Path to staying
- Study12 months, renewable
- Post-study workup to 24 months
- Permanent residencyafter 7 years
Overview
- Country
- Hong Kong
- Visa name
- Student Visa / Entry Permit
- Local name
- 學生簽證/進入許可
- Status
- Active
- Duration
- 12 months
- Max duration
- 72 months
- Renewable
- Yes
Student visa or entry permit required for non-local students admitted to full-time programmes at recognised educational institutions in Hong Kong. Covers locally-accredited undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, sub-degree programmes, and other approved courses. Applications processed through the Immigration Department.
Tuition and costs
- Tuition policy
- Full fee
- Tuition range
- $12,000 – $25,000/year
- Proof of funds
- $19,000/year
- Funds type
- Bank statement
- Scholarships
- Available
Non-local undergraduate tuition at public universities: HKD 145,000–HKD 200,000/yr ($18,500–$25,500). HKU charges HKD 198,000/yr for 2024–2025 intake. Sub-degree and self-financing programmes: HKD 80,000–HKD 130,000/yr. Postgraduate tuition varies widely.
Work rights during study
- Work allowed
- Yes
- Hours
- Unlimited
- Permission
- Automatic
Since 1 November 2024, non-local students (excluding exchange students) in full-time locally-accredited programmes at undergraduate level or above (study period of at least 1 academic year) are temporarily exempted from employment restrictions. The exemption has been extended to the end of 2026. No cap on hours, no location restriction — can work part-time or full-time anywhere in Hong Kong. ImmD issues No Objection Letters (NOL) through institutions. Previously, work was limited to 20 hours/week on-campus during term and unlimited during summer.
Post-study work options
| Program | Type | Duration | Min degree | Work | PR path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IANG (Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates) | Work permit | 24 mo | Bachelors | Unrestricted | Yes |
Language requirements
| Test | Purpose | Language | Min score | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT / IELTS | Admission | English | — | Most Hong Kong universities teach in English. TOEFL 80+ or IELTS 6.0+ typically required. Some programmes at Chinese University of Hong Kong or HKU may accept Chinese proficiency. |
Fees and costs
| Fee | Type | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Visa / Entry Permit Fee | Application | $42 | One time |
Dependents and family
- Dependents
- Allowed
- Restriction
- Spouse and unmarried dependent children under 18.
- Spouse work
- Limited
- Conditions
- Dependants of student visa holders may apply for permission to work. Requires employer sponsorship and Immigration Department approval.
Long-term pathway
- Post-study visa
- Available
- Work permit
- Possible
- Permanent residency
- After 7 years
- Study time counts
- Yes, full credit
How to apply
- Method
- Online
- Via
- Educational institution acts as local sponsor and submits application to Immigration Department.
- Processing
- 28-56 days
- Interview
- Not required
- Official site
- www.immd.gov.hk
- Health insurance
- Not required
Notes and caveats
Student time counts toward 7-year permanent residency requirement (IANG + work time combined with student time). HKD 330 visa fee effective from September 2025. Since November 2024, non-local undergraduate and postgraduate students can work without hour restrictions, with the temporary exemption extended through the end of 2026. Immigration Department e-visa system available for online applications.
Also in Hong Kong
Last verified May 3, 2026 Source