At HKUST, we equip our students
with the skills and mindset
required outside the classroom
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT GUIDE
Everything you need to know
about academics
The Academic Registry publishes an Undergraduate Student Guide to give you an overview of the academic aspects of your undergraduate studies.
CALENDAR DATES
The academic year has two regular terms (Fall and Spring) and two non-regular terms (Winter and Summer). Each regular term normally has 13 weeks for scheduled classes. Immediately after the 13th week there is a short study break, followed by an examination period. There is a break in the Spring Term around Easter.
The Winter Term is scheduled between the two regular terms for special academic programs, research symposiums and other activities. The Summer Term bridges the end of the Spring Term and the beginning of the next Fall Term. Most students do not need to attend the Winter and Summer terms.
For the dates of term classes, study breaks, examination periods, public holidays, etc., please see our Academic Calendar for the latest updates:
COMMON CORE
Learn outside of your major
Broaden your knowledge by exploring subjects outside of your major.
The undergraduate curriculum aims to provide a well-balanced education to students. In addition to courses in the field of major study and related areas, each undergraduate program includes a requirement for common core education. This includes courses to be taken in specific common core areas. The Common Core Program strives to provide students with a well-rounded quality education that broadens their horizons, inspires and ignites their passion for learning and empowers them for lifelong pursuit of excellence.
LANGUAGE STUDIES
The Center for Language Education provides credit-bearing courses in English and Chinese as well as Japanese and Spanish. It also offers a rich program of language activities, including short courses, workshops, advising and events. The Center caters for the needs of both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Language classes take an interactive approach, allowing students ample chances to actively participate and to put language to good use.
Learning a language opens up a window on the societies and cultures where that language is spoken. Language learning opens your mind, enriches your life and prepares you for the increasingly globalized world of today.
English is the main language used for international communication in business and academia. The Center for Language Education offers English courses as part of the University Common Core, where students develop academic literacy while also improving their overall level of proficiency, as needed. Additionally, there are options for improving communication in English, based on your needs and/or interests. If you have questions about our courses you need to take, you can find detailed information at http://cle.hkust.edu.hk/courses. If you can't find the answer to your question on our website, you can send us your question by email, lcstdadvice@ust.hk. We look forward to hearing from you!
Research postgraduate students are required to take English courses that focus on developing academic writing and speaking skills to support their research studies. In addition, the Center offers workshops for RPG students on aspects of thesis writing, presenting conference papers and creating effective research posters.
With growing cultural and economic ties with the Chinese mainland, Taiwan and other Chinese communities, Chinese has become increasingly important for both studies and work. The Center’s Chinese courses will equip you with skills for communicating in Putonghua and enhance specific skills for communicating in specific contexts such as the workplace and global setting. The Center also offers courses in Cantonese to non-local students who wish to acquire communicative competence for use in Hong Kong.
In the globalized era, multilingualism is a necessity for cultural engagement and a valuable asset in cross-cultural society and global job market. The Center's third language classes aim to offer you foundation in the language and its related culture, with an emphasis on practical oral communication in the context of everyday topics.
Our team of Language Activity Instructional Assistants and Teaching Associates from our iLANG program strives to offer students a range of engaging activities related to language, communication, and culture. These activities provide exciting insights into building essential 21st-century skills in and out of the classroom.
Events and activities include a language ambassador program, new student orientation programs, student-led community social events, film discussion groups, guest speaker events, advising sessions, skills-based workshops, English, Chinese, and third language short courses, and more. Wherever you are in your language learning journey, iLANG is here to assist you. iLANG also invites all students to utilize our Language Commons facilities at any time - to study, collaborate, learn, and socialize. Please check out the iLANG website for details of the current activities.
Center for Language Education (CLE)
Room 3399 (Lifts 17/18), Academic Building
Center for Language Education (CLE) Website
cle@ust.hk
2358 7880
LIBRARY
The best place
to study
The Library is the heart of the University, the center for your learning and research activities.
Don't miss out!
JOIN US TO BE A LEARNING MAZE RUNNER
There are 10 orientation sessions to choose from!
HKUST Library
Library Help for Undergraduates
library@ust.hk
2358 6772
9701 1055
MORE INFORMATION
SCHOLARSHIPS
The chance to outperform yourself
HKUST offers a wide range of scholarships for students with outstanding achievements in both the academic and non-academic areas.
To honor students’ academic merits and non-academic achievements, HKUST offers well over a thousand scholarships and awards funded by the University’s internal resources, HKSAR Government scholarships, named endowments, or donations from corporate donors and caring community leaders.
Scholarships and Financial Aid Office (SFAO)
Room 5022B (Lift 3), Academic Building
Scholarships and Financial Aid Office Website
hkust.scholarships@ust.hk
2358 6081