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Hong Kong University of Science & Technology Exchange

The skyline of Hong Kong, featuring a river with skyscrapers on both sides of the river, and mountains in the distance.

Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Study science and technology with Chinese and international students at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)! HKUST is located directly on beautiful Clear Water Bay in Kowloon, Hong Kong. Founded in 1991, HKUST is a young, dynamic and internationally renowned research university. It is comprised of four Schools: Science, Engineering, Business and Management, and Humanities and Social Science.

Situated on the southern tip of China and in the heart of Asia, Hong Kong captivates all who study, live and work here. With its Chinese heritage stretching over thousands of years and some 150 years of British administration until its return to China in 1997, Hong Kong's unique East-West perspective has created a cosmopolitan city with a 24/7 lifestyle and an energy all of its own.

Learning Objectives

We have overall Goals and Expectations for Study Abroad Participants, covering the personal, academic and professional aspects of study abroad. Additionally on this program, you can:

  • Strengthen language skills.
  • Navigate new educational systems, as well as new learning and teaching styles.
  • Take advantage of academic strengths in:
    -Chemical Engineering
    -Chemistry
    -Civil Engineering
    -Electrical Engineering
    -Environmental Studies
    -Electrical Engineering
    -Mathematics
    -Mechanical Engineering
  • Observe Chinese perspectives on academic disciplines.

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

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Eligibility

  • 2.7 GPA for applicants to School of Engineering; 2.5 for School of Science

  • Preference will be given to students from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and the College of Engineering

  • Junior, Senior
  • Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students only
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing
  • At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

Program Structure

Exchange & Direct Enroll

Subjects

biological & physical science, engineering, business, social science

Classroom Language

English

Housing

Residence Hall

Program Duration

Academic Year: Late August – Late May
Fall: Late August – Mid-December
Spring: Mid-January – Late May

Application Deadline(s)

Fall 2026-27 2/20/2026 Cost Details
Year 2026-27 2/20/2026 Cost Details
Spring 2026-27 8/7/2026 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

APPLY NOW

 

There are two options on this exchange: the School of Science or the School of Engineering. Upon application, you must choose which exchange you would like to participate on. You will have registration priority in your host School (Science or Engineering). You are also allowed to take courses from the Business, Humanities, and Social Science divisions, but the course options will vary based on availability and instructor permission. Business students should apply for the School of Business exchange through the Wisconsin School of Business.

Course codes beginning with CHEM, DASC, LIFS, MATH, OCES, PHYS and SCIE are those offered by the School of Science. Course codes beginning with BIEN, CENG, CIVL, COMP, ELEC, ENEG, IEDA, ISDN, and MECH are those offered by the School of Engineering.

HKUST offers Chinese courses (Mandarin/Putonghua) for credit, though Cantonese is spoken in daily life in Hong Kong.

Housed on a hillside with a waterfront complex overlooking Port Shelter on the Clear Water Bay peninsula, students can receive a quality science and engineering education and top-notch research experience. Almost all coursework is offered in English.

Affiliate Institution(s)

HKUST main page

Program Web Pages

Engineering Exchange HKUST Non-Local Student Guide Science Exchange

Foreign Courses

Course Descriptions

Course Equivalents

Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents