and travel insurance
- Meal plan
- Student visa
- Books and stationery
- Personal expenses
- Cultural activities
- Transportation
- For some destinations, warm clothing
- Airfare
For regular term-time exchanges, you will need to pay the CUHK tuition fee and student union membership fees before you leave for your exchange. Other fees are payable either before or during the exchange, depending on the programme and the nature of the fee. For Summer exchanges, please click here for details.
CUHK Student Ambassadors Scheme
CUHK Student Ambassadors are a diverse group of CUHK students who have attended one of the exchange programmes administered by the Office of Academic Links. If you’re having trouble deciding where to go or looking for tips on living in a particular country, our ambassadors are ready to help. Please contact them if you have any questions. You can find their information here.
Get Advice From Your Peers
Join the CUAroundTheWorld discussion forum built by CUHK students. Hear what past students have to say about their exchange experience. Ask questions and get first-hand information.
Exchange Without Limits
Students with special needs are encouraged to talk to Student Advisors at the i-Centre for assistance in identifying suitable exchange opportunities you may apply to.