A "non-local student" is defined as one who requires:

• a student visa / entry permit to study in Hong Kong; or 
• a visa / entry permit under the "Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates" (IANG) (Please refer to the  Immigration Department website); or 
• a dependant visa / entry permit (Holders who were 18 years old or above when they were issued with such visa / entry permit by the Director of Immigration)

Non-local applicants who possess only a visitor or a tourist visa can neither be registered as students nor commence their studies until they have obtained student visas.

Local and non-local applicants are considered under different admissions schemes. You may be asked to provide a copy of your passport to support your claim of nationality during the admissions process. If any of your application data, including your nationality, is found to be incorrect or misleading, any offer may be cancelled and the fees paid will not be refunded. If you have any doubt about your visa status, please ask us via email at ar.intl@polyu.edu.hk.

Non-local students studying a full-time scheme / programme at degree level or above with a study period of not less than one academic year will be allowed to take up study-related internships, part-time on-campus employment and summer jobs subject to the conditions stated by the Hong Kong Immigration Department.

The levels of tuition fees for local and non-local students are also different for most programmes. If your status changes from non-local to local or vice versa after you submit your application, any offers made under the initial admissions scheme may be cancelled and your application will be considered in competition with other eligible applicants under the subsequent admissions scheme.