University of Hong Kong - Haskayne only
One of the premier universities in the world, the University of Hong Kong is ranked 25th globally.
It's also no surprise that Hong Kong is also ranked as the #1 student city in the world as there is an endless list of things to do - attend the flag raising ceremony at Golden Bauhinia Square, take the best harbor pictures on the Star Ferry Crossing (or from the Peak Tram!) or visit Hong Kong Disneyland!
The University of Hong Kong is home to almost 28,000 students and is the oldest university in Hong Kong with its origins stretching over 100 years. It's also ranked #5 out of all Asian universities!
Key information
Application information
Program details
Haskayne Exchange Areas of Study:
- Finance
- General Business
- Marketing
- Organizational Behaviour and Human Resources
Ensure you review your course selection with a Haskayne exchange advisor before leaving for your exchange to confirm transfer credit.
Haskayne undergraduate students must take their core courses at the University of Calgary. Students can take two senior commerce and/or non-commerce options, and/or a maximum of 2 concentration courses (not ACCT/PLMA). They are required to maintain full time status while on exchange.
Courses can be between 3-6 HK credits and a full course load is 30 credits per semester, though students may take a minimum of 24 credits and a maximum of 36. Course information is available on each department's site. Please note that students must choose more than 50% of their classes from one faculty.
All courses are taught in English with the exception of classes in the Department of Chinese (course codes CHIN).
Non-Exchange Summer Program: The Global Business in Asia program is available on a fee-paying basis. Students must still apply through Haskayne first.
Student Tips: "The classes at HKU were a lot more creative in comparison to UCalgary, many external resources were utilized in order to explain theories or concepts. This meant field trips, tutorial meetings and many, many prestigious guest speakers."
For the Business Course Transfer Database, please contact the Haskayne exchange advisors.
The academic year is divided into two terms:
- First Term runs from early September to late December
- Second Term runs from early January to late May
The non-exchange summer program is four weeks long from mid-June to Mid July. Two weeks are in Hong Kong and two weeks are in Shanghai.
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Costs
Exchange students pay their tuition and academic fees to the University of Calgary. Other expenses are paid directly to the service provider.
HKU includes a cost of living estimate in their HKU preparatory guide. Also, remember to include things like visas, insurance, vaccinations etc in your budget planning.
Hong Kong cost comparison vs. Calgary: Click Here (note: student housing is much cheaper than standard rent in HK)
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Funding
Did you know that you can take your UCalgary funding with you on exchange?
Since you remain a degree seeking student at UCalgary while on exchange you remain eligible for any awards and scholarships you are eligible to receive from the university as well as student loans.UC International administers the International Study Travel Grant for students travelling on approved UCalgary study programs that are credit bearing. The amount changes year to year as the money is split evenly between qualified applicants. Students may only receive the study travel grant once. Please see the funding page for more information.
There are currently 13 halls of residence at HKU. All halls have common rooms and recreational facilities as well as quiet places for study. Accommodation is not guaranteed, but students who are not placed in university accommodation are eligible for the "Outside Accommodation Bursary Scheme."
Student Tip: Make sure to pack a small blanket or sweater for winter months, as heating/cooling can make things a bit chillier than expected, even if the climate is relatively temperate.
Haskayne students at UCalgary can ONLY apply for this partner through Haskayne, and must meet the Haskayne requirements for exchange.
NOTE: Economics & Business students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) to be eligible for this exchange.
What supports or services are available at HKU?
The University of Hong Kong offers one of the best options in Hong Kong for students with mobility challenges, with a wheelchair-friendly campus and the CEDARS' SEN support office, it has a strong mandate for supporting students with accessibility needs.
Students seeking accommodations can receive support from CEDARS' SEN support office.
What's special about Hong Kong and the University?
As the leading university in Hong Kong, HKU is ranked #26 in the world according to QS World Rankings 2018.
