Distinguishing Features of Computer Science Programs at HKUST

Comprehensive Academic Program

Our degree program is designed to provide students with the widest selection of computer science courses, including Internet Computing, Networking, Information Security, Information Retrieval, Database Systems and Management, Computer Systems, Multimedia, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, Embedded Systems, Computer Music, Computer Vision, Computer Graphics, Programming Languages, Theoretical Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Big Data Mining and Human-Computer Interaction. In addition to the individual degree programs, we also allow students to pursue additional major(s) or enroll in a dual-degree program.

Broad Spectrum of Minor Programs

To allow computer science students to broaden their interests in other disciplines, students may enroll in a number of different minor programs, including Big Data Technology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Technology Management, Business, China Studies, Humanities, Liberal Studies, and Social Science.

Top-Rated International Faculty

Our faculty obtained their Ph.D. degrees from or held previous academic positions at top universities in the world, especially in North America. They are student-friendly and provide a nurturing environment to help students acquire professional knowledge and a creative mindset. Classes are taught in the American teaching style, with classes conducted in English.

Honors Courses, Independent Study and Undergraduate Research Opportunities for Elite Students

Exciting and challenging opportunities are offered to elite students. They can enroll in Honors Courses, which are usually enriched and accelerated comparing to its regular version. Class size is small and allows closer interaction with professors. Students can also take single-person independent study or undergraduate research under direct supervision of professor for selected topics. This would greatly help them to develop their personal interests and prepare for further postgraduate studies.

Various Scholarships

The University, as well as the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, offer students a number of scholarships, each typically ranging from HK$10,000 to HK$40,000 per year. Exceptionally outstanding students may receive up to full tuition fee plus HK$40,000 per year. Each entrant is automatically considered for such scholarships. Most scholarships are awarded to students based on their academic merit and the department's recommendations.

Valuable Industrial Exposure

Students have the opportunity to gain industrial exposure and learn the skills necessary to begin successful careers by participating in internships. Students have a wide range of internship choices to suit their preference. Some of the companies where our students have taken up placements and internships recently are HSBC, Lenovo, Microsoft, Morgan Stanley, PricewaterhouseCoopers, etc.

Overseas/Mainland Exchange Programs

These exchange programs let students study for one year or one semester at an overseas or Mainland top university with no additional tuition fees. Currently the School of Engineering has more than 100 international exchange partners, including University of California at Berkeley, University of California at Los Angeles, University of Pennsylvania, University of Michigan, University of Southern California, University of Washington, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, and University of Sydney.

Outstanding Student Achievements

Our students often say that a big part of their education takes place outside the classroom. They have performed very well in various awards and competitions, like the Golden Penguin Greater China Open Source Software Competition, IBM PhD Fellowship Program, ACM KDD CUP Data Mining Contest, and ACM International Collegiate Programming Contest. Our department has our own programming team for ACM competitions. Here is the list of student achievements.

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