Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – ESP for HKBU Students

You will pay your tuition fees directly to HKBU, as usual. There is no need to pay any tuition to BNBU. 

All students accepted into the ESP receive the HKBU Exchange Sponsorship. Additional support—including scholarships and government subsidies—is available through application. Eligible students may receive up to HK$53,000 for one semester to help cover not just living expenses, but also cross-city travel. 

You should possess a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA at the time of application and at the conclusion of the semester prior to the beginning of an exchange. In addition to the GPA requirement, your application must be supported by your major department.

Yes, all lectures, course materials, and assessments at BNBU are in English.

BNBU's academic standards are regularly reviewed by HKBU to ensure they meet international quality benchmarks. This means your education at BNBU is held to the same high standards as HKBU.

Yes, credits earns at BNBU can be transferred back to HKBU with departmental approval. The Great News is that, as an ESP student, you will received pre-approval for credit transfer, so you will know upfront which courses will count toward your HKBU degree. 

Many students choose to transfer Free Elective or General Education (GE) courses, as these are more flexible and typically easier to transfer.

Major Core and Major Elective courses can also be transferred, but they usually require a more detailed review. To ensure a smooth process, consult your department early and prepare course outlines for evaluation.

Bundling ESP (one semester in Zhuhai Campus) with the SEP (one semester abroad) offers a unique chance to immerse yourself in two distinct cultures—Mainland China and another global destination. It’s a powerful way to expand your worldview, grow personally and academically, and make the most of your university journey. Plus, ESP applicants earn BONUS POINTS toward exchange placement, giving you a competitive edge. APPLY NOW!

Yes, you can graduate on time, provided your study plan is well-aligned with your degree requirements. 

Be sure to consult your academic advisor and departmental exchange coordinator during the application process to ensure everything fits your graduation timeline.

You can explore available courses at BNBU here: https://intl.hkbu.edu.hk/student-exchange/outgoing-students/extended-study-programme-gba/course-offerings

For personalised advice, consult your HKBU departmental exchange coordinator here: https://intl.hkbu.edu.hk/student-exchange/outgoing-students/apply-now/consultation

For Hong Kong Citizenship: All students must have “Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents” and valid through the whole studying period.

For International Students: For international passport holders, BNBU International Development Office will assist you to apply JW202/DQ Form for visa application. The process for applying approved JW202/DQ Form in mainland will take around 1.5 months, please prepare enough time for this procedure.

No need to search for housing—You will be provided with FREE on-campus accommodation at BNBU.  This saves you time and significantly reduces your study abroad expenses.

Getting Around Zhuhai
Public buses within the Xiangzhou district cost around 1 RMB and can be paid using WeChat Pay or Alipay.

Taxis and ride-hailing services like Didi are popular and affordable ways to travel around the city. You can also use these apps to book private cars for both short and long-distance trips.

Food
Meals at small restaurants typically range from 10–40 RMB. 

Sim card
Monthly plans cost around 100–200 RMB. Ensure your phone supports Chinese SIM cards.

China primarily uses cashless payments. Set up WeChat Pay or Alipay with your credit card before arrival, and make sure your account is verified and ready to use.

It’s also a good idea to bring some RMB cash and bank cards as backup, just in case.

HKBU provides standard travel insurance for the official study abroad period, up to a maximum of 185 days. For full details, please refer to this page: https://fohome.hkbu.edu.hk/for-students/information/insurance.html. To activate your coverage, you must declare your complete travel dates before departure. If your trip exceeds the 185-day limit, you are required to declare your full travel dates and pay the additional premium accordingly.

It’s strongly recommended to ensure full coverage—either through HKBU, your home institution, or a private insurance provider—for medical, travel, and personal protection during your stay in Zhuhai.