Student Visa or Entry Permit

Explore the five recorded questions, answers and sources for this pathway.

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What education or training is this pathway designed for?

This is Hong Kong’s student entry arrangement for people admitted to eligible schools, post-secondary programmes, exchange study or registered non-local higher education and professional courses. The exact eligibility depends on the education level and programme type.

See recorded sources

Immigration Department Students page, extracted text lines supporting study_seo.r1
This webpage sets out the entry arrangement for persons who wish to enter the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (hereafter “HKSAR”) for study.

What type of institution/course must accept or enrol the applicant?

The applicant must be accepted by an eligible institution or programme. The page covers registered private schools, full-time locally accredited post-secondary programmes, specified exchange arrangements, and full-time courses on the register of non-local higher education or professional courses.

See recorded sources

Immigration Department Students page, extracted text lines supporting study_seo.r2
is admitted to a private school registered under the Education Ordinance (Cap. 279) or Post Secondary Colleges Ordinance (Cap. 320). Except for post-secondary education, entry for study in public or aided schools (other than English Schools Foundation Schools and Direct Subsidy Scheme Schools) is not permitted;

What are the most important financial or study-related conditions: tuition, funds, insurance, full-time study, attendance or equivalent?

The applicant must hold an acceptance letter and be able to pay course fees and living and accommodation expenses without working and without recourse to public funds. Applicants must also meet the relevant full-time or programme-specific conditions and normal immigration requirements. The official source does not state a health-insurance requirement.

See recorded sources

Immigration Department Students page, extracted text line 27
the applicant holds a school acceptance letter to confirm that he/she has been accepted for a course of study;
Immigration Department Students page, extracted text lines supporting study_seo.r3
the applicant is able to meet the fees for the course, the living expenses for his/her maintenance and accommodation without working and without recourse to public funds.

Can the student work? Under what major restrictions? What is the family position where clearly stated?

Students generally may not take paid or unpaid employment or establish or join a business. Limited exceptions are documented for eligible non-local students, including qualifying internships, certain on-campus or summer work, and temporary work arrangements notified by a No Objection Letter. Dependants of study entrants may study but need prior permission to work.

See recorded sources

Immigration Department Students page, extracted text lines supporting study_seo.r4
take up any employment, whether paid or unpaid; or
Immigration Department Students page, extracted text line 158
establish or join in any business.

How long does the status last, how is it renewed, and what officially documented post-study work or residence possibilities exist?

Stay normally follows the study programme for eligible full-time post-secondary students, subject to a maximum of six years upon entry and document validity; other courses normally receive 12 months or the study duration, whichever is shorter. Extensions may be requested within 4 weeks before expiry while the study criteria continue to be met. This page does not establish a separate post-study residence route.

See recorded sources

Immigration Department Students page, extracted text lines supporting study_seo.r5
Persons admitted for study may apply for extension of stay, if necessary, within 4 weeks before their limit of stay expires to continue their study in the HKSAR.

These are the answers currently recorded in the catalogue. A missing or partial answer is not an eligibility decision.

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Student Visa or Entry Permit

What education or training is this pathway designed for?

What type of institution/course must accept or enrol the applicant?

What are the most important financial or study-related conditions: tuition, funds, insurance, full-time study, attendance or equivalent?

Can the student work? Under what major restrictions? What is the family position where clearly stated?

How long does the status last, how is it renewed, and what officially documented post-study work or residence possibilities exist?

Your story.Your next step.

Your story.
Your next step.