1. National Scholarship & National Encouragement Scholarship: The Office of Student Affairs (OSA) will notify all students by email once applications open. Please refer to the official notice for instructions.

2. Academic Scholarship: Candidates are selected by the school based on established criteria—no individual application is required.

【Year 1】

· Integrate into the new campus environment as soon as possible and adapt to college life and classroom learning.

· Look for clubs or organizations of interest to enrich campus life.

· Fully explore and discover your academic interests, participate in various further study or employment activities/lectures organized by the university and school, and conduct a preliminary exploration of career planning directions.

【Summer vacation after Year 1】

· Participate in summer programs or summer courses

【Year 2】

· Prepare for standardized tests such as TOEFL/IELTS, GRE/GMAT.

· Start exploring academic courses or fields of study you are interested in; consult with academic advisors, senior students, and staff in the Career Development Office to gain insights on various industries and postgraduate preparation.

· Polish your resume to prepare for applications to internships or research positions.

· Participate in exchange/visiting programs (if needed).

【Summer vacation after Year 2】

· Participate in internships, summer courses, on-campus or off-campus summer research, or summer programs.

【Year 3】

· Strengthen academic, project, or relevant subject abilities; reflect on your career plan and long-term personal goals.

· Finish standardized tests, including TOEFL/IELTS, GRE/GMAT.

· Learn about joint degree programs within the school (such as the 3+1+1/X and 3.5+1.5 programs) and apply (if needed).

· Refine your resume and apply for summer internships/research opportunities.

· Select referees for recommendation letters and search for interested programs.

· Attend autumn campus recruitment events for target industries (become familiar with the interview process, even if you are not applying).

· By participating in academic and employment activities organized by the university, communicating with academic advisors, the Career Development Office, and senior students to finalize a list of further study programs or companies of interest for employment.

【Summer vacation after Year 3】

· Participate in internships, summer courses, on-campus or off-campus research, or summer programs.

· Draft personal statements, prepare application materials for further study.

· Optimize the job application resume, and improve written test problem-solving skills and interview techniques through practice questions (if necessary) and mock interviews, in preparation for the fall recruitment.

· Start applying to some early round positions at companies and universities.

【Year 4】

Further Study Preparation:

· Finalize your application targets (country/region, institution level, program direction).

· Learn admission requirements (GPA, language requirements, academic requirements, etc.).

· Consolidate application deadlines for target programs (label by rounds, e.g., early round/regular round).

· Contact recommenders (at least 2-3 professors or internship mentors; ask for recommendation letters in advance).

· Fill out application forms for programs and complete required materials.

· Track application status, such as interviews, etc.

· Handle visa applications.

Employment Preparation:

· Prepare job application resumes (tailored for different positions).

· Gather recruitment information from target industries and companies (keeping an eye on campus recruitment, company websites, and job platforms).

· Prepare for written exams and interview skills (including aptitude tests, technical questions, group /individual interviews).

· Attend on-campus job fairs and company campus recruitment lectures (record key dates).

· Build your professional network (connect with alumni, attend industry networking events).

· Follow up on signing employment agreements or labor contracts (confirm details on salary, benefits, etc.).

· 1v1 Further Study Planning Counseling:

The counseling sessions will provide general information on the preparation of further study applications. The service is available weekly during regular academic semesters. Y1 students can book by sending an email to sds_career@cuhk.edu.cn. Y2 and Y3 students can book through the link provided in the appointment email after receiving it.

· 1v1 Employment/Internship Planning Counseling:

The counseling will provide general information on employment planning, resume writing skills, and internship strategies to help you improve relevant skills. The service is available weekly during regular academic semesters. Y1 students can book by sending an email to sds_career@cuhk.edu.cn. Y2 and Y3 students can book through the link provided in the appointment email after receiving it.

· 1v1 School Screening Counseling:

The counseling is suitable for Year 4 students currently in the stage of selecting programs, to provide recommendations or suggestions based on the programs of interest. The service is available weekly during the application season, and students can book according to email instructions.

· 1v1 Revision of Personal Statement:

The service is suitable for Y4 students who have prepared a complete draft of their statement, to provide direct one-to-one revision of their draft. The service is available weekly during the application season, and students can book according to email instructions.

For any other questions, please email SDS Career Development (SDS): sds_career@cuhk.edu.cn.

Contact Us:

For further study & employment inquiries, please email: sds_career@cuhk.edu.cn

For inquiries about joint bachelor-master programs, please email: sds_ip@cuhk.edu.cn

Office Address: Room 403, Zhi Xin Building

Office Hours: 8:30-17:30, Monday to Friday (excluding lunch breaks, weekends, and public holidays)

Students participating in "3+2/3+1+X/3.5+0.5+1" joint bachelor-master programs will study at CUHK-Shenzhen for three or three and a half years. After meeting the corresponding course and language requirements, they can apply to visit the partner institutions for one or half a year during their senior year at the beginning of the second semester of their junior year. After the completion of their fourth year of study, the requirement for graduation from CUHK-Shenzhen must be met. Students who apply to enter the master’s program of the partner institution during their senior year and are admitted will then pursue a master's degree for one to two years. Those who pass the examinations and meet the requirements will be awarded a master's degree by the partner institution.

