Correspondence Courses

GIA Hong Kong offers self-paced correspondence courses in Chinese. These courses are self-paced, and students must complete all course requirements and pass the final exam within maximum completion times.

Students may earn a GIA correspondence diploma through a combination of correspondence courses and short instructor-led lab classes. To earn your diploma, you must enroll and complete the required combination of individual courses and lab classes.

Lab classes give students hands-on experience grading and identifying gemstones and learning to use professional gemological equipment with the guidance and support of a GIA instructor.

To enroll in Chinese-language correspondence courses and lab classes, complete the application form on How to Apply

English-language online courses are offered through GIA Online Education and the GIA campus in Carlsbad, California, U.S.A.

How Online Education Works

• All textbooks are provided at the start of the course.
• Each course has a set number of assignments with a questionnaire at the end to assess your knowledge and understanding of the subject. The Gem Identification course also has practical assignments where you identify gemstones in the GIA Student Workroom.
• Your instructor is available by email or phone to answer questions and provide instructional support Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. excluding holidays.
• Submit your assignments to your instructor through email for grading.
• Each course has a final exam that requires a passing grade to earn your certificate. All exams must be taken in a GIA Student Workroom.
• The start and end dates of the course are specified in your enrollment agreement. You must complete all required coursework and the final exam by the end date of the course.