Information for Exchange Students 
University and Location
The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is a comprehensive research university with a distinct focus on China and Asia. Established in 1963 with the merging of three separate colleges, CUHK maintains its unique college system today. All undergraduates affiliate with a college which provide scholastic and cultural activities to complement academic learning. The student body of 21,000 includes over 3000 international students, as well as 1000 exchange students from 200 universities worldwide. Hong Kong is a unique meeting place for East and West, blending Chinese heritage, British colonial influences and high-tech modernity. Hong Kong offers a wide variety of recreational activities, and is renowned for its cuisine. Exchange students may participate in the many clubs and cultural actives at CUHK. CUHK is located on a 330 acre campus in Shatin, the New Territories, overlooking the Tolo Harbor.
Available Fields of Study
Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences, Business, Engineering (biomedical, computer, electronic, information, mechanical & automation, systems, and management), Computer Science, Science
Program Dates
Fall: Late August-Late December
Spring: Early January-Late May
Summer: Late June-Early August
Course Selection and Approval
Information for exchange students, including course descriptions and a list of restricted courses, can be found in the
detailed guidance prepared by CUHK. Accepted students will receive a complete list of available courses and will preselect classes prior to the start of the semester. Final course registration and an add/drop period takes place upon arrival.
Students may wish to check the Undergraduate
Transfer Course Guide in SIS to determine which courses, if any, have already been evaluated and approved. Course approval does not guarantee that a course will be offered during a particular semester.
Courseload
Rensselaer students must be enrolled for 12-18 units (credits) per semester in order to maintain full-time status.
Grading and Academic Evaluation
Students are assessed on a variety of factors that may include attendance, labs, field work, presentations and final examinations. Grades are assigned on a scale of A-F. More detailed information on grading at CUHK can be found
here. In order to earn Rensselaer credit, a grade of C- or better must be achieved.
Accommodation and Meals
Exchange students live in shared dorm rooms with CUHK students. Exchange students will be asked to prioritize their dormitory selection upon acceptance to CUHK. Students who choose to live in residential colleges will be expected to participate in group dinners and other residential college events. Please refer to the CUHK
housing website for details of each dorm/residential college option. Students may take their meals in the 30+ campus eateries.
Estimated Expenses and Cost of Living
Students pay Rensselaer tuition and are eligible for regular Rensselaer financial aid. In addition, students pay for airfare, accommodation and living expenses. Individual expenses will vary according to lifestyle and travel, but students should expect to spend between $1000-$1500 USD per month to cover accommodation, meals, local transportation and basic living expenses.