HKU also prides itself on its smoke-free campus, being the first university in the world to join the #HeForShe UN initiative (promising to triple the number of female deans within the next 2 years so that 1 in 5 deans at HKU will be women), and for its prestige - only 1 in 12 student applications are accepted each year (thankfully this doesn't apply to exchange students!).
All university campuses in Hong Kong prohibit smoking on campuses in accordance with Hong Kong law.
Hong Kong is one of the world's most recognizable global metropolitan areas and provides a contrast between East and Western culture that is reflected in its rich culinary scene. The city holds records for having the most skyscrapers in the world, the world's longest life expectancy (at 86.7 years on average), the tallest outdoor bronze Buddha, the world's only exclusively double-decker tram system, and the largest permanent light & sound show - "A Symphony of Lights", to name a few. It's also ranked as the #1 student city to live in, in the world!
What resources are available for new students?
Student Tips: "Many food vendors and student clubs were widely available, they were much better and much more diverse than the ones at UofC."
"HKU is a beautiful campus built into a mountain. It has two components, the main campus is a bit older and the centennial campus was built recently. The law school is located in the centennial campus and is an excellent facility. The law library and the Chui Wah Learning Commons are great study spaces. The school is easily accessed by public transit. During my semester, the university was overhauling the food establishments on campus. I anticipate that once these are completed there will be pretty good affordable food options on campus for students. The neighbourhoods of Kennedy Town and Sai Ying Pun are close by and offer lots of good food as well. Western food; however, is generally much more expensive than local cuisine. There are several recreation facilities near the school. The Flora Ho sports centre has the basics of what you would need for a good workout; however, it is a small space and can be really busy at peak times.
Hong Kong is a great place for an exchange. It is one of the most densely populated places in the world. This density produces an exciting and unique city that never sleeps but it can also be overwhelming at times. A great way to get some relief from this density is to explore the great hiking and beaches all around the city. Certain things in Hong Kong, especially housing can be very expensive. However, public transit is amazing and affordable with a student “Octopus Card”. Hong Kong is also a world class food city. While many places are expensive, you can find great local cuisine which is very affordable.
The fall semester is a great time to visit Hong Kong. Most days were very sunny and warm without being overly hot. The exception to this was the end of August/beginning of September which were really hot, humid and rainy. Hong Kong might experience typhoons during this time. The city manages these storms very well, so just be sure to pay attention to the news and listen to the directions of the school in the event of a typhoon. While we were there, Typhoon Mangkhut had hit the city. However, the city manages these storms well and you are safe so long as you remain indoors until the storm passes."
The exchange advisor for this program is: Erin Mizzoni
How to Apply
Download the application guide
This PDF contains information on how to complete your application and what to do after you have applied.
Identify three programs of interest
We recommend applying for your top three programs for the priority application deadline, as placement may be competitive. We will assess your applications in ranked order.
Check requirements and deadlines
These may vary by program, so check the individual program pages and make sure that you are aware of any different application deadlines or eligibility requirements.
Start your application
Once you have gathered everything you need, you can begin your application!
Please note: Applications will not be considered complete until all required documents are submitted in full.
International travel presents challenges that may not be found when attending classes on campus. There may be a lack of resources, emergency services, hospitals, accessibility issues and/or demands on the physical and the mental self, all of which can challenge individuals when away from their usual support systems and structures. Adequate preparation is essential.
For this reason, it is imperative that you evaluate all aspects of your own physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual condition against the rigors of the particular global learning program you are selecting. If you are unsure of whether or not this program is a good fit for you and/or if you have any circumstances that could impede your enjoyment of the program, please contact us. Our Global Learning Advisors will be happy to assist in finding the best options for you and arrange any supports or accommodations necessary to ensure your success.
If you have or are seeking a certificate from Student Accessibility Services, you should provide this early to your Global Learning Advisor to ensure that the option that you are seeking can support your needs.
Please note: All participants must adhere to COVID-19 and other vaccination-related requirements for the destinations visited on this program. Failure to do so may have consequences such as being denied access to accommodation/housing, program activities, or to the host country itself.