Undergraduate Visiting Student Program (UGVS Program), this non-degree initiative is tailored for UG students from non-exchange partner institutions and aims to provide diverse learning opportunities for outstanding students worldwide. Below is an overview of the program, including key specifications and application arrangements:

I. Core Program Information

1. Program Type: Non-degree program for the regular term (Fall or Spring), exclusively open to undergraduate students from non-exchange partner institutions.

2. Mode of Study: Full-time

3. Length of Study: One regular term (either Fall or Spring)

4. Program Completion: By coursework only

5. Course and Credits:

• Enrollment in credit-bearing courses offered by HKUST(GZ), as approved by the course offering unit(s).

• Credit range: 3–15 credits per term (note: students must enroll in courses totaling no less than 3 credits.)

6. Eligibility Criteria:

• Currently registered as an undergraduate student at a recognized tertiary institution, and

• Obtain prior written consent from a HKUST(GZ) faculty member before applying, and

• Meet the academic standards specified by the host Thrust/Hub that accepts the student as an undergraduate visiting student, and

• Secure official approval from their home institution (a templated support form is provided below)

• For non-native English speakers or students not studying at an English-medium institution: Meet HKUST(GZ)’s English Language Admission Requirement (i.e., IELTS 6.0+, TOEFL 80+, or Duolingo 125+).

7. Program Fees:

• Application Fee: RMB 400 per application (non-refundable, regardless of admission outcome)

• Tuition Fee:    RMB 5,500 per credit

8. Accommodation: University-arranged accommodation will be provided, with fees in accordance with HKUST(GZ)’s regulations for visiting students.

II. Application Portal & Required Materials

1. Application Portal: Applications must be submitted through the ESA system.

2. Required Application Materials: 

Applicants are required to upload the following documents via ESA system. Additional supplementary materials may be requested by the host Thrust, as needed:

1) Identity Document

2) Download "Support from Home University/ Institution" form, complete it, and then upload it to the ESA system.

3) Written consent from the supporting HKUST(GZ) faculty member (either a signed formal statement letter or a dated email from the faculty’s official HKUST(GZ) email address confirming support for the UGVS Program)

4) Official or certified academic transcripts from the home institution (covering all completed coursework to date)

5) Proof of English Proficiency (if applicable, as per eligibility criteria)

III. Application Process

1. The host Thrust shall first set up a dedicated program entry for the UGVS Program in the ESA system. Once the program entry has been set up in the ESA system, please notify ESA at ESA@hkust-gz.edu.cn.

2. After confirming the applicant’s eligibility and faculty support, the host Thrust shall direct the applicant to submit the application materials through the designated program entry in the ESA system.

3. The applicant must complete the online submission of all required materials via the ESA system and settle the application fee as per the system prompts.

4. The application will be reviewed by Thrust admin staff and endorsed by the Thrust Head before submission to the Global Learning Department for final verification and confirmation.

IV. Key Timeline for 25/26 Spring Term

Application Deadline: 10 January 2026