World-class education meets a vibrant metropolis: A semester abroad at the University of Hong Kong is an experience that will change your worldview. As one of Asia’s most prestigious universities, HKU combines academic excellence with a unique cultural melting pot where East meets West. Hong Kong, one of the world’s most dynamic cities, offers you not only a glimpse into the business world of Asia but also into a way of life that weaves tradition and modernity together in a fascinating way. Students here learn not only in the lecture hall but also on the streets of a global financial and commercial hub. Perhaps the Hong Kong skyline will soon be your view while you study?
The University of Hong Kong—HKU for short—is the city’s oldest university and one of Asia’s leading research and teaching institutions. Founded in 1911, it looks back on over a century of academic excellence and has evolved into a global educational institution that ranks among the world’s best in nearly all international university rankings. In the QS World University Rankings 2025, HKU ranks 17th globally—a position that unmistakably underscores the university’s high standards.
The HKU Business School, officially known as the Faculty of Business and Economics, is the hub for anyone seeking to pursue a degree in business in Hong Kong. The faculty combines strong academic research with a strong practical focus and close ties to the business world. Its location in one of Asia’s most important financial and commercial hubs provides unique proximity to internationally active companies, banks, and consulting firms—an opportunity you’ll find at hardly any other university in the world. What makes studying at HKU in China special is the natural sense of internationalism, just as you’re accustomed to at MBS. The campus is a microcosm of cultures, languages, and perspectives. Nearly half of the students come from abroad, the language of instruction is English, and the faculty are among the best in their fields worldwide. At the same time, HKU offers a wide range of courses specifically tailored to exchange students—from Business in China to Asian Financial Markets to International Management.
In addition to the quality of its teaching, the university stands out for its strong research profile. Many professors are globally recognized experts in their fields and incorporate the latest research findings directly into their teaching. This fosters an exchange on equal footing that goes far beyond standard courses. Small to medium-sized classes facilitate genuine discussions and personalized support—even though HKU is a large university overall, the learning environment remains surprisingly close-knit and personal.
For MBS students, HKU is a partner university in the Bachelor International Business program—an opportunity to enrich their studies with an Asian perspective while getting to know one of the most exciting urban environments in the world.
The main campus of the University of Hong Kong is located on Pokfulam Hill in the western part of Hong Kong Island—offering breathtaking views of Victoria Harbour and the city skyline. The campus blends historic colonial architecture from the early 20th century with modern infrastructure, creating an atmosphere that is both inspiring and down-to-earth. The heart of the campus is the Main Building, constructed in 1912, an impressive colonial structure that serves as the university’s architectural landmark. Surrounding this historic center is a well-developed campus infrastructure: modern libraries housing millions of volumes, well-equipped laboratories and seminar rooms, sports centers, cafeterias, and lounge areas that invite students to linger.
The HKU Cultural Centre is more than just a building—it’s a gathering place for students from all over the world. It hosts concerts, exhibitions, theater performances, and university events. If you want to actively participate in campus life, this is the place for you.
For exchange students, the campus’s location is a particular advantage: thanks to the MTR—Hong Kong’s highly efficient subway system—the campus is quickly connected to the rest of the city. It’s just a stone’s throw from the university to downtown, the Star Ferry Pier, or the trendy neighborhoods of Soho and Sheung Wan.
Hong Kong is a city of extremes—and that is precisely what makes it so fascinating. Glass and steel alongside temple complexes, street food markets side by side with Michelin-starred restaurants, tropical hiking trails just minutes from the financial district: those who live here experience a different facet of this unique metropolis every day. With a population of nearly 7.5 million, Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated and, at the same time, most vibrant cities in the world. As a former British Crown Colony and now a Special Administrative Region of China, the city possesses a unique cultural DNA that weaves East and West together in a way rarely found elsewhere. English is one of the official languages alongside Cantonese—making it significantly easier to navigate daily life and campus life here than in many other Asian cities. The range of leisure activities is incredibly diverse: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories offer hiking trails with panoramic views, beaches on the southern side of the island, night markets on Temple Street, and a nightlife scene that’s active around the clock. Weekend trips to Macau, Guangzhou, or the coast of the Pearl River Delta are easily accessible.
