IELTS for Overseas Exchange Programmes

Apply for Exchange Programmes with IELTS

An overseas exchange programme can help you to experience a new culture and learning environment, to develop new approaches to learning, and to improve your English. Universities in Hong Kong provide exchange places with overseas partner institutions, where students can study at their partner institutions for between one semester to one year. The main round of application for the next academic year normally lasts from September to January, depending on each faculty or institution.

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IELTS score you need for Overseas Exchange Programmes

Overseas institutions or even your own university require you to provide proof of your English language proficiency — often a minimum of an IELTS 6.0-6.5 band score to be eligible for the oversea exchange programmes. IDP IELTS provide IELTS tests that are recognized by local as well as overseas universities.

Below is a list of universities that require overseas exchange programmes applicant to submit IELTS results.

• City University of Hong Kong (CityU)
• Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU)
• Lingnan University (LU)
• The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)
• The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK)
• The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) 
• The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)
• The University of Hong Kong (HKU)

^For reference only, please contact local institutions for more details

Which IELTS test should I take?

All students applying for overseas exchange programs must take IELTS Academic to fulfil the relevant language requirements.

Based on your needs and preferences, you can take the IELTS exam either on paper or on computer, which are equivalent in test format, content and assessment criteria. You will receive your IELTS results in 13 days* when you take IELTS on Paper, and 3-5 days* if you take IELTS on Computer.

*Please note that the result release day will be postponed to the next working day in the event if it falls on a Sunday or Public Holiday. Candidates will be notified if results are not available on the scheduled date.

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Reasons to go on Overseas Exchange

• Gain Competitive Edge in the Job Market

Students with foreign exchange experience can show that they are equipped with English communication skills and a global perspective, which are favourable to employers

• Improve Language Skills

Overseas Exchange offers an immersive English learning environment which allow students to hone their communication skills through day-to-day conversations with host families, classmates and local residents

• Enhance Personal Growth

A great opportunity for students to live independently in a foreign country before entering the job market, shaping you into a self-dependent decision-maker

• Plan your Future Direction

You can take short-term exchange as an opportunity to experience the work and life in the foreign country, and see if you want to further study or work there after graduation

• Subsidized Tuition Fees

Many foreign universities and even the Hong Kong government will provide exchange scholarships and subsidies so you can go on a study trip with the least cost

IELTS Registration and Important Notes

IELTS Registration process is very simple. To register for an IELTS test, you could either apply in person at the IDP Education Hong Kong Wan Chai Office, or more conveniently, simply register online. IELTS test fee is HKD $2,300. Registration and payment must be completed within 24 hours, and your admission document, dates and time of both your written and speaking tests will be sent to you 7 days prior to the test. You must arrive early on the test day to register and store your personal belongings. Please bring along your ID and admission document for verification, and have your fingerprint scanned before entering the test venue.

(Caution: Customer services, like registration, change test date, collect IELTS result,  will ONLY be available at IDP Education Wan Chai Office. Locations other than this, are where IELTS exam take place) 

IELTS reflects the ability to communicate in English and assess a wide range of skills. Therefore, it is important to develop your test taking strategies. Candidates should make full use of the official test preparation resources, such as the free IDP IELTS expert seminar, online mock tests, online practices and so on. As long as you have a clear understanding of the content, format and scoring criteria of the test and leverage our preparation resources, it would be easy to score well!

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IELTS Examination Venue

IDP Education IELTS tests are generally held in hotels, schools and conference centers. The venues are mostly located on Hong Kong Island (including: Central, Wanchai, Causeway Bay, etc.) and Kowloon (including: Mong Kok, Tsim Sha Tsui, Yau Ma Tei, etc.) and Shatin. Below are some commonly used testing venue locations.

Disclaimer: It is the responsibility of the test taker to register for the right type of test (IELTS, IELTS UKVI, Life Skills A1 or Life Skills B1). The test centre cannot be held responsible for an incorrect selection.

Please Note

We have noticed some online advertisements on several social media sites claim to provide services for IELTS test takers, such as registering for IELTS, collection of results and making arrangements for a re-mark of the test. We advise all potential IELTS test takers to avoid using such services that are not directly affiliated to IELTS.
Once you’ve submitted your IELTS application, it’s time to start preparing. Learn tips, get sample tests, past papers, and more from IDP. We even offer 30 days of free online practice to get you better prepared for your examination.
If you have any questions, require special arrangements, or anything else, please speak to your test centre team. They will be more than happy to assist you in any way regarding the IELTS registration and application, as well as information about the test day.

Please read "Notice to Test Takers: Special precautionary measures on Test Day"