More about HKUST
The University does not have a policy on minimum class attendance. Instructors may take attendance into consideration when assigning grades, provided this is made clear to the students during the discussion of grading.
The academic year begins on 1 September and ends on the following 31 August. A year consists of four terms – Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer.
The Fall and Spring terms are the regular terms. Each has 13 weeks of classes, followed by a short study break and an examination period. Almost all formal instruction takes place in the regular terms.
Normally, the Fall term begins in early September and ends in late December, while the Spring term begins in early February and ends in late May. The Summer term usually runs from late June to mid-August.
The Summer and Winter terms may include regular courses, short credit-bearing skills courses, intensive language courses, workshops, lecture series, mini-conferences and other activities.
Most undergraduates are not required to take courses during the Winter and Summer terms.
At HKUST, English is the language of formal instruction, including lectures, tutorials and laboratories. Individual instruction or consultation may be in any language.
The School of Humanities and Social Science may teach in Chinese and use Chinese reading materials in Chinese studies courses and courses with Chinese subject matter.
You normally have to register for courses totaling at least 12 credits and not more than 18 credits in each regular term.
An exemption from this requirement must be approved by your dean or their designee.
If you do not register for courses that give you an appropriate study load, you may be required to withdraw from the University.
Student Employment
A department may employ you to assist in research or other work that relates to your field of study. Other kinds of work (either at or outside the University) may impede your academic performance.
You are expected to study full-time. You may not engage in paid work for more 10 hours a week on average during a regular academic term.
Your dean or their designee may make an exception for an internship or employment related to your academic program.
This rule does not apply to employment during the Winter and Summer terms.
Non-local Students
If you are in Hong Kong on a student visa or an entry permit, you need permission from the Hong Kong Immigration Department to take employment, whether paid or unpaid. Under certain conditions, you may be allowed to take up internships, part-time work on campus and summer employment.
If you are permitted to do such work, you will receive a “no-objection letter” from the Immigration Department upon approval of your entry and extension-of-stay applications. The letter will say what types and conditions of employment you can accept.
For further details, visit the website of the Immigration Department of the HKSAR Government. The Career Center of HKUST has also provided general guidelines for reference of non-local students.
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Starting from November 1, 2024, the Government will temporarily exempt full-time non-local undergraduate students from the restrictions on taking up part-time jobs to enhance their personal exposure and knowledge of working in Hong Kong and incentivize them to stay in Hong Kong for development after graduation. All eligible non-local undergraduate students will be issued an updated "No Objection Letter" (NOL). You are not required to submit application separately.
Further details can be found at the website of Career Center.
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