Program Overview
About University of California
The University of California opened its doors in 1869 with just 10 faculty members and 38 students. Today, the UC system includes more than 238,000 students and more than 190,000 faculty and staff, with more than 1.7 million alumni living and working around the world. For almost 150 years, UC has expanded the horizons of what we know about ourselves and our world. Our campuses are routinely ranked among the best in the world, but our reach extends beyond campus borders.
Our students, faculty, staff and alumni exchange ideas, make advancements and unlock the secrets and mysteries of the universe every day. They engage with their local governments, serve California schools, protect the environment and push the boundaries of space.
From all backgrounds, ethnicities and incomes, UC attracts the best and brightest. UC undergraduates come from all over California, and they work hard to make it to college. In fact, over 40 percent of UC students come from low-income families.
UC's faculty are the drivers behind innovations in biotechnology, computer science, art and architecture — and they bring that knowledge, that greatness, directly to the classroom.
Thousands of California jobs, billions of dollars in revenues, and countless everyday household items — from more plentiful fruits and vegetables to compact fluorescent light bulbs — can be traced back to UC discoveries. Similarly, many of the state’s leading businesses are based on UC technology, founded by our faculty or led by UC graduates.
About California
Whether you dream of carving a wave for the first time, relaxing at a wine country estate, taking a spin on an iconic theme park ride or walking through soaring redwoods, you will find your perfect getaway in California. What you will find here are ways to make that dream holiday happen without a hitch.
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Academic
Click Here for a list of courses offered to exchange students.
Term date
- Host Institutions usually organize orientation activities for exchange students, with some mandatory, which take place 1-2 weeks before the start of the term. You should refer to the acceptance package and pay attention to the expected arrival or pick-up dates specified by your host institution.
- You should only depart after finishing all the final examinations (including resits) since host institutions will not make special arrangement for taking any examinations other than scheduled.
- Please CLICK HERE for more information on host institution’s term dates.
Eligibility (for students applying via School of Science)
You are eligible to apply for the exchange program if you are:
- A non-final year undergraduate student in a 3-Year program in the School of Science, or
- A Year 2 or 3 undergraduate student in the 4-Year program in the School of Science
- AND having CGA at 2.5 or above (students with CGA below 2.5 may still submit application; offers will be granted under special consideration)
Application Process
To apply, click the "Apply Now via SSCI" button on this page. The whole application process has two steps.
Step 1: Complete HKUST application form and submit supplementary documents
Step 2: The Host Institution Application (TO BE COMPLETED AFTER YOU ARE NOMINATED BY YOUR SCHOOL)
If you are nominated, you will be notified to submit a formal host institution application. Your School will provide you with detailed information and application instructions in due course.
Visa Information
CLICK HERE for details on visa and residence permit.
Health Insurance
Health insurance is required by law in some countries. Please CLICK HERE for details.
Accommodation
Arranging accommodation in some cities can be very difficult. Start early and CLICK HERE for details.
