For more information about each destination and the student exchange opportunities they offer, please click HERE to view the information provided by Global Engagement Office (GEO).
Students cannot participate in exchange programme during their final year.
Full-time SHTM undergraduate students, including Year 2 students in 4-year programme, and senior year entry students in their first year of study are eligible to apply.
Students can only participate in student exchange during regular semester once during their undergraduate study at the SHTM. They can also apply to participate in summer exchange programmes during their study. Students are only eligible to receive exchange scholarship/funding provided by PolyU once.
SHTM invites Year 2 students and Year 1 Senior Year students to apply for exchanges typically in November/December and August/September respectively.
Interested students should take the following steps.
- Get Nominated by SHTM
- Select preferred exchange universities.
- Submit the online application before the deadline.
- Attend an interview.
- Attend SHTM briefing sessions. Students selected for exchange will be invited to attend briefing sessions covering processes such as exchange application to host institutions, credit transfer and scholarship applications.
- Apply to the host university
- Apply for exchange to your host university following their instructions before the application deadline.
- Choose subjects at the host university that will allow you to transfer credits back to PolyU. You may seek advice from your programme director or SHTM exchange coordinator.
- If the host university requests application documents to be sent by PolyU, provide the SHTM exchange coordinator with the full set of your documents, in the format required by your host university, at least two weeks prior to the deadline.
- Preparation for exchange
- Travel arrangements. Confirm your travel plans align with orientation, assessments or exam schedules at the host university.
- Arrange for insurance. Check host universities' health insurance requirements. PolyU has arranged a Group Travel Insurance for staff and students on official activities outside Hong Kong. Visit the Finance Office's website for details.
- Apply accommodation, preferably on-campus. If on-campus options are unavailable, seek guidance from host university on private housing and/or a trustworthy housing agent.
- Apply for a student visa upon receiving the letter of enrolment from your host university.
- Prepare for departure (Academic Matters)
- Study plan. Complete a study plan for exchange and post-exchange semester.
- Meet with the academic advisor and exchange coordinator. Schedule a meeting with your academic advisor to discuss your study plan to ensure that you will complete all necessary coursework requirements for graduation.
- Form AR41a. Seek provisional approval from SHTM on the possibility of credit transfer.
- Complete Pre-exchange essay to reflect on your learning objectives.
- "Like" the SHTM Student Exchange Facebook page. Connected with other SHTM exchange students by following the SHTM Student Exchange Facebook Page or Instagram page
- Report Arrival. Upon arrival at your host university, attend orientation and complete registration. Inform SHTM, GEO, and family of your safe arrival and share contact details. Consider registering with the Consulate/Embassy in the host country.
- Changes in courses/subject registration. Update form AR41a and send it to the SHTM exchange coordinator.
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Complete your exchange. Upon your return, you will be required to:
a. Submit your transcript to the SHTM/GEO for their records.
b. Submit your Post-exchange reflection report, photos and exchange video to SHTM.
c. Complete AR41c Form for endorsement on credit transfer. -
Share your experience. We expect you, as an exchange student, to be a good SHTM and PolyU ambassador by helping to promote exchange opportunities at PolyU at the host universities, and by sharing your experiences as a "buddy" for inbound or outbound exchange students upon your return. Furthermore, we will invite you to host information sessions at PolyU's Education Information Day, and for SHTM students who are interested in applying for an outbound exchange.
You will only need to pay your PolyU tuition fee. You will not need to pay any additional tuition fees to your host university.
However, you will need to budget for the following costs:
- Accommodation
- Round trip tickets
- Visa application fees
- Insurance
- Personal expenses (meals, laundry, transportation, etc.)
- Daily fees (required by some partner universities)
- Textbooks and stationery
You should also check your host institution's website for more information.
PolyU offers a range of financial assistance to students participating in our international student exchange; eligibility and amounts may vary by destination and duration. Please refer to the Global Engagement Office's Website.
The SHTM also offers scholarships to students participating in semester exchange programme. The scholarship amount may vary by exchange destination and student’s CGPA.
Typically, SHTM will invite students to apply for SHTM exchange scholarship around June for semester 1 exchange, and January-February for semester 2 exchange.
Recordings of the sharing sessions- For First Year First Degree (Normal Entry) Students:
For any enquiries, please contact:
Dr Ada Lo
Associate Professor, International Student Exchange Coordinator (Outbound)
Tel: +852 3400-2237
Email: ada.lo@polyu.edu.hk
