FAQ
Common questions.
What do I need for the Hong Kong student visa?
The official page asks for: letter of acceptance from the school or university, a local sponsor in Hong Kong (often the school), forms ID 995A and ID 995B, valid travel document and clear criminal record, as well as the money to live on.
How much money do I need for the Hong Kong student visa?
No set figure. The student must be able to pay course fees, living costs and housing without working and without public funds. Bank statements or the sponsor's proof of money are asked for.
Do I need to pay tuition before I apply?
The student must show they can pay the course fees.
Can I work while I study in Hong Kong?
Students in full-time local bachelor's or higher programmes of at least one year may work on campus up to 20 hours a week, work freely from 1 June to 31 August, and do study-related internships. For now these students are also temporarily free of the work limits. Each student gets a No Objection Letter.
Can I stay in Hong Kong after I graduate?
Graduates of a full-time local bachelor's degree or higher who apply within six months of graduating can get 24 months to stay and work with no job offer needed. Later applicants need a job offer.
How long can I stay on the Hong Kong student visa?
Full-time post-secondary students get a stay that matches the normal length of the programme, up to six years. Other courses usually get 12 months, or the course length if shorter. Yes. Apply for an extension within 4 weeks before the stay ends. Extensions are usually for a year at a time or for the rest of the course.
How much does the Hong Kong student visa cost?
HK$330 for an ordinary visa or one-entry entry permit outside the listed specified schemes. It is paid after approval.
Who can apply for the Hong Kong student visa?
Open to citizens of any other country. People who are not Hong Kong residents and have a place at a Hong Kong school, college or university. Residents of Mainland China, Macao and Taiwan and some nationalities follow special rules.
Can I bring my family?
Students in full-time local bachelor's or postgraduate degree programmes can bring a spouse or partner and unmarried children under 18. Dependants may study but may not work without permission.
How do I apply?
Apply to the Immigration Department online or by post, through a local sponsor in Hong Kong. Mainland Chinese residents apply through the school. Normally six weeks after all documents are received.
Sources
- Hong Kong: Visa / entry permit for study (non-local students) (immd.gov.hk)
- Hong Kong: Visa / entry permit for study (non-local students) (immd.gov.hk)
- Hong Kong: Visa / entry permit for study (non-local students) (immd.gov.hk)
General information, not legal advice. Last checked 11 Oct 2026.