Inbound Useful Links & FAQ

Q1: What are the photo requirements?
For your Student Exchange Application and Student Visa Application, please affix passport-sized photos. For your Student ID Card, send a digital photo with a blue background to [email protected]. The photo should measure between 50mm x 40mm and 55mm x 45mm, must be taken full face, and hats are not permitted. If you lack a blue background photo, you can have one taken at our Registry after your arrival, but processing may take longer.

Q2: Do I need to provide proof of English proficiency?
Yes, unless you are a native English speaker, you must submit proof of your English proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, or an endorsement letter from your home institution).

Q3: When will I be notified of the exchange application results?
You will receive an email notification typically within one month after the application deadline.

Q4: How do I pay for visa applications, hostel, and other fees?
Payment should be made via the Online Application System upon acceptance.

Q5: When should I obtain a passport?
Obtain a passport as soon as possible, as you will need to provide your passport number and photocopy for your visa application. Ensure it is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Hong Kong.

Q6: How do I apply for a student visa?
Refer to the guidelines for the Student Visa for Education in Hong Kong.

Q7: What is the processing time for my visa application?
Visa applications typically take around six weeks. Please be patient, especially during peak application periods (July-August and November-December).

Q8: Do I need a visa if I hold a Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card?
No, you do not need to apply for a student visa. Please submit a photocopy of your Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card with your application.

Q9: What should mainland students do after obtaining their student visa?
After receiving your Notification Slip for Entry Visa/Permit from OGE, apply for the relevant exit endorsement (Permit D) from the Public Security Bureau where your household registration is kept.

Q10: What if I have a name change?
You must submit official proof of the name change to us for forwarding to the Immigration Department.

Q11: When should I purchase my travel tickets to Hong Kong?
We recommend purchasing tickets only after receiving confirmation that your student visa application has been successfully processed.

Q12: Can I enter Hong Kong as a tourist if I don't receive my student visa by late August or early January?
No, you must have a valid student visa to enter Hong Kong. Entering as a tourist will prevent you from enrolling as a student.

Q13: What does "single entry" mean on my visa?
Holders of a single-entry visa can enter and exit Hong Kong without any limit during the visa's validity period.

Q14: Can I leave Hong Kong during my studies and return without reapplying for a new visa?
Generally, you do not need a re-entry visa, but check with the Immigration Department before leaving.

Q15: Do I need a separate visa to visit Mainland China?
Yes, you will need to obtain a tourist visa for Mainland China while in Hong Kong.

Q16: Can I work in Hong Kong during my exchange?
No, exchange students are not permitted to take any employment while studying.

Q17: What should I know about Hong Kong regulations during my studies?
You must only study at the approved institution and cannot engage in employment or internships unless required for your academic program. If your stay exceeds six months, you must apply for a Hong Kong Identity Card within 30 days of arrival.

Q18: What subjects can I choose?
Lingnan offers undergraduate programs in Arts, Business Administration, and Social Sciences. You can take any available courses, provided you meet the prerequisites.

Q19: Are prerequisite requirements applicable to exchange students?
Yes, you must provide proof of your academic background for course assessment.

Q20: Are there subjects specifically designed for exchange students?
Yes, the Chinese Language Education and Assessment Centre offers credit-bearing Putonghua courses and non-credit Cantonese courses tailored for non-native speakers.

Q21: How are credits transferred back to my home institution?
Check with your home institution regarding credit transfer policies.

Q22: When does online course registration start?
Registration typically begins in early July for the first term and mid-December for the second term. You will receive login details via email.

Q23: What should I do if my Lingnan account is blocked?
Email OGE for account activation, then contact the Information Technology Services Centre (ITSC) for further assistance at [email protected].

Q24: What if the course I want is full?
You may try again during the registration period or the Add/Drop period. If necessary, you can sit in on the course and seek instructor approval to enroll.

Q25: When is the Add/Drop period?
The Add/Drop period is typically late August to early September for the first term and mid to late January for the second term.

Q26: Can I add courses with prerequisite requirements?
You can register for courses with prerequisites but must seek approval from the course instructor.

Q27: What does an error message during course registration mean?
It likely means you need to register for both a lecture and a tutorial session for that course. 

Q28: What are the arrival and departure dates for exchange students?
Plan to arrive before classes start—mid-August for the first term and mid-January for the second term—to participate in orientation and complete registration.

Q29: Is there a pick-up service outside scheduled times?
No, you need to arrange your own transport outside designated pick-up periods.

Q30: What if my arrival time is close to the pick-up schedule?
Allow sufficient time to clear immigration and customs. If you're late, opt for the next available pick-up or arrange your own transport.

Q31: Can accompanied parents use the pick-up service?
This service is primarily for students and is subject to availability. Parents cannot stay overnight in hostels.

Q32: Should I provide my arrival details if I travel on my own?
Yes, you must inform OGE of your arrival details for emergency purposes.

Q33: Where should I report upon arrival if I travel independently?
Report to the Security counter at your assigned hostel with your admission letter and hostel allocation email.

Q34: What type of accommodation is provided?
You will stay in student hostels, sharing a room with a non-exchange student.

Q35: Is accommodation sex-segregated?
Generally, male and female rooms are on different floors, but some mixing may occur.

Q36: Can I live with a friend from the same institution?
No, you will be placed with a non-exchange student to promote integration.

Q37: What is my hostel room address format?
<Room number>, <Name of Student Hostel>, Lingnan University, Tuen Mun, New Territories, Hong Kong.

Q38: Can guests stay overnight in my room?
No, overnight guests are not permitted in student hostels. Nearby hotels are available for visitors.

Q39: Can I stay in the hostel during summer vacation?
Yes, but you must apply for summer housing and pay the associated fees.

Q40: What catering services are available on campus?
A student canteen and a full-service Chinese restaurant are available, with meals starting at approximately US$4.

Q41: Is the electrical supply suitable for U.S. appliances?
Hong Kong uses 220-240v, 50Hz. Ensure your appliances are compatible or purchase switchable voltage devices locally.

Q42: How much cash should I bring?
Bring enough cash for initial expenses; credit cards are widely accepted. You can open a bank account on campus for convenience.

Q43: What insurance coverage is provided for exchange students?
A group personal accident insurance policy covers exchange students during university-related activities.

Q44: Should I arrange my own medical insurance?
Check with your home institution for coverage. If your policy does not cover overseas study, arrange it before departure.

Q45: Where are nearby medical and dental clinics?
Refer to the Health and Insurance section for details.

Q46: Can I access sports facilities at Lingnan?
Yes, you have access to all sports facilities and can participate in activities organized by the Office of Student Affairs.

Q47: What student organizations and activities are available?
A variety of co-curricular programs and student organizations are open to all students. Visit the List of Student Groups for more information.

Q48: Can I access the Lingnan Intranet after my exchange ends?
No, access to the intranet and email will be restricted after the term ends.

Q49: Are there opportunities for cultural experiences in Hong Kong?
Yes, you can experience Chinese culture during major festivals and through various cultural shows and historic sites.

Q50: Are there restrictions on religion or free speech in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong laws protect freedom of speech and religious beliefs.