FAQ – Questions about exchange
Q9.1 When should I start planning for exchange?
Q9.2 Do I need to extend my study period if I go on exchange?
Q9.3 Do I get credits for the courses I completed during exchange?
Q9.4 If I go on exchange studies in the second semester but I have to take a full-year course in that academic year to fulfil the requirement(s) of a major/minor, what should I do?
Q9.5 What are the application procedures and the documents required for credit transfer from exchange studies?
Q9.6 Is it necessary for me to transfer all the credits I have completed during exchange?
Q9.7 Will the courses approved for credit transfer affect my GPAs and honours classification?
Q9.8 How will my credits be counted if the courses I take during exchange are not of 6 credits?
Q9.9 I want to exchange but my CGPA is not very good. Does that mean I have no chance to study abroad?
Q9.10 I still have some questions about exchange which are not listed above. Where else can I find more information?
Q9.1 When should I start planning for exchange?
There are two main options for exchange: HKU Worldwide Undergraduate Student Exchange Programme (HKUWW) and the Faculty-level exchange programme. No matter which option you wish to go for, we usually suggest students to plan for exchange at least a year ahead. For example, if you are interested in going on exchange in year three, you should plan for it in the beginning of year two. Please visit the website of the International Affairs Office (https://intlaffairs.hku.hk/) or your own Faculty for more details.
Q9.2 Do I need to extend my study period if I go on exchange?
It depends on whether your host institution offers subjects in your major programme at HKU and whether you are able to transfer back enough number of credits to satisfy the requirements of your programme. AASO has a 3-min briefing on exchange planning. If you have further questions, consult IAO and your Faculty Office.
Q9.3 Do I get credits for the courses I completed during exchange?
Yes. If you wish to transfer credits, you must apply for credit transfer in advance according to your Faculty’s regulations and requirement. However, the actual transfer of exchange credits happens when you return to HKU. Your Faculty is the final authority to decide on how your courses taken at the host institution will be credited towards your HKU degree.
Q9.4 If I go on exchange studies in the second semester but I have to take a full-year course in that academic year to fulfil the requirement(s) of a major/minor, what should I do?
Since enrollment record of all courses (including any full-year courses) during the exchange period will be deleted, it is very important for you to consult your Faculty on how you could complete the outstanding requirements of your full-year course before you set off for exchange.
Q9.5 What are the application procedures and the documents required for credit transfer from exchange studies?
Before going on exchange, you have to consult the relevant Faculty/School(s)/Department(s) at HKU on which courses you can take in your host institution in order to transfer credits when you return. You are required to submit your application for credit transfer approval prior to your exchange trip. Different Faculties might adopt different procedures on this so please check this out. As for required documents, different Faculties might have different guidelines, but in general, supporting documents related to the dates of exchange semesters, study load and proposed courses for credit transfer should be submitted, such as course syllabuses and course outlines (with credit information and assessment methods, etc.). Please contact your Faculty for details.
Q9.6 Is it necessary for me to transfer all the credits I have completed during exchange?
No, you can choose the courses for which you wish to apply for credit transfer.
Q9.7 Will the courses approved for credit transfer affect my GPAs and honours classification?
Only the name of the host institution, course title(s) and the credits approved to be transferred, and each course fulfilment (for major/ minor/ free elective) will be shown on the academic transcript. The grades you earned overseas will not be included in the calculation of your GPA and honours classification.
Q9.8 How will my credits be counted if the courses I take during exchange are not of 6 credits?
Please contact your Faculty on this for their credit conversion policies on exchange studies.
Q9.9 I want to exchange but my CGPA is not very good. Does that mean I have no chance to study abroad?
IAO offers a range of study abroad programmes, other than semester/year exchange, which vary in length, destination, funding source and CGPA requirements. Check out each programme at IAO website.
Q9.10 I still have some questions about exchange which are not listed above. Where else can I find more information?
The International Affairs Office has compiled a very comprehensive FAQ on exchange planning: https://intlaffairs.hku.hk/faq/study-abroad. Please take a look and hope you can find your answers there.