Cost Estimate Preparation: This cost estimate was prepared on May 10, 2023 for the Fall 2023 semester. These costs are approximations and are subject to change. Review additional information about costs at CUHK and its Fee Table. 

Exchange rate: $1.00 USD = 7.8439 Hong Kong Dollars (May 10, 2023)

Lodging: The hostel fee will be paid by Penn and added to the student’s Penn bill. Hostel and related fees include hostel fee, air-conditioner installation, maintenance charge, and other miscellaneous fees (e.g., hostel laundry fees, College Student Association fee and college fee). The exact hostel fee varies from hostel to hostel and type of room. Air-conditioning charge is excluded. Students who are assigned to Morningside College/ S.H. Ho College/ C.W. Chu College are required to join a certain number of mandatory college communal dinners every week (additional meal charge required).

Lodging Deposit: The lodging deposit includes the Hostel Deposit (HK$1,000) and Caution Money (HK$450). Any outstanding charges/fees/fines accrued by the student at the completion of the program (including but not limited to: repair charges, laundry fees, library fines, penalties for late payments, College fee, meal charge, College Student Association fee, CUHK Student Union Entrance fee and CUHK/College Student Union fees) will be deducted/charged from the hostel deposit and caution money. The pre-paid hostel deposit would be refunded within 4 –5 months after hostel check out should the student has no outstanding charges/fees/fines. The caution money is a pre-authorized credit card payment that would be charged at the end of the program should the student has any outstanding charges/fees/fines.

Meals: The cost of the meals is based on the cost of food on-campus. Students should budget more if they plan on eating off-campus frequently. Students who are assigned to the Morningside College, S.H. Ho College, C.W. Chu College hostels are required to join a meal plan (approximately $365/semester; included in cost above) and attend a certain number of communal dinners every week.

Personal Expenses: This estimate is meant to cover general expenses of college life, including additional course supplies, photocopying, toiletries, snacks, cell phone, etc. Personal expenses do not include any entertainment or vacation travel costs.

Local Transportation: This estimate is based on if the student is staying in CUHK accommodations.

Books and Supplies: N/A

Visa Fee: Visa fees will vary based on students' citizenship(s). Visa application fee (HK$630) for Taiwanese passport holders is for visa sponsorship and application submission by CUHK to the Hong Kong Immigration Department (ImmD) as well as collection and shipping student visa label (entry permit) by courier. All other passport holders: Visa application fee (HK$100) is for visa sponsorship and application submission by CUHK to the Hong Kong Immigration Department (ImmD). E-Visa fee of HK$230. 

Additional Program Information: Expense estimates were sourced from those published by CUHK in the Fees Table for Incoming Students.

COVID-19 Additional Costs: This cost is an estimate based on known information at your abroad location as of May 2023. This item references additional costs at the student’s expense related to traveling abroad during COVID-19 including: post-arrival COVID-19 testing. A student’s actual additional costs related to COVID-19 expenses may be higher or lower than what is projected in this line item. 

Visit the Penn Abroad Cost Estimate Description for more information on how Penn Abroad prepares program budget sheets.