A "non-local student" is defined as one who requires a student visa to study in Hong Kong or is staying in Hong Kong under the "Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates". 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.

For 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, they will be regarded as non-local applicants and should follow the application/admissions arrangements for non-local students.

Please note that local and non-local applicants are considered under different admission routes with different intake quotas. Non-local applicants seeking admission on the basis of HKDSE results should submit their applications directly to PolyU. Please click here for details on the admission requirements for non-local applicants. Applicants may be asked to provide a copy of their passport to support their claim of nationality during the admissions process. If any of the application data, including the nationality, is found to be incorrect or misleading, offer may be cancelled and the fees paid will not be refunded.

Non-local students studying a full-time 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 different. For details, please refer to the section on "Tuition Fees". If your status changes from local to non-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.