To make the details of the MSc in Information Technology program as clear as possible, we have compiled a list of some frequently asked questions and our answers to them. We hope you find these helpful. If you have further questions please feel free to contact the program office (Tel: (852) 2358 8987/ 2358 6966, Email: mscit@ust.hk ).

Click here for additional FAQs regarding applications from Mainland China.

1. What is the admission schedule for the Fall 2010 offering to be commenced in September 2010?
For the Fall 2010 offering to be commenced in September 2010, admission offers will be made within a few weeks after application deadline.

2. When will the program start and how long will it last?
The MSc program will begin in early September 2010 and it will last approximately 2 years for part-time students and approximately 1 year for full-time students. Part-time students successfully completing the program will graduate in August 2012 and full-time students successfully completing the program will graduate in August 2011.

3. What are the program fees and when will they need to be paid?
The program fee for MSc in Information Technology is HK$86,520 for the 2010 Fall intake. The fee is to be paid in two installments for full-time students and four installments for part-time students respectively.

Payment schedule for 2010 Fall is as follows:

4. When are the classes scheduled?
Most postgraduate courses offered by School of Engineering to MSc, MPhil, or PhD students are held in the evening. For MSc courses, they are usually held from 7:15pm to 10:05pm on weekday evening from Monday to Friday; or from 3:00pm to 5:50pm on Saturday afternoons.

5. Where will the course modules be held?
The course modules will be held on the HKUST campus.

6. Can students from Mainland China apply for part-time program?
Yes, students from Mainland China may apply for full-time or part-time program. Full-time and part-time students will have the same quality of program and will undergo the same set and level of assessment. Part-time program is particularly suitable for working professionals who have to handle full-time job during the program of study. Students from Mainland China are required to apply for student visa (full-time or part-time whichever appropriate).

7. What are the admission criteria for MSc in Information Technology?
Applicants must hold a Bachelor degree or an equivalent qualification from a university or tertiary institution. Preference is given to degree holders in the areas of engineering and science. Applicants with Bachelor degrees from areas not in engineering or science will be considered if they have an equivalent academic background or industrial experience.

8. What is the pattern of study for the course modules?
An example of the pattern of study for the course modules in our program is as follows:

For full-time study

For part time study

9. How can I get officially certified true copies of my full graduation transcripts of my undergraduate studies (and postgraduate transcripts where applicable) forwarded to the School of Engineering?
We recommend one of the three methods listed below:

i) Simply complete the "Transcript Request Form" that comes with your application package and send that form directly to the institution from which you graduated. That institution will then send certified copies of your transcripts directly to us.

ii) Bring the originals of your transcripts to our Program Office where we will verify the correctness and make certified copies.

iii) The University will also accept photocopies of original documents that have been duly declared as true copies before a notary public (for example a Commissioner for Oaths at a City District Office in Hong Kong).

10. Who can I ask to act as a referee for my application?
The referee should be a respected person who knows you well (or has known you well) and is able to comment on your character and suitability for this program. For example a senior colleague, manager or supervisor from your work, a teacher, instructor or Professor from your school or a respected professional acquaintance that you know or a leader in your community.

11. What are the English requirements for MSc in Information Technology?
All in-class lectures and materials are in English. Applicants from Universities where English is not the major medium of instruction will be required to provide an official copy of English proof. Please click here for details.

12. Will degrees obtained from PRC universities be recognized by the HKUST admissions committee?
Applicants should submit their graduation documents on their undergraduate studies, namely 畢業證書 and 學士學位證書 to the admissions committee for consideration. Applicants from Universities where English is not the major medium of instruction will be required to provide an official copy of English proof. Please click here for details.

13. Is there any financial assistance to students admitted to the program?
The following forms of financial assistance are available from the Hong Kong government to eligible students who are HK citizens:

i) Continuing Education Fund (CEF) for eligible HK citizens – Reimbursements of up to HK$10,000 upon completion of the two reimbursable courses with an attendance rate over 70% in each course. Please visit the CEF website at http://www.sfaa.gov.hk/cef for further details and updates of eligibility, application, and reimbursement procedures (in particular the reimbursement period from the date of application).

ii) Non-means Tested Loan Scheme (NLS) for eligible HK citizens – NLS provides financial assistance in the form of loan to eligible HK citizens. Interest is charged far below the average best lending rate of the note-issuing banks. Please visit http://www.sfaa.gov.hk/eng/schemes/nlss.htm for further details.

14. What is the chance of pursuing a PhD degree upon completion of the MSc program?
MSc program is particularly suitable for students who prefer taught courses delivery. For students considering further studies for a PhD degree, it also offers an opportunity of exposure to emerging technologies through independent study or project course under supervision of world-class faculty members. However, this group of students are also advised to consider research-oriented Master of Philosophy (MPhil) programs.

15. Can I stay in Hong Kong to look for job after graduation if I am not from Hong Kong?
Yes, referring to the Immigration Arrangement for Non-local Graduates (IANG), non-local fresh graduates may apply to stay and work in HKSAR. They may be granted 12 months' stay on time limitation without other conditions of stay provided that normal immigration requirements are met. Details please refer to http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/id991.htm#II.

16. Can I apply for campus accommodation?
All full-time students are eligible to apply for campus accommodation. Successful applicants offered admission into the program will receive application information on campus accommodation from the Program Office (or Student Housing Office of Student Affairs Office) when they receive the admission offer. In most cases, non-local students holding student visa are given priority for campus accommodation; however, successful application rate is subject to total number of application, number of available places, and the current University regulations. Students may also look for off-campus accommodation directly, reference information please click

https://sao.ust.hk/housing/living_offcampus.html and https://sao.ust.hk/housing/search.html.

17. Can I apply for English course to improve my English proficiency?
Full-time students whose major medium of instruction of the completed Bachelor degree program is not English are eligible to apply for taking an optional course of LANG 504 in the Fall semester immediately after admission. This course addresses the specific communication needs of MSc students in Engineering, such as the skills to play an active part in academic seminars. It also allows students to enhance their abilities in speaking, listening to and writing English through intensive practice. Graded P or F. Seats will be subject to availability. Students need to pay course fee before taking the course.