Go to Hong Kong

Get there with the TOEFL iBT® Test.

Why go to Hong Kong?

Studying in Hong Kong gives you access to globally respected universities, a highly international city, and a unique East-meets-West environment where English is widely used in higher education and daily life.

Hong Kong is home to several internationally ranked universities, including HKU, CUHK, HKUST, CityU, and PolyU.
Top research candidates can even apply for the prestigious Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS), which fully recognizes TOEFL iBT scores.
Non-local tuition commonly ranges from about HK$90,000 to HK$265,000 per year, depending on the institution and program.
Estimated living costs are often around HK$50,000 per year, though your budget may be higher if you rent privately.
As a global business and education hub, Hong Kong offers strong links to finance, technology, logistics, research, and regional career opportunities.
The city is compact, well connected by public transport, and offers a multicultural lifestyle with easy access to both urban neighborhoods and outdoor spaces.

Study in Hong Kong

REGION: East Asia
LANGUAGE: English & Cantonese
CURRENCY: HKD (HK$)
TIME ZONES: UTC+8
CLIMATE: Subtropical & humid

Life in Hong Kong: What to Expect

Life as an international student in Hong Kong is fast-paced, convenient, and highly urban. Many students live in university halls during at least part of their studies, while others share private apartments off campus. Space can be smaller than in many other destinations, but the trade-off is easy access to campus, public transport, food, internships, and city life.

Academically, many Hong Kong universities use English as a medium of instruction, and expectations are often rigorous from the start. During your studies, you could experience a strong emphasis on independent study, project work, presentations, and exams. Depending on your program, you may also have access to internships, exchange opportunities, and research experiences.

Day to day, you will quickly learn to use the MTR, buses, minibuses, and ferries, often with an Octopus card. Cantonese is the most widely spoken language, but English is also an official language and is commonly used in universities, signage, and many service settings. Hong Kong is known for its efficiency, safety, and variety of food and neighborhoods, with beaches, hiking trails, and country parks surprisingly close to the city center.

Work & Practical Experience Opportunities

Work permissions for non-local students in Hong Kong depend on the conditions of your stay. Universities typically provide guidance on what is permitted, and you should always check your student conditions carefully before accepting any work, internship, or placement.

On-campus student roles, such as library, events, student ambassador, or research support work
Approved internships or practicum experiences that are part of your program
Part-time work that is specifically allowed under current student arrangements or temporary policy measures
Industry projects, placements, and employer engagement offered through your faculty or career office
Post-study employment through Hong Kong’s Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG), if you complete an eligible program

For many graduates, Hong Kong offers a clear path from study to employment. Under IANG, eligible non-local graduates of full-time locally accredited programs can apply to stay or return to Hong Kong for work after graduation. This can make Hong Kong attractive not only as a place to study, but also as a place to begin building professional experience in Asia.

Understanding Hong Kong Immigration & Entry Pathways

To study in Hong Kong as a non-local student, you generally need an offer from a recognized institution and a student visa or entry permit. Your admitting institution or another local sponsor typically supports the application. You will usually need a valid travel document, an admission letter, and evidence that you can cover tuition and living costs.

Processing commonly takes several weeks once all required documents are submitted, so it is important to apply early. If you are under 18, additional guardian and accommodation documents may be required. After approval, students normally receive an e-Visa or entry permit and can then complete arrival and identity card steps after reaching Hong Kong.

Beyond the initial student visa, Hong Kong has introduced highly attractive talent admission schemes, making it an incredible destination for long-term career development.

TOP TALENT PASS SCHEME (TTPS / 高才通计划)

Graduates from the world's top universities (which includes multiple Hong Kong universities) with valid work experience may be eligible for a pass to explore opportunities in Hong Kong, regardless of their immediate employment status.

QUALITY MIGRANT ADMISSION SCHEME (QMAS / 优才计划)

A quota-free points-based system for highly skilled individuals. Holding a degree from a recognized university (like those in Hong Kong) and demonstrating strong English proficiency (such as with a high TOEFL score) can significantly boost your points in this scheme.

English Proficiency Requirements

Many universities in Hong Kong require proof of English proficiency for admission. One of the most common misconceptions is that you need a British-aligned test to study in Hong Kong. The TOEFL iBT test is accepted by leading institutions including all public universities (UGC-funded institutions), and minimum scores vary by university and program. For example, some undergraduate admissions pages list minimum TOEFL iBT scores such as 80 or 93-4 or 4.5, so applicants should always confirm the exact requirement for their chosen course of study.

How TOEFL® Supports You

Whether you are applying for undergraduate or postgraduate study, the TOEFL iBT test can help you demonstrate that you are ready for English-medium learning in Hong Kong. Use it to strengthen your application, understand score expectations, and take the next step toward studying or building a future in Hong Kong.

Application Tip: Hong Kong universities operate on a "Rolling Admissions" basis (first-come, first-served). The TOEFL iBT test's fast score reporting helps you meet early deadlines. You can send your scores directly to these universities using their specific ETS Destination Codes via your ETS account.

START YOUR PREP START YOUR JOURNEY

Frequently Asked Questions

Start by comparing program strength, language of instruction, tuition, scholarship options, housing availability, and career outcomes. Because Hong Kong is compact, location may matter less than it does in larger countries, but commute time, campus environment, and access to internships can still make a difference.

Hong Kong offers undergraduate, taught postgraduate, and research postgraduate programs across fields such as business, engineering, science, social sciences, education, law, design, and the arts. Some institutions also offer associate degree, higher diploma, and professional pathways.

Undergraduate study is the first stage of higher education after secondary school and typically leads to a bachelor’s degree. Postgraduate study follows a bachelor’s degree and includes taught master’s programs, research master’s programs, and doctorates.

On-campus accommodation can be one of the most affordable options, with some university housing ranging roughly from HK$5,000 to HK$15,000 per semester. Off-campus rental is usually more expensive and can range widely depending on location, size, and whether you share with roommates.

Most students use the MTR, buses, minibuses, and ferries. An Octopus card is essential for everyday travel, and eligible full-time students can apply for concessionary MTR fares through the student travel scheme.

Many eligible graduates can apply under Hong Kong’s Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG). This pathway allows qualifying graduates of full-time locally accredited programs to stay or return for employment, making Hong Kong an appealing option for students who want career continuity after graduation.

Not necessarily. Many degree programs are taught in English, and English is widely used in universities, official signage, and many professional settings. Learning some Cantonese can still be very helpful for daily life, local culture, and building community.

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