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Hong Kong student visa guide (2026–27)Non-local students on full-time programmes need a student visa or entry permit from the Immigration Department (ImmD) before travelling. Your institution sponsors the application. Allow 6–8 weeks, travel only once it is approved, and register for an HKID within 30 days of arrival if you will stay more than 180 days.Read guide →Hong Kong student accommodation guide and scam preventionUniversity halls are the cheapest option (about HK$1,200–3,500 a month) but limited. A room in a shared flat usually costs HK$4,000–9,000 a month, a studio HK$8,000–16,000. Budget about three months' rent to move in: two months' deposit plus one month in advance. Check the agent's licence and never pay for a flat you have not seen.Read guide →Hong Kong airport to university: transport guide for studentsThe Airport Express is fastest (HK$120 to Hong Kong Station, HK$105 to Kowloon, about 24 minutes). Airport A-route buses are cheapest (about HK$20–50) and stop nearer many campuses. A taxi costs roughly HK$280–520 depending on the district. For groups with luggage, a pre-booked van or coach is often simplest.Read guide →Hong Kong student budget: monthly cost of living (2026–27)A careful student in a university hall can live on about HK$5,000–7,000 a month. In a shared private flat expect HK$9,000–14,000, and HK$15,000+ in a studio. On top of that, keep one-time arrival costs (often HK$15,000–40,000 if you rent privately) and an emergency reserve of about three months' spending.Read guide →Opening a bank account in Hong Kong as an international studentOpen a local account in your first two weeks. Bring your passport, visa label, proof of address and student documents. Traditional banks may ask for an appointment; virtual banks open in the app but often need an HKID. Use FPS or PayMe to split bills.Read guide →Student Octopus card in Hong Kong: how to apply (2026–27)Full-time students aged 12–25 at eligible Hong Kong institutions can get half-price adult MTR fares with a Student Octopus. Apply in the MTR Mobile app under the Student Travel Scheme, attach your student status, and wait for approval. Student status lapses every year on 31 October, so renew it each academic year.Read guide →Healthcare in Hong Kong for international students (2026 fees)Start at your campus health service. For emergencies call 999 or go to a public A&E. Since 1 January 2026, an A&E visit costs HK$400 for eligible persons (valid HKID holders) and HK$2,100 for non-eligible persons. Private clinics cost HK$300–800 a visit. Keep health insurance active from the day you land.Read guide →Hong Kong housing scams: how students can avoid themThe most common rental scam is a cheap, attractive flat offered by a landlord who is 'overseas' and wants a deposit before you visit. Never pay before you have seen the flat and checked the agent's licence and the owner's identity. Pay by traceable bank transfer and sign a written tenancy.Read guide →Best districts in Hong Kong for international studentsChoose by campus first. For HKU, Kennedy Town or Sai Ying Pun. For CUHK, Sha Tin or Tai Wai. For PolyU, Hung Hom. For CityU and HKBU, Kowloon Tong or Mong Kok. Sha Tin and Tung Chung suit families, while Mong Kok and North Point are among the cheaper central options.Read guide →
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