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Hong Kong visas

Hong Kong student visa

Student visas cover certain private schools and higher education courses. Work rights are limited.

Ways to get a Hong Kong student visa

  1. Student visa

    Other permit

    People admitted for an eligible school or higher education course may qualify, subject to nationality and residence restrictions.

Who needs it

People without the right of abode or right to land need permission to live in Hong Kong for study.

Who doesn't

People with the right of abode or right to land do not need a residence visa.

Good to know

  • Eligible study includes registered private primary and secondary schools that are neither public nor government-aided.
  • Higher education routes include short courses, exchange programmes, and certificate or degree courses.
  • Taiwan residents, mainland Chinese residents and certain Macau residents are limited to higher education, short-term study or exchange programmes.
  • Students in degree courses lasting more than a year at higher education institutions may take short-term internships. Other student visa holders cannot work.
  • The Macau restriction concerns residents who moved from mainland China and settled after 14 January 1979.
  • Nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba and North Korea are excluded from the listed study routes. Nationals of Cambodia, Laos, Nepal and Vietnam are described as eligible only for the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme among the listed employment, investment and study routes.

Questions

Do I need a student visa for Hong Kong?

People without the right of abode or right to land need permission to live in Hong Kong for study. People with the right of abode or right to land do not need a residence visa.

What rules do I have to follow on a Hong Kong student visa?

Eligible study includes registered private primary and secondary schools that are neither public nor government-aided. Higher education routes include short courses, exchange programmes, and certificate or degree courses. Taiwan residents, mainland Chinese residents and certain Macau residents are limited to higher education, short-term study or exchange programmes. Students in degree courses lasting more than a year at higher education institutions may take short-term internships. Other student visa holders cannot work.

Does my passport change whether I need a student visa for Hong Kong?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Hong Kong visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a student visa for Hong Kong be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest Hong Kong student visa rules?

On Hong Kong's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Can I change my student visa once I am in Hong Kong?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

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