Snapshot

Minimum GPA: 3.00

Terms and Dates:

  • Academic Year 2025-26
    September 1, 2025 to May 29, 2026
  • Spring 2026
    January 2, 2026 to May 29, 2026
  • Fall 2026
  • Academic Year 2026-27

Advisor:

Kristen Grace

Cornell Affiliations:

Global Learning

Overview

Not all programs open in the second round of applications

Limited space in Computer Science courses - students should be flexible with their academic plans

Opportunity Description

Learn more about the application process and deadlines for each round of applications. 

HKUST is a publicly funded university that opened in 1991 and rapidly became a leading international research university. HKUST is dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge in science, engineering, business, humanities and social science.

What is unique about this program?

  • Study in a dynamic research university with an international reputation for excellence
  • Consistently ranked at the top for Business and Engineering
  • All courses are taught in English
  • Enjoy student life at a campus-based university, with residence halls, clubs, and activities - guaranteed housing!

Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)

The university comprises five Schools: Science, Engineering, Business & Management, Humanities & Social Science, and the Fok Ying Tung Graduate School. The undergraduate student body comprises 83% domestic students and the remaining 17% equally split between students from Mainland China and other countries. In addition, with approximately 400 exchange students passing through HKUST every term, you really can make friends with people from around the world.

Guaranteed housing on a beautiful residential campus! Exchange students are expected to stay in University accommodation during their exchange period at HKUST. Students who wish to opt out of the University housing are required to provide justification and seek special approval from HKUST.

What is unique about Hong Kong?

People do not normally associate Hong Kong with nature. But the truth is that only around 25% of Hong Kong is the dense urban space that is so well known to the world. The other 75% is undeveloped, and comprises country parks and nature reserves. HKUST occupies a stunning 150-acre site overlooking the pristine Clearwater Bay, located on the Sai Kung Peninsula. The area is often considered as one of Hong Kong’s havens for outdoor lovers. Of course, with the efficient public transport system, you are never far from urban areas. A 15-minute bus ride will take you from HKUST to the nearest subway station.

What is unique about Cornell Global Hubs?

HKUST is a Cornell Global Hub partner university. Global Hubs are Cornell's collaborative centers of engagement around the world. Hubs will give students exciting opportunities for semester-long and short-term study abroad, field experience, participation in faculty-led research, curricular pathways through majors, internships, and more.

Academic Calendar

  • Fall: Late August - Mid-December
  • Spring: Late January - Mid-May

For greater detail, consult the HKUST's Academic Calendar

Things to consider before applying

  • Review the information on the Education Abroad Office’s Get Started page for important considerations on academics and finances, and a guide to next steps
  • Still have questions?  Visit the Get Advice page and learn how to connect with an Education Abroad Advisors
  • Want to keep up to date with Cornellians Abroad? Follow Education Abroad on social media, @cornelliansabroad

How do I apply?

Applying to study abroad is a two-step process. For more information, visit Apply for Semester and Year on the Education Abroad website. 

  1. For Cornell approval and nomination, click on the "Apply" button on this webpage. Applications are reviewed by Education Abroad. See timeline. Students who secure a space will be invited to commit. Once committed, the Education Abroad Office will nominate you to the exchange partner. 

  1. Once nominated by Cornell, complete the external application for exchange students provided by the partner. Schools typically admit the students nominated by exchange partners, but you must complete this process for them to review your application and offer you a place. The timeline for nominations varies greatly by program; you will hear from your Education Abroad Advisor or the program itself when it is time to apply externally.