Document checklist
Australia → Hong Kong: Entry for Study in Hong Kong
What you need before you submit, checked against official requirements, not guesswork.
Checked by our automated verification on 20 Oct 2026: every source on this page resolves and the data is structurally complete. This does not confirm a person re-read the source text for accuracy.
Required documents
8 itemsIdentity
Application form ID 995A with your photo
RequiredThe Application for Entry for Study in Hong Kong (form ID 995A), completed and signed, with a recent photo stuck on page 2. You can also apply online through GovHK. A parent or legal guardian signs for an applicant under 16.
Source: Immigration Department, HKSAR, Guidebook for Entry for Study in Hong Kong, ID(E) 996
Copy of your travel document
RequiredA copy of your valid passport or travel document showing your details, issue date and expiry date. If you are already in Hong Kong, also copy the page with your latest arrival stamp, landing slip or extension label, and your latest e-Visa.
Source: Immigration Department, HKSAR, Guidebook for Entry for Study in Hong Kong, ID(E) 996
Financial
Local sponsor and form ID 995B
RequiredYou need a sponsor in Hong Kong: either your school or a person who is 18 or older, a genuine Hong Kong resident, knows you, and can support you and give you a place to live. The sponsor fills in form ID 995B. A personal sponsor also sends a copy of their Hong Kong ID card, proof of their finances (such as bank statements, tax receipts or salary slips) and a written promise to support and house you. These extra papers aren't needed if your school is the sponsor.
Source: Immigration Department, HKSAR, Guidebook for Entry for Study in Hong Kong, ID(E) 996
Proof you can pay for your studies (if your school is the sponsor)
If your school is your sponsor, send copies of your own proof of money, such as bank statements, savings passbooks, tax receipts or salary slips. You must be able to pay course fees, living costs and housing without working and without public money.
Source: Immigration Department, HKSAR, Guidebook for Entry for Study in Hong Kong, ID(E) 996
Purpose of travel
Letter of acceptance from your school
RequiredA letter from the school, college or university in Hong Kong confirming you have been accepted for a course of study.
Source: Immigration Department, HKSAR, Guidebook for Entry for Study in Hong Kong, ID(E) 996
Other
Certified translations
Any document not in Chinese or English needs a Chinese or English translation certified as true by a sworn, court, certified or similar qualified translator.
Source: Immigration Department, HKSAR, Guidebook for Entry for Study in Hong Kong, ID(E) 996
Documents for a spouse or child coming with you
RequiredOnly students in full-time undergraduate or postgraduate local programmes at local degree-awarding institutions can bring dependants. Each one fills in Part B of form ID 995A, adds a photo and a copy of their travel document, and sends proof of the relationship, such as a marriage or birth certificate. You must be able to support them well above subsistence level and house them.
Source: Immigration Department, HKSAR, Guidebook for Entry for Study in Hong Kong, ID(E) 996
Guardian consent letter and housing proof (under 18)
RequiredIf you are under 18, one parent must name your sponsor or a relative or friend in Hong Kong as your guardian. Send a consent letter signed by both the guardian and that parent, plus a copy of proof of where you will live. Your sponsor also promises in writing to give you a place to stay.
Source: Immigration Department, HKSAR, Guidebook for Entry for Study in Hong Kong, ID(E) 996
Why applications on this route get refused
False statements or documents
Making false statements to an immigration officer is an offence. Field visits may be made to check documents, and any visa or permission to stay granted on false information has no effect.
How to avoid it: Make sure every form, letter and financial paper is true and matches your real situation.
Missing documents
Processing normally takes six weeks after all documents arrive, and the Immigration Department can't start until it has everything. It may also ask for more papers.
How to avoid it: Work through the checklist in Part VIII of the guidebook for both you and your sponsor before sending.
Not enough money shown
You must be able to pay course fees, living costs and housing without working and without public money. Weak proof from you or your sponsor does not meet this.
How to avoid it: Send clear, recent bank statements or similar papers that cover fees and living costs for your studies.
Not meeting normal immigration requirements
Besides the study rules, you must meet normal immigration rules, such as a valid travel document you can return on, a clear criminal record, and no likelihood of becoming a burden on Hong Kong. The Director of Immigration can refuse any application, even one that meets every rule.
How to avoid it: Check your passport validity and background against these general rules, not just the study rules.
Course or school not covered
Study in public or aided schools isn't allowed (except English Schools Foundation and Direct Subsidy Scheme schools), and there are age limits: 5 years 8 months to 11 for primary school, and under 20 for secondary school.
How to avoid it: Confirm your school and course type, and your age, fit the rules before you apply.
Sources
- Immigration Department, HKSAR, Guidebook for Entry for Study in Hong Kong, ID(E) 996 · checked 14 Sept 2026
- Immigration Department, HKSAR, Entry for Study · checked 14 Sept 2026
Check your documents against this list before you pay the Hong Kong application fee.
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