Hong Kong (HK) is a premier study destination for higher education, combining top universities, globally recognised qualifications, industry engagement and a cosmopolitan environment. For international students planning to study in Hong Kong in 2026, it is vital to understand the Hong Kong student visa process early on. Here’s what you should know about the Hong Kong student visa.
Key highlights:
- Hong Kong Study Visa: An Overview
- Types of Hong Kong Graduate Visas for Indian Students?
- Eligibility Criteria for the Hong Kong Student Visa for Indians
- Hong Kong Student Visa Requirements - Documents Needed
- Step-by-Step Hong Kong Study Visa Application Process
- Hong Kong Study Visa Processing Time
- Common Factors Causing Delays in Hong Kong Study Visa Processing
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Hong Kong Study Visa: An Overview
A student visa (or entry permit) for Hong Kong permits non-local students to enter and remain in the HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) for a specified programme of study. It is granted for the standard duration of the course, within the limits set by immigration. You must study at the designated institution in the course approved by both the institution and the immigration department. Employment is generally not allowed unless immigration issues a No Objection Letter (NOL) or a temporary policy permits it.
Types of Hong Kong Graduate Visas for Indian Students
Student Visa
Hong Kong’s Student Visa enables international students to pursue education at globally ranked universities in Hong Kong. In most cases, the Hong Kong institution submits the visa application on your behalf. You simply provide the required documents, and they manage the rest of the process. For full-time, locally accredited post-secondary programmes, students are usually granted a stay matching the course duration, up to a maximum of six years, subject to passport validity. For other courses, permission to stay is generally granted for up to 12 months or the duration of the course, whichever is shorter. With this visa, part-time on-campus work is allowed for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year, while summer employment has no restrictions on hours or location.
IANG Visa
The Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG) Visa is a programme by the Hong Kong Immigration Department that allows non-local graduates to remain and work in Hong Kong. It is an appealing option for those looking for work experience after completing their studies. A key feature of the IANG Visa is that recent graduates can work in Hong Kong without requiring a local sponsor. You can remain in the city for up to 24 months through the IANG scheme. You don’t need a job offer to apply, as long as you submit your application within 6 months of graduating.
IANG Visa Categories
- Fresh Graduates: Non-local students who completed a full-time degree in Hong Kong within the last six months.
- Returning Graduates: Non-local graduates applying more than six months after completing a Hong Kong degree.
Eligibility Criteria for the Hong Kong Student Visa for Indians
To qualify for an HK student visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Confirmation of admission as a full-time student at a recognised Hong Kong university.
- Applicants for secondary education must be under 20 years of age.
Hong Kong Student Visa Requirements: Documents Needed
- Acceptance letter from the admitting university.
- Valid passport covering the entire duration of the course.
- English language proficiency scores such as International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
- One recent passport-size photograph.
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of funds to meet tuition and living expenses in Hong Kong.
- Proof of accommodation arrangements in Hong Kong.
Step-by-Step Hong Kong Study Visa Application Process
- Accept the Offer and Check University Guidance: Review your university’s non-local student or admissions guidance. Follow their instructions if available.
- Gather Required Documents: Prepare all required documents, including certified translations and the completed ID 995A (online form), which is used by the Hong Kong immigration department for international students.
- Submit via the University or Online: Most applications are submitted through the admitting university as a sponsor. If you are applying independently, submit via the official GovHK or ImmD online portal.
- Pay the Application Fee: If approved, pay the visa fee when instructed by the immigration department. Fees are generally non-refundable.
- Receive the e-Visa/ No Objection Letter (NOL): After payment, download your e-visa and, if applicable, the No Objection Letter. Print and keep them for travel to Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Study Visa Processing Time
HK study visa or entry permit applications are typically processed within 6 weeks after all required documents have been received. The immigration department will begin processing only after all the necessary documents and information are received. Nonetheless, avoid enquiring about application status unless necessary, as this may cause delays.
Common Factors Causing Delays in Hong Kong Study Visa Processing
Here are the common errors causing delays or rejection for a Hong Kong Student visa:
- Submitting an incomplete application form with missing or blank sections.
- Using inconsistent signatures across different pages of the application.
- Entering a name that does not exactly match the passport details.
- Providing insufficient or inconsistent financial proof.
- Missing even a single required supporting document.
- Uploading outdated bank statements or financial records.
- Submitting photographs that do not meet visa specifications.
- Failing to provide certified translations for non-English documents.
- Applying too close to the course start date.
- Submitting incomplete documentation for dependants, if applicable.
With proper preparation and a well-organised approach, you can increase the chances of success in the HK study visa. While pursuing a course in Hong Kong can be a rewarding investment, expenses can be a barrier to your study abroad plan. For this, educational loans are a prudent choice for students to achieve their academic aspirations.
At Avanse Financial Services, we provide a customised education loan for abroad studies that is designed to cover tuition, living expenses, travel, and other education-related costs. You can use our EMI calculator for an education loan to determine monthly EMIs and plan your finances better. Connect with us today to take the next step forward.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can Indians study in Hong Kong?
Yes, Indians can study in Hong Kong. Thousands of Indian and international students are choosing Hong Kong not just for its strong academic institutions but also for the unmatched global exposure it offers at the heart of Asia.
Do Indians need a visa to study in Hong Kong?
Yes, Hong Kong study visa for Indian students is necessary to enter the region to study and establish a career.
How do Indians apply for a Hong Kong study visa?
Coordinate with your university’s international office, which handles document submission to the immigration department (ImmD) on students’ behalf. If applying independently, follow the ImmD online instructions and check your local Chinese consulate’s requirements.
How long does it take to get a Hong Kong study visa?
Officially, applications are processed within 6 weeks after complete documents are received. However, universities advise allowing 6 to12 weeks to account for institutional processing and peak-season delays.
How much does a Hong Kong study visa cost?
Effective from 8 September 2025, the visa fee is HKD 330. If your chosen university acts as the sponsor for your visa application, an additional visa processing fee will be charged by the institution.
Also Read: MBA in Hong Kong 2026: Everything You Need to Know
