Semester Exchange in Hong Kong (up to $7,000 NCP Grants available)

Study at a partner institution in Hong Kong and receive up to $7,000 NCP Mobility Grant

  • Destination: Hong Kong
  • Dates:  January - May 2020
  • Benefits include up to $7000 New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant to assist with costs.
  • Eligible students can also receive OS-HELP up to $8,149

Situated at the south-eastern tip of mainland China and in the heart of Asia, Hong Kong enjoys economic and strategic importance that exceeds its geographical size in an area of only 1,105 square kilometres. With a population of approximately 7.34 million, Hong Kong is a densely populated city, comprising Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, and the New Territories. The average population density was 6,780 people per square kilometre (as of 2016). Nonetheless, Hong Kong is also known for its beautiful and well-managed country parks and greens, located mainly in the New Territories and 262 outlying islands. English is widely used within the government and also by the legal, professional and business sectors. There is no shortage of well-educated, competent bilingual or even trilingual professionals who speak English, Cantonese and Mandarin.

Host Universities

City University of Hong Kong

Since CityU’s establishment as a University in 1994, it has grown remarkably in both size and prestige. It is currently ranked 49th in the QS World University Rankings and has more than 20,000 students enrolled in over 140 programs.

The University's colleges of Business, Science and Engineering, and Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, and schools of Creative Media, Energy and Environment, and Law offer programs at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The Chow Yei Ching School of Graduate Studies supports the development of postgraduate programs and fosters an environment conducive to learning for graduate students.

Hong Kong Baptist University

Situated in the heart of the city, the university stretches across five campuses that offer an inspiring teaching, research and learning environment.

The university has state-of-the-art facilities, well-equipped laboratories and research infrastructure, and learning commons that offer students a dynamic study environment.

HKBU’s world-class libraries include the seven-floor main library, the Dr Stephen Riady Chinese Medicine Library and the European Documentation Centre. The university also provides well-rounded sports facilities that encompass two multipurpose gymnasiums; a swimming pool; a full-size outdoor athletics stadium and soccer pitch, tennis and squash courts; and two multipurpose sports halls for ball and racquet games.

What courses are available?

The minimum study load per semester in Hong Kong is 12 credit units (approximately 4 courses) and the maximum study load per semester is 18 credit units (approximately 6 courses). Both universities offer an extensive list of courses in English across different academic areas. Visit the subject catalog of City University of Hong Kong or Hong Kong Baptist University for your unit selection.

Specific information for Law students

  • The School of Law at City Univerity of Hong Kong has a GPA requirement of 5 out of 7.

Am I eligible for this experience?

  • To be eligible you must:
    • Be an Australian citizen;
    • Be enrolled in an undergraduate degree at Western Sydney University;
    • Receive academic recognition for the experience;
    • You must have completed 80 credit points of study
    • A minimum of GPA 3.5 out of 7

What type of accommodation will I be staying in?

Students have the option of applying for student accommodation at the host university or finding their own accommodation and stay off campus. City University of Hong Kong: Exchange students may apply for accommodation at Student Residence but it is not guaranteed due to limited spaces. Allocation of accommodation will be made by a random ballot. Students should file their accommodation application before the deadline. Visit City University Housing for more information. Hong Kong Baptist University: Exchange students may stay in the 21-storey Undergraduate Halls on campus. All rooms are on sharing basis, and beds are reserved on a first-come-first-served basis.  Application details will be announced to admitted exchange students.Visit Hong Kong Baptist University Housing for more information.

Funding options

This cost may be offset by the New Colombo Plan Mobility Travel Grant up to $7,000, $8149 OS-HELP Loan, and other Financial Assistance.

Am I eligible for the New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant?

  • The New Colombo Plan is a signature initiative of the Australian Government which aims to lift knowledge of the Indo-Pacific in Australia by supporting Australian undergraduates to study and undertake internships in the region.
  • Each eligible student selected for this opportunity will be supported by up to $7,000 New Colombo Plan Mobility grant.
  • To be eligible you must be:
    • an Australian citizen
    • enrolled in an undergraduate degree at Western Sydney University
    • be aged 18-28 years
    • must not have received a New Colombo Plan Mobility grant (semester long) on a previous occasion. If you have received a New Colombo Plan Mobility grant (short term) in the past, you are still eligible to apply for the grant.
    • receive academic recognition for the experience
  • Note: The Government requires that 70% of participants in the program must be between the ages of 18 and 28. Therefore 30% of participants can be 29 and over. If you are over the age of 28, you are still encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest (currently under review).

What is OS-HELP?

You may be eligible for OS-HELP, a deferred HELP debt loan for undergraduate Australian citizens - loans of $4,000 or $8,149 are available. Academic Approval is required; have completed 80 credit points of study, and have 10 credit points remaining on return.

Conditions of Participation

  • The University of Western Sydney University is committed to demonstrating high standards of personal and professional conduct at all times. When participating in an overseas program, students must assume certain obligations to Western Sydney University (WS), the prospective country and other participants in a program. See Conditions of Participation in an Overseas Program.
  • The university reserves the right to vary program fees in the event of changes in exchange rates or price rises made by partners or other suppliers. If the cost of any service increases due to exchange rate fluctuations, price increases, tax changes or any other reason, participants are required to pay the increase when notified or may cancel a program which may result in cancellation fees.

After you Apply

Now that you have decided on participating in an overseas experience, for further information on what to do next, see How do I participate in an overseas experience?

How to Apply

To be considered for this opportunity, contact Go Global. The New Colombo Plan Mobility Travel Grant will only be available for the first 5 applicants to be accepted into this program.

Further Advice

Website:

Go Global

Email:

Goglobal@westernsydney.edu.au

Face to Face:

Consultations are available on the Parramatta South campus on Wednesday mornings or Friday afternoons, Book now.

New Colombo Plan Government Reference  27839