Students participating in the "CUHK-Shenzhen-Columbia Engineering 3+2 Initiative (Elite Class)" will study at CUHK-Shenzhen for the first three years, with some courses taught by professors from Columbia University. In the fourth year, they will go to the School of Engineering at Columbia University for study. After meeting the degree requirements, they will obtain a bachelor's degree from The Chinese University of Hong Kong. In the fifth year, students can directly enter the master's program at Columbia University. After meeting the degree requirements, they will be awarded a master's degree from Columbia University.

For students participating in the "4+1/X" joint bachelor-master program, during the application stage in their senior year, they need to be selected and nominated by our university and receive the final admission from the partner institution. Admitted students are required to complete a four-year undergraduate program at CUHK-Shenzhen first, and then study a master’s program of one year or more at the partner institution. Students who complete the four-year undergraduate program at CUHK-Shenzhen and meet the graduation requirements will be awarded a bachelor's degree from our university. In the fifth year, students will complete their master's studies at the partner institution. Those who pass the examinations and meet the requirements will be awarded a master's or doctoral degree from the partner institution.

1. List of 2025 SDS Joint Bachelor-Master Programs (Updated to July 2025)

2. Application Introduction

(1) Internal Application Eligibility and Process

【General eligibility for 3+2/3+1+X/3.5+0.5+1】:

1) Meet GPA requirements (varies by programs, ≥3.0).
2) Complete 36 university core course credits before the end of the spring semester, Year 3.
3) Complete all School Package and Major Required courses by the end of the spring semester, Year 3.
4) The Columbia 3+2 Initiative Program has additional requirements for taking undergraduate Honours courses
5) Some institutes may have additional English requirements.

【General eligibility for 4+1/X】:

1）Meet GPA requirement (varies by programs).
2）Some institutions may have additional English and GRE requirements.

【Application Process】:

Detailed requirements and process for the joint bachelor-master program will be subject to the notification email when applications open.

Note: Nomination does NOT guarantee admission. The partner institution has final approval rights.

Application for Columbia University 3+2 Initiative Program:

1）Qualified applicants can enter the program via CUHK-Shenzhen's interview before entering the university.
2）Students not in the program before entering the university may apply during the Year 1 or Year 2 summer session via interview, if academically outstanding.
3）Students with outstanding academic and behavioral records are guaranteed a place at Columbia University after Year 3.
4）Students who obtain a CUHK-Shenzhen bachelor's degree in Year 4 will be guaranteed admission to the master's program at Columbia University.

(2) Credit Transfer

Please click here https://cuhko365-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/payfyzhao_cuhk_edu_cn/Eat5DOtL8-lInUcNXoczZMoBhVdzZ8UR_tPyNGy6IGI54A?e=WyVAnI to view SDS Joint Degree Program Credit Transfer Guide.

(3) FAQs

Q1: During my study at CUHK-Shenzhen, can I participate in multiple overseas study programs?
A1: Full-time undergraduates are advised to participate in a maximum of 2 Academic Years of cumulative exchange/joint degree programs.

Q2: What should I do after being nominated?
A2: Nomination does not guarantee admission. The partner institution makes the final admission decision. After nomination, you will receive confirmation and application instructions by email; submit your application and materials as required to ensure your admission.

Q3: How should I prepare for studying abroad?
A3: SDS and OAL will provide program information, online application instructions, and pre-departure safety training. Students should independently complete visa applications and buy tickets/insurance, etc.

Q4: Where can I get an official (English) transcript?
A4: Undergraduates should apply to the Registry Office. The specific details are subject to the information provided by the Registry Office.

Q5: How can I transfer credits back to CUHK-Shenzhen?
A5: For course selection and credit transfer matters, please consult SDS Office via the email address: sds_ug@cuhk.edu.cn.

Q6: If I hold a tourist visa for the destination country/region, do I still need to apply for a student visa?
A6: Yes, a student visa is required. Please check the detailed requirements for each program.

Q7: If the program waives the language proof for CUHK-Shenzhen students, do I still need to provide TOEFL/IELTS for visa purposes?
A7: Some countries require language test reports for visa applications. Check in advance and prepare all required documentation.

Q8: If I do not have (a valid) passport, will it affect my application for overseas study?
A8: You can apply first but should obtain a passport as soon as possible to avoid affecting future visa applications.

