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| About the country |
On China's southern coast, between East and Southeast Asia, is a unique place where East meets West and old meets new. Hong Kong, a former British colony and current Special Administrative Region of China, is home to an exceptional culture. Born of a fusion of ancient Chinese heritage and a long period of Western influence, Hong Kong is a multifaceted city where English and Cantonese, feng shui and football, towering skyscrapers and historical sites exist side by side.
Hong Kong is known as a shopper's paradise. Cantonese cuisine is native to the region, and you can find delightful options for any budget throughout Hong Kong. International flavors are also well represented. Hong Kong boasts eateries from nearly every region of China and the rest of the world.
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Hong Kong packs a lot of action into a mere 1,104 square kilometers. Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon peninsula are at the core of the city, surrounding famed Victoria Harbor. This is where you can see Hong Kong's celebrated skyline and experience urban dynamism at its utmost. To the north, the rural New Territories are home to vast country parks, ancient villages, tranquil wetlands, and diverse wildlife. 262 outlying islands have largely retained their traditional character, accessible to the adventurous yet removed from the rigors of modern life. |
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| Why Hong Kong |
There are more than a billion Chinese in the world. Start getting acquainted with some of them in Hong Kong, home to six million people with a unique global perspective. People know China (most of us have that background), and they are well-traveled, multi-lingual, and modern.
The qualifications that you'll receive from Hong Kong's educational institutions are internationally recognized, meaning you can use your Bachelor of Science in Biology from Brussels to Bangkok.
Hong Kong institutions are among the best in the world - and The Times of London agrees! Hong Kong was well represented in the 2007 World University Rankings, higher (and better value!) than most of our counterparts in North America and Europe. It's no wonder that Hong Kong is a regional hub for academic endeavors.
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The education structure in Hong Kong was established during colonial rule, and mirrors that of the United Kingdom. Students attend three optional years of Kindergarten (usually starting at age 3), six years of primary school (grades P.1 - P.6) junior and senior secondary school (Form 1, 2, 3 and Form 4 and 5). Primary through junior secondary education is compulsory. Students who intend to pursue a university degree enroll in an additional two years of secondary school, or Matriculation (Form 6 and 7). Most universities offer three-year programs to obtain a Bachelor's degree. This is due to change soon - by 2012, the system will be internationalized, consisting of three years of Junior Secondary, three of Senior Secondary, and a four-year normative undergraduate degree.
As for Higher Education, there are eight government-funded, internationally-recognized universities in Hong Kong which offer Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees. They and other institutions also offer post-secondary diplomas, certificates, and vocational training. The Hong Kong government has been steadily increasing opportunities for further study, and 66% of Hong Kong students now pursue some form of post-secondary education.
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Hong Kong is so committed to nurturing talented students - and they are willing to help the students.
A number of scholarships are available to assist non-local students finance their education in Hong Kong. Some are reserved solely for overseas students, and others are awarded on a competitive basis to all talented students, regardless of nationality or residency status. Depending on the type of scholarship or award, funds may be provided by respective universities, or bestowed by individuals, charitable or professional organizations, and academic departments, among others.
Awards for gifted students may be granted by institutions after reviewing admissions applications; others may require separate applications, as well as materials to be submitted, such as letters of recommendation, essays, or proof of financial need.
Amounts vary. Some prizes will lighten the load by paying for partial tuition, others cover full tuition fees, and the most competitive ones provide full tuition, fees, housing, and personal expenses.
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According to the immigration laws of Hong Kong, foreign students have to obtain a student visa before coming to Hong Kong, unless you have a permanent Hong Kong Identity (HKID) card. And you have to possess a valid student visa during your stay in Hong Kong.
The Office of Academic Links will assist you in applying for a student visa. The application procedures differ slightly for students of different nationalities.
It takes more than TWO MONTHS for the Hong Kong Immigration Department to issue a student visa. Students are responsible to prepare and provide the required documents for student visa application. Issurance of student visa is subject to the Hong Kong Immigration Department's decision.
According to Hong Kong Immigration regulations, any person coming to Hong Kong to study must obtain a student visa before arrival. The IASP office can assist students in applying for the visa. To apply for a student visa, students are required to download, complete and return the VISA / ENTRY PERMIT APPLICATION FORM [ID(E)936A] and DECLARATION OF APPLICANT'S EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT [ID(E)936E] form together with required supporting documents to the IASP Office.
A student visa processing fee is included in the invoice enclosed in the acceptance package. It covers visa application fees, courier expense for delivering visa label to student, and administration fees for producing certifying letter and sponsorship form.
When a student visa has been successfully processed, the student visa label will be sent to the address provided by the student in the "application for student visa sponsorship" form. If there are any changes to the address, the student should notify the IASP Office as soon as possible. If a student visa is returned to the IASP Office and/or redirected, the student will be responsible for the inevitable delay and all additional expenses. |
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Hong Kong is home to eight government-funded universities offering dozens of major areas of study. English is the medium of instruction for most of their courses. Many offer crash courses in Chinese language so that foreign students can make the most of their stay. Certain institutions also conduct some courses in Putonghua for Mainland students, or for those who are proficient in the language.
Hong Kong's universities emphasize whole-person development, meaning you'll be given a broad perspective on life, culture, and ethics, as well as gaining practical experience to take your academic endeavors beyond the classroom and into the real world.
A stimulating intellectual environment attracts high-caliber professors from around the globe. They and their students are renowned for excellence, including Nobel laureates, prize winners for new technology, literary giants, and linguists.
An agreement with Mainland China guarantees the compatibility of Hong Kong and Chinese programs of study. Some universities even allow foreign students to "study abroad" for a year or two in Beijing or Shanghai!
For a respected degree recognized the world over, you can get a Bachelor of Arts, Science, Law, Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Journalism, or one of a great many others... and these are just a sampling of what's on offer in Hong Kong! |
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The Hong Kong Immigration Department has relaxed its policies regarding your eligibility for employment during your stay in Hong Kong on a student visa and after graduation.
Upon the issuance of student visas, eligible students will be issued a No Objection Letter from the Hong Kong Immigration Department. This letter states out the type(s) and conditions of employment which the student may take up, and they are written on the student visa, not on a separate sheet as its name literally implies. |
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In a bustling metropolis such as Hong Kong, life doesn't come cheap. Rent, food, clothing, and other necessities are on par with the likes of New York or London. However, those of modest means needn't fret; transportation, telecommunications, and public healthcare cost significantly less than in Europe or North America. Furthermore, student discounts are available for essentials, such as Octopus cards.
With careful planning, you can make the most of your Hong Kong experience and still have a few dollars left for extras like travel and fancy dinners out.
The tuition fees vary from one university to the next, but are usually between $70,000 and $80,000 Hong Kong Dollars per year. (That's around $9,000 to $10,300 U.S. Dollars)
If you live in University-provided residence halls or hostels, you'll pay a modest $5,000 (about $650 U.S.) to $14,000 (around $1,800 U.S.) per semester; off-campus, expect to pay that much per month. You should estimate $30,000 - 60,000 ($3,850 - 7,700 U.S.) per year for additional costs, including food, leisure, transportation, and personal items, depending on how extravagantly you plan to live. |
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