Carlson School Exchange in China: Hong Kong University of Science and Technology ("HKUST")
Graduate Global ImmersionProgram Dates:
The academic calendar at HKUST will differ from the University of Minnesota and all exchange students are expected to be at their host campus on the first day of orientation and through the last day of final exams.
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Fall Semester 2024: Students may either study at HKUST for the full semester or for a partial semester
- Mandatory Orientation: Mid-August 2024
- First Term: August 26 - October 27, 2024
- Second Term: October 28 - December 22, 2024
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Spring Semester 2025:Â Students may either study at HKUST for the full semester or for a partial semester
- Mandatory Orientation: Late January 2025
- First Term: February 3 - March 30, 2025
- Second Term: March 31 - May 31, 2025
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The priority deadline for Fall 2025 and Spring 2025 is February 1st, 2024 at noon.
Program Details
- Successful exchange students demonstrate a high degree of independence, adaptability, and flexibility because support and services will be different from a US university
- You are enrolled as an exchange student at a host university and take business courses in English
- You take courses with students from the host university as well as other exchange students from around the world
- You attend the host university according to their term dates which differ from the University of Minnesota
- A small group of Carlson students are selected to study at each partner university per semester and are fully immersed in another country, culture, and education system
- You will work closely with both Carlson School advisers and advisers from the host university for support pre-departure and during your semester abroad
What is a business exchange program?
- Hong Kong is situated in the heart of Asia. You will enjoy quality living in an international, cosmopolitan city, that also happens to be one of the safest. You will find rich heritage and diversity, as well as one of the world's freest economies.Â
- Population: 7.2 million people
- Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is committed to providing a comprehensive business education focusing on developing a global perspective. Hong Kong remains one of the least restricted economies in the world. Commonly seen as the historic meeting of East and West, students will gain a unique insight into culture and the nature of business.
- The Carlson Global Institute strongly encourages students to live in the on-campus housing options as those are affiliated with and vetted by the partner institutions.
- Students should check the host university website and fact sheet for specific accommodations information including on-campus and off-campus options, application process and deadline, and cost information.
- On-campus housing is not guaranteed for exchange students, off-campus housing is highly recommended
- More information on arranging off-campus housing is shared on the HKUST website and sent out directly to accepted students
- The MBA office at HKUST is able to give references for property agents and connect exchange students looking for roommates
- Graduate exchange students take courses in the MBA program.
- Graduate exchange students must enroll in the minimum number of credits outlined by the host university. Â The UMN does not have a minimum course requirement for graduate students on semester exchange
- Courses transfer back as S/N on UMN transcripts
- Business courses taught in English are available to exchange students
- Please note that Hong Kong University of Science and Technology does accept Chinese nationals (mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau) as international exchange students
- Currently enrolled in a Carlson School graduate program
- In good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Additional criteria may apply
- The University of Minnesota shall provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
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- All Carlson students are responsible for obtaining a passport before they participate on a study abroad program
- All students participating on an exchange program will be responsible for obtaining a visa or residence permit if required by their host country. Â The Carlson Global Institute will not process visa applications for students participating on exchange programs and are not visa experts.
- The Carlson Global Institute and the host university will provide resources for visa and residence permit applications if necessary, but students will need to work with the consulate and/or visa processing company directly as well.
To apply for an exchange program you must first apply through the Carlson Global Institute on the Apply page. You will be charged a $50 application fee for each term that you apply for a program. If you apply for two programs in Fall semester you will be charged $50. If you apply for one program in Fall semester and one in Spring semester you will be charged $100. The priority deadline for Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 is February 1, 2024 at noon. Applications for programs that do not fill by the priority deadline will be accepted on a rolling basis until full. Applications will be reviewed and students will be informed of their status within 6 weeks of the priority deadline.  Once accepted into an exchange program, you will also complete an application to the host university.
Most financial aid may be applied to study abroad. Carlson School graduate students are eligible for Education Abroad Fellowships. Please visit "Financial Aid" and "Fellowships" for more information.
Cost Estimate (Summary)
These estimates will vary based on student preference and exchange rates. All details subject to change based on economic and international factors. Most financial aid may be applied to study abroad programs. Students should also maintain their U.S.-based health insurance plan while abroad. Visa and passport costs are subject to change. Please verify current documentation costs with the Consulate.​
The below cost table includes estimated expenses for both a partial semester (approximately 2 months) and a full semester (approximately 4 months).Â
| Estimated HKUST Expenses 2023-2024 Partial Semester | |
| Carlson School Tuition (charged to UMN student account) | UMN Per-credit rate (varies by credit load and UMN degree program) |
| Airfare (to and from program site) | $2,000 |
| Passport Fee | $165 |
| Visa Fee (based on US passport) | $0 |
| Mandatory In-Country Health Insurance | $89 |
| Books and Materials | $375 |
| Housing & Food | $4,400 |
| Essential Daily Living Expenses | $1,000 |
| Miscellaneous | $250 |
| Total | $8,279 + tuition costs |
| Estimated HKUST Expenses 2023-2024 Full Semester | |
| Carlson School Tuition (charged to UMN student account) | UMN Per-credit rate (varies by credit load and UMN degree program) |
| Airfare (to and from program site) | $2,000 |
| Passport Fee | $165 |
| Visa Fee (based on US passport) | $0 |
| Mandatory In-Country Health Insurance | $118 |
| Books and Materials | $750 |
| Housing & Food | $8,700 |
| Essential Daily Living Expenses | $2,000 |
| Miscellaneous | $500 |
| Total | $14,233 + tuition costs |