Student Exchange Programme (Outgoing)
Study abroad experience has become an important part of the university education. Students who wish to broaden their horizon are encouraged to pursue exchange studies outside Hong Kong by participating in the Student Exchange Programme.
If you are a student from our overseas partner institution and wish to study at CityU as an exchange student, please visit the website of Admissions Office.
Student Exchange Programme 2008/09
Where to Go for Student Exchange (List of Partner Institutions)

Under the Student Exchange Programme (SEP), over 110 credit-bearing exchange programmes are offered at institutional or faculty/departmental level. The institutional level programmes will be open for application by full-time bachelor's degree students from all compatible disciplines, while faculty/departmental-level programmes refer to those which are open to students from a specific Faculty, School or Department.

Institutional Level Exchange Programmes
Institutional Level Exchange Programmes are open for application by students from all Faculties/Schools/Departments, unless specified otherwise. Click here to view the list of institutions and quotas available for 2008-09.

Faculty/Departmental Level Exchange Programmes
Faculty/Departmental Level Exchange Programmes accept applications from students from a specific Faculty/School/Department. Click here to view the list.

Who Can Apply
Minimum Requirements for Application for Student Exchange Programme (SEP)
(Applicable to Exchange Programmes at both Institutional and Departmental Levels)
Funding Support

Tuition fees shall be waived by the partner institution. However, students are required to pay their normal tuition and other study related fees to CityU during the exchange period. Exchange students shall also be responsible for financing their travel, accommodation, living expenses, visa, insurance and books, etc.

I. Student Exchange Fund (SEF)
SEF provides sponsorship to full-time government-funded bachelor's degree students who are Hong Kong permanent residents. Eligible students may receive funding support from the SEF, ranging from HK$9,000 to HK$20,000 for one semester.

Eligibility for Application for SEF
(Applicable to Exchange Programmes at both Institutional and Departmental Levels)

For the award of SEF, you must meet the following requirements:

Each participating student should only benefit once from the SEF. Students who have joined a funded exchange programme before, either at bachelor's degree or associate degree level, will not be considered for the award of Student Exchange Fund.

*Non-local students or students registering on non-government funded bachelor's degree programmes are not eligible for the sponsorship of the Student Exchange Fund. However, they may participate in Student Exchange Programme on their own expenses or seek alternative funding support.

SEF Sponsorship for CityU Students:

Region/Country of Study Maximum Amount of Sponsorship for
One-semester Exchange
North America, South America, Europe HK$20,000
Australia, New Zealand HK$18,000
Asia, India HK$13,000
Mainland China HK$9,000

The grant is to cover up to 50% of the total cost incurred by the following items:

  1. Return economy class airfare,
  2. Accommodation, and
  3. Incidental expenses.

II. Other Funding
1. University Scholarships in Support of Student Exchange Programme
Enthusiastic donors have established various scholarships in support of the University's Student Exchange Programme. Students who are successfully selected for Outbound Student Exchange Programme will have the opportunity to apply for one of the prestigious scholarship awards. Please visit the SDS website at http://www.cityu.edu.hk/sds/sch/index.htm for more information.

2. Faculty/Departmental Sponsorships
Some Faculties/Schools/Departments may provide funding support to selected outbound exchange students. Please make enquiries to your Faculty/School/Department for information.

Language Requirement
University English Language Requirement:
Students who wish to participate in exchange programmes using English as the medium of instruction and assessment must meet one of the following University requirements BEFORE commencing the exchange studies.
  1. A minimum TOEFL score of 79 (internet-based test), 213 (computer-based test) or 550 (paper-based test); or
  2. A minimum IELTS Band 6.5; or
  3. Grade C or above in one of the following subjects:
    • HKALE Use of English / English Literature; or
    • GCE A/AS Level English Language / English Literature / English Language and Literature (grade B for subjects at GCSE level); or
    • Grade C or above in an English course approved by the Senate for fulfilling the University language requirement.
Host University Language Requirement:
In addition to the English language requirement set by CityU, students also need to follow specific language requirement(s), if any, set by the partner institutions. Failure to do so will result in the withdrawal of the SEP offer and SEF sponsorship. Students MUST plan well in advance and fulfill the language requirement(s) as early as possible.
How to Apply

Step 1
Identify up to two exchange programmes from the List of Partner Institutions that fit in with your study plan and interest.

Step 2
Consult your academic advisor/departmental coordinator on the suitability of the proposed exchange study and related procedure.

Step 3
Complete the Student Exchange Application form in AIMS (under "Student Services") during the scheduled application period. (Main Round: 7-25 January 2008; Clearing Round: 25 August to 6 September 2008)

Selection Criteria
Candidates are first nominated by the respective Faculty/School/Department on the basis of academic merit and suitability. Different departments may have their own selection criteria and schedule, students should consult their Faculty/School/Department on the application and selection procedure. Student nominees contending for institutional-level exchange programmes will need to attend an interview conducted by a central selection panel. The partner institutions, however, reserve the final decision on the admission of exchange students.
Closing Dates
Student Exchange Programme (SEP) is open for application twice a year. Application should be submitted to the International and Non-local Students Office (INSO) in the form of a nomination by the Faculty/School/Department. Each Faculty/School/Department may have its own schedule and selection procedure. Students who are interested in the Student Exchange Programme should plan early and follow the schedule for application set by the respective Faculty/School/Department, if applicable.

Notification of Results

Things to Note
About the Exchange Programmes
As a general requirement, student exchange programmes are conducted on a credit-bearing basis. Most, if not all, of the exchange programmes are approved for one semester only. Exchange students shall enrol as 'not-for-degree' full-time students at the host institutions, if accepted.

Students who wish to extend their study at the partner institution upon completion of the exchange programme can apply for admission to the partner institution as international visiting students and pay normal tuition fees. Before doing so, students should seek prior approval from their home Faculty/School/Department at CityU. No additional funding shall be provided by the SEF.

About Course Selection and Academic Matters
Consult your academic advisor and/or departmental coordinator on the selection of courses, transfer of credits and other academic related matters.

About Pre-departure Preparation

FAQ
  1. Do I need to pay tuition to CityU during the exchange period?
    Yes, you are still required to pay the normal CityU tuition and other study related fees while studying outside Hong Kong as an exchange student. However, the tuition fee of the host institution will be waived.
  2. What if I do not meet the English language requirement?
    Failure to fulfill the University's language requirement or any specific requirement set by the partner institution for its programme will result in the withdrawal of SEP offer and sponsorship from Student Exchange Fund.
  3. I am currently a second year student, can I go on exchange in my final year of study?
    Subject to the approval of your home Faculty/School/Department and the host institution, you may choose to participate in the exchange programme in any semester that fits your study plan most.
  4. What should I do with the credit units earned from the exchange programme?
    You should consult your academic advisor or programme leader at CityU about credit transfer before commencing the exchange study. Upon completion of the exchange programme, you will also need to work out the actual transfer of credits by consultation with your programme leader. The approved credits will be transferred back to your academic record in CityU. For details, please contact Academic Regulations and Records Office.
  5. When can I go for exchange if I apply the SEP clearing round?
    Semester B
Enquiries
Contact INSO or consult your Departmental Student Exchange Coordinator.