Life in Hong Kong isn’t cheap—you should factor that in realistically. Rents are among the highest in the world. However, the University of Hong Kong offers exchange students guaranteed housing in or near the campus, which makes the costs much more manageable. The HKU student dormitories—known as Halls of Residence—are an important social institution: this is where lifelong friendships are formed, extending far beyond national borders. Those living off-campus should consider neighborhoods like Sai Ying Pun, Kennedy Town, or Pok Fu Lam—they’re right nearby and offer a good mix of affordability and accessibility. Hong Kong’s public transportation (MTR, trams, ferries) is exceptionally well-developed and relatively inexpensive—a real plus in an expensive city.
Munich Business School (MBS) offers you the opportunity to combine your studies in Munich with a semester abroad at the University of Hong Kong—all within a single program! You can complete your semester abroad at HKU as part of the Bachelor of Arts in International Business at MBS. Learn more about our academic programs now!
Note: Although we take great care to maintain our content, individual details regarding the semester abroad may occasionally change. For binding and up-to-date information, we recommend checking our partner university database.
Has the Bachelor’s in International Business at Munich Business School piqued your interest? If so, you can easily apply through the MBS application portal to start your studies in February or September. Provided you meet the necessary academic and language requirements, you will then be invited to a selection interview. We recommend applying early to secure your best chances of studying at both Munich Business School and the University of Hong Kong!
Once your application to Munich Business School has been accepted, and you have successfully enrolled in the Bachelor’s program in International Business, your time as a student in Munich begins. During your first semesters, you’ll learn key business fundamentals, choose your concentration and electives, and work on exciting projects alongside your fellow students.
Your first semesters at Munich Business School are also the perfect time to plan your semester abroad at the University of Hong Kong. When you’ll study abroad at HKU depends on when you started your degree: If you began your bachelor’s program at MBS in the fall, your semester abroad will take place during your fourth semester. If you started your bachelor’s program in February, you will go abroad in the sixth semester. The MBS International Center is here to assist you with planning and answer all your questions about course selection, housing, and student life in Hong Kong.
Now that you’ve successfully completed your first semesters at Munich Business School and finalized your plans for your semester abroad at HKU, it’s finally time to get started! Immerse yourself in the new university culture, make new friends, discover Asia, and create memories that will last a lifetime. One thing is certain: the experience of a semester in Hong Kong will stay with you forever—and you’ll return a changed person. You’ll then return to Munich Business School and complete your bachelor’s degree after one to three additional semesters (depending on when you started your studies).
To qualify for a business degree program at Munich Business School—and thus also at the University of Hong Kong—you must meet certain academic and language requirements. MBS offers several application rounds. We recommend applying early, as the number of available spots is limited.
For many MBS students, a semester abroad at the University of Hong Kong is one of the most exciting parts of their academic journey. At the same time, studying in Asia naturally raises many questions—from tuition fees and language skills to safety and the cost of living. The following FAQs will help you keep track of the most important points.
The University of Hong Kong is ranked among the world’s best universities. In the 2025 QS World University Rankings, it is ranked 17th globally—making it not only Hong Kong’s leading university but also one of the most prestigious institutions of higher education in Asia as a whole. The HKU Business School (Faculty of Business and Economics) is also accredited by both AACSB and EQUIS—two of the world’s most renowned quality seals for business education. For students aspiring to an international career, a semester at HKU opens doors that would otherwise be difficult to reach.
The language of instruction at the University of Hong Kong is English. Nearly all courses—especially at the Business School—are taught in English. As a former British crown colony, Hong Kong is bilingual; English is one of the official languages alongside Cantonese. This is a major advantage for exchange students: getting started in academic and everyday life is significantly easier than in many other major Asian cities. Basic knowledge of Cantonese is welcome but by no means required.
Hong Kong is one of the most expensive cities in the world—this is something you should realistically factor in when planning your semester abroad. The biggest expense is housing. For exchange students, HKU generally offers a guaranteed spot in a dormitory, which significantly reduces costs. Rent in the dorms ranges from the equivalent of about €500 to €900 per month, depending on the room type. Food, public transportation, and leisure activities are quite affordable compared to the general cost of living in Hong Kong, especially if you take advantage of local markets and the city’s inexpensive dining options. With good planning and a realistic budget, you can easily afford the semester.
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