We encourage students to participate in exchange study and experiential learning (EL) activities. There are different programmes organised by the Department, Faculty and the University.
HKU-ENSAI Exchange and Interaction Programme
In collaboration with the National School for Statistics and Data Analysis (Ecole Nationale de la Statistique et de l'Analyse de l'Information) (ENSAI), the programme allows students to explore both the academic and cultural environments in Rennes, France. Other than the statistical workshops, excursion to famous historic places such as Saint Malo, Mont Saint Michel and Fougeres will be organised, allowing students to have a taste of different lifestyle, learning environment and broader horizons.
The Overseas Experiential Learning Activities are usually of 2-week duration and organised at departmental level in the summer with a quota. Eligible students will be notified of the application details by email nearer to the time.
On the other hand, students may consider the following exchange programmes for an even bigger international experience.
Non-final year students enrolled in the following programmes are eligible to apply for the Faculty of Science Exchange Programme:
- BSc
- BSc(ActuarSc) (admitted in 2024-25 or before)
- BASc(AppliedAI) (admitted in 2024-25 or before)
The HKU Worldwide Undergraduate Student Exchange Programme (HKUWW) provides exchange places from partner institutions (or host institutions) of the University for one or two semester(s).
The Certificate Course in Essential IT Skills is designed to enhance students’ IT knowledge and practical skills that are not covered in the regular curriculum but are important for the career development of statistical and financial analysts.
The course may include hands-on workshops on Excel VBA programming, Access, SQL, R, Python and other relevant software, as well as group projects.
Assessment is based entirely on coursework on a Pass/Fail basis, with students required to pass the group project and achieve at least 80% attendance. The course is open to Year 2 or above SAAS students in eligible programmes*, and is normally held in June each year. Registration details will be announced by the Department via email in May.
*BASc in Applied Artificial Intelligence students[students admitted in 2024 or before]; BSc students with first major in Decision Analytics, Risk Management or Statistics [students admitted in 2024 or before]; BSc in Actuarial Science students; and Bachelor of Statistics students.
Students admitted in 2024 or before
Application for credit transfer
Students may apply for credit transfer in the above exchange programmes. For transferring credits gained at host institutions to HKU as APAI / STAT credits, here are the procedures:
For Science Students
Please complete the online application form on “Online Credit Transfer Application System” at the Faculty of Science’s website and upload to the system with all required documents before the start of your exchange programme. The concerned departments will consider your application for credit transfer on a case-by-case basis.
For Non-Science Students
Please consult with your home Faculty/Department for the procedure of application for transfer of credits. You can first select the equivalent courses based on the course description, course outline, syllabus, etc. You should submit your complete application via your home Faculty/Department, who will forward your application to us for consideration on a case-by-case basis. It is not necessary to contact us direct unless otherwise instructed.
Note:
For application of credit transfer for courses with pre-requisite, students are reminded that it is expected for them to have completed the pre-requisite courses by the time they submit the application. Otherwise, there is no guarantee that the application will be approved.
The final decision on the application result shall be at the discretion of the Faculty of Science and Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science.
Useful Information
i. APAI / STAT course details:
Faculty of Science – Online Syllabuses (Major, Minor & Courses)
https://www.scifac.hku.hk/current/ug/academic/syllabuses
Please click "Check Course Details" and type "APAI" / "STAT" in the "Course Code" box in order to view the list of all APAI / STAT courses.) All APAI / STAT courses will be displayed on the website.
ii. Outgoing exchange - course equivalence database:
https://www.scifac.hku.hk/current/ug/el/exchange/information-for-outgoing-exchange-visiting-students
Note:
This database is for your reference only. It contains information regarding the equivalency of the courses taken at different host universities for students going out for exchange in the past three years. Approval for course equivalency and transferred credits would be considered on a case-by-case basis. You are still required to submit updated and detailed information about the courses (e.g. course descriptions including topics covered, total number of contact hours, levels, recommended textbook etc.) at the time when you submit your application for transfer of credits. You may take courses that are not covered in this database, subject to the final approval from the Faculty. You should note that only the hard copy provided by the host university or the downloaded version from its official website will be acceptable as your supporting documents.
iii. For Enquiry:
(General)
Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science
Email: ugenq@hku.hk
(Credit transfer coordinator for actuarial science courses e.g. STATx9xx)
Prof. Tim J. Boonen
Email: tjboonen@hku.hk
(Credit transfer coordinator for statistics courses e.g. STATx6xx)
Prof. C. Wang
Email: stacw@hku.hk
(Credit transfer coordinator for applied artificial intelligence courses e.g. STAT1005, APAIxxxx)
Prof. L.Q. Qu
Email: liangqqu@hku.hk
Students admitted in 2025 and thereafter
Application for credit transfer
Students may apply for credit transfer in the above exchange programmes. For transferring credits gained at host institutions to HKU as SDST credits, here are the procedures:
For BSc(ActuarSc) & BStat Students
Complete the application e-form: Fill out the form SF008_Application for Transfer credits via SAAS Online Application System (SOAS) from our website.
Submit the application early: Submit the completed application form (SF008) along with the overseas course syllabus to SOAS at least one month before the date of departure.
(Including SDST courses and non-SDST courses)
The concerned departments will consider your application for credit transfer on a case-by-case basis.
Guideline for Credit Transfer for Summer and Winter Exchange Programmes:
Please note that all Credit Transfer applications shall be evaluated by the relevant Course Approver(s) and subsequently endorsed by the Programme Director.
Preliminary approval: The Department will review your application and notify you by email once your credit transfer application is preliminarily approved.
Prior approval for course mapping must be sought before departure.
- Send your official transcript: After completing your courses abroad, email your official transcript to ugenq@hku.hk by replying to the preliminary approval Email.
Receive confirmation of transferred credits: You will receive a confirmation email once your credits are verified.
For Non-SAAS Students
Please consult with your home Faculty/Department for the procedure of application for transfer of credits. You can first select the equivalent courses based on the course description, course outline, syllabus, etc. You should submit your complete application via your home Faculty/Department, who will forward your application to us for consideration on a case-by-case basis. It is not necessary to contact us direct unless otherwise instructed.
Note:
For application of credit transfer for courses with pre-requisite, students are reminded that it is expected for them to have completed the pre-requisite courses by the time they submit the application. Otherwise, there is no guarantee that the application will be approved.
The final decision on the application result shall be at the discretion of the School of Computing and Data Science and Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science.
Useful Information
- You do not need to consult individual course teachers or the Department before submitting the application, as credit transfer decisions are not made immediately. However, if you need urgent advice, you may contact the Course Approver or Department via email.
- Applications related to non-SDST courses will be forwarded to the relevant course offering departments for course equivalency verification.
- Prior approval for course mapping must be sought before departure.
The above procedures are applicable only to BSc(ActuarSc) and BStat Students [admitted in 2025 and thereafter]. Students from other faculties should consult their home faculty for further instructions.
For Enquiry:
(General)
Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science
Email: ugenq@hku.hk
(Credit transfer course approver for actuarial science courses e.g. SDSTx9xx)
Prof. Tim J. Boonen
Email: tjboonen@hku.hk
(Credit transfer course approver for statistics courses e.g. SDSTx6xx)
Prof. C. Wang
Email: stacw@hku.hk
