Hong Kong University CDS Fully Funded Research Internship 2026

Apply now for a summer research experience at the University of Hong Kong with a generous stipend—open to undergraduate students from all countries! The University of Hong Kong (HKU) School of Computing and Data Science (CDS) is offering a fully funded research internship for outstanding undergraduate students from around the world. This competitive program provides hands-on research experience, professional mentorship, and international exposure in one of Asia's most dynamic cities.

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Internship Overview at a Glance

• Host Institution: University of Hong Kong (HKU), School of Computing and Data Science

• Program: CDS Research Internship Programme 2026

• Location: Hong Kong (on-campus) with potential online options

• Duration: July 19 – August 31, 2026 (negotiable with supervisor)

• Stipend: Approximately HK$19,601 (covers living expenses, accommodation, and local transportation)

• Number of Positions: Around 40

• Eligible Applicants: Year 2 and 3 undergraduate students worldwide

• Fields: Computer Science, AI, Data Science, and related disciplines

• Application Deadline: May 31, 2026 (5:00 p.m. Hong Kong time)

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About the Program

The HKU CDS Research Internship Programme offers undergraduate students a unique opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research at one of Asia's top universities. Selected interns will:

• Work on research projects supervised by HKU faculty members

• Collaborate with PhD students and researchers

• Gain hands-on experience in Computer Science, AI, and Data Science

• Present research outcomes at the end of the internship

• Explore postgraduate study opportunities at HKU

The program accepts approximately 40 outstanding students from Mainland China, Hong Kong, and other countries worldwide.

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Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the HKU CDS Research Internship 2026, you must:

• Be a current Year 2 or Year 3 undergraduate student

• Be pursuing a degree in Computer Science, AI, Data Science, or a related discipline

• Be enrolled at a university in Mainland China, Hong Kong, or any other country worldwide

• Have a strong academic record (GPA and class ranking considered)

• Demonstrate research interest and motivation

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Financial Benefits

The internship provides comprehensive financial support:

• Total Stipend: Approximately HK$19,601 (enough to cover accommodation, local transportation, and living expenses for the entire period)

• Additional Support: Students can discuss extra funding for airfare with their supervisors

• No Tuition Fees: The program is fully funded for selected participants

This generous package ensures that interns can focus entirely on their research without financial worries.

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Important Dates

• Application Deadline: May 31, 2026 (5:00 p.m. HKT)

• Notification of Results: Rolling basis (as early as May, once supervisor agreement is reached)

• Internship Start Date: July 19, 2026

• Internship End Date: August 31, 2026 (flexible with supervisor)

Note: Offers may be sent quickly if a supervisor and applicant reach an agreement early. Early application is strongly encouraged.

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How to Apply

Step 1: Explore Research Areas and Potential Supervisors

Before applying, visit the faculty pages to identify professors whose research matches your interests:

• Department of AI & Data Science Faculty: https://ai.hku.hk/people/academic-staff

• Department of Computer Science Faculty: https://www.cs.hku.hk/people/academic-staff

Step 2: Contact Potential Supervisors (Strongly Recommended)

Email professors whose work interests you. Introduce yourself, express your interest, and inquire about potential research projects. This significantly increases your chances of matching with a supervisor.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application Documents

You will need:

• Academic transcripts since entering university

• CV/Resume (maximum 2 pages)

• Statement of Purpose (max 150 words)

Step 4: Complete the Online Application

The application form requires:

• Personal particulars (name, gender, email)

• University and degree program details

• GPA and optional class ranking

• Statement of purpose (explaining your interest and goals)

• Research area preferences (1st, 2nd, 3rd choice)

• Proposed supervisor(s) (optional but recommended)

• Attachments (transcripts + CV combined into one PDF file, max 5 MB)

Step 5: Wait for Notification

If a supervisor is interested in working with you, you may receive an offer quickly. Otherwise, notifications continue through May.

Note: Recommendation letters are optional. TOEFL scores are not required.

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Application Form Details

When completing the online form, you will need to provide:

Personal Information

• Name in English and Chinese (if applicable)

• Email address

• University name

• Degree program and current year of study

Academic Information

• GPA (with scale, e.g., 83.5/100)

• Class ranking (optional, e.g., 12/65)

Statement of Purpose (Max 150 words)

Address these questions:

• Why are you interested in this program?

• Is there any particular research topic at HKU CDS that interests you?

• What would you like to achieve from this experience?

Research Interests

Select up to three research areas from the CDS research groups.

Proposed Supervisors (Optional)

Identify potential supervisors after reviewing faculty