Language

Cantonese is the most used language in Hong Kong. It is also the main medium of instruction in the ABS (sometimes in English or Putonghua). Overseas students, therefore, must endeavor to learn and master Cantonese in order to adapt to classroom learning and daily life communication.

Financial Responsibility

Overseas students, before their admission to ABS, must declare their source of income to prove that they can cover all required tuition fees, dining and lodging fees, and other miscellaneous expenses. This includes a detailed list of bank statements or guarantee letters from a church or an organization.

Entry Visa

Before applying to enter Hong Kong, overseas students must first receive the notification of admission issued by the ABS. Copies of proof of financial ability and a valid passport must be submitted together with the duly completed student visa to the Seminary. The ABS will hand in the application on the student's behalf to the Hong Kong Immigration Department. Since the application for the entry visa takes time, the ABS has set the admission application deadline on January 31 to allow students ample time to complete all the necessary procedures, so they could arrive at the ABS by mid-August to prepare for the commencement in September. Although students of advanced pastoral programs can be admitted to the program in any quarter, it takes at least 6 months for the visa/entry permit application to be processed.

Employment

According to the Hong Kong immigration law, overseas full-time students are not permitted to engage in any employment in Hong Kong, unless prior permission has been given by the Immigration Department. The chance of obtaining a working permit is very slim.

Interview

The ABS may appoint a local church pastor or alumni to interview overseas applicants to better understand the real situation of the applicants and to determine whether to accept the application.

2026.1.28 (GC)