Q9: How can I consult about overseas study programs with SDS?
A9: Email (sds_ip@cuhk.edu.cn) or visit Room 419, Daoyuan Building, Mon–Fri 9:00–11:30, 13:30–17:00, public holidays excluded.

Q10: Will transcript and graduation certificate reflect my overseas study experience when I graduate?
A10: Transcripts will show the partner institution and transferred credits (not specific course names or grades). Graduation and degree certificates do NOT indicate participation in exchange/joint programs. For further details, please consult the Registry Office.

Q11: What are the tuition fees for the 3+1+1, 3+1+X, 3.5+0.5+1 programs?
A11: Students pay tuition to both CUHK-Shenzhen and the partner institution. If attending overseas courses for one semester, you'll receive a 45% reduction in annual CUHK-Shenzhen tuition; for one academic year, a 90% reduction.

Q12: Can I withdraw from the program after being nominated?
A12: To avoid unnecessary withdrawal, please consult with your parents/guardians, university, and Registry Office before applying. Once nominated, you are considered to have accepted it. In this condition, withdrawals require notifying SDS (sds_ip@cuhk.edu.cn) and OAL (oaloutbound@cuhk.edu.cn) by email. After withdrawing, you are no longer eligible for any OAL or SDS exchange/joint programs.

Q13: Will CUHK-Shenzhen retain my original dormitory during my exchange visit?
A13: No. You should move out and complete the checkout process before going abroad. Upon return, apply to your residential college for re-assignment. Please consult your college for more details.

a. Change of Major (within the School): Students may apply for an internal transfer within the School around June each year. Please stay tuned for further details via School email notifications.

b. Change of Major (across the Schools): Students may apply for school transfers around July each year. Please stay tuned for further arrangements via email notifications from the Registry. For details on change of major (across the Schools), please refer to: https://registry.cuhk.edu.cn/en/page/25

*For detailed procedures regarding major-related applications, please refer to the official announcements issued by the Registry.

a. Course Selection Requirements:

Please refer to the course registration announcements sent by the Registry for detailed information each semester.

The normative period of study is four years and students have to complete 120 units and satisfy requirements under separate. The overall curriculum structure is as follows:

*For major requirements, students are advised to follow the Recommended Course Pattern provided in the Study Scheme for their respective major and cohort (by year of admission), as published by the Registry. Please note that Study Schemes may be updated from time to time — students should always refer to the latest version available on the Registry’s website (https://registry.cuhk.edu.cn/en/page/22).

Access of the Study Scheme: Full-time Undergraduate > Undergraduate Student Handbook > Refer to the study scheme for your major and cohort

b.  Application for Course Load Change:

*Please note that it takes 3–5 working days for the School to process applications. To ensure timely course registration, students are advised to submit their applications well in advance and be mindful of the course add/drop deadlines.

a. Course Add/Drop

*Please refer to the course registration email announcements from the Registry for detailed procedures each semester.

*It takes about 3–5 working days to process add/drop applications. Due to the high volume of requests during the add/drop period, please wait patiently.

b. Late Course Add/Drop

*Late course add/drop will only be approved with very special reasons beyond students’ control. In general, failure to observe the add/drop schedule or negligence in checking final course enrollment results will not be accepted as reasons for late add.

* Students should pay close attention to the deadlines for late course add/drop applications announced by the Registry in each semester’s email notifications. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.

Students can visit the following website to search for course information: https://www.cuhk.edu.cn/en/course?keywords=

Additionally, before course registration each semester, students may also check the detailed information of all courses offered that semester via the course registration email from the Registry.

1. Suspension

For suspension application (including Exchange &Visiting programme purpose), students shall submit the application form with necessary supporting documents in the Student Information System. Please refer to the relevant Instruction Manual on the Registry website https://registry.cuhk.edu.cn/page/197. After obtaining relevant endorsement from the School Office and the Registry Office, the result will be sent to the applicant via email and can also be viewed in the system.

If the application is approved, students should complete the suspension clearance procedure outlined in the announcement email.

Please note that applications for suspension of studies of a term will not be accepted if the application is submitted after last teaching day of the term.

2. Resumption

For resumption application (including Exchange &Visiting programme purpose), students shall submit their application form with necessary supporting documents in the Student Information System.

Please refer to the relevant Instruction Manual on the Registry website https://registry.cuhk.edu.cn/page/26 After obtaining relevant endorsement, the result will be announced via email and can also be viewed in the system.

3. Withdrawal

For Withdrawal application, students shall submit the application form with necessary supporting documents via the Student Information System. Please refer to the relevant Instruction Manual on the Registry website https://registry.cuhk.edu.cn/page/26. 
You can check the status of your withdrawal application in the system. Once the application is approved, the result and instructions for further actions will be available in the system.

4. Leave of Absence

Please refer to the relevant Instruction Manual on the Registry website https://registry.cuhk.edu.cn/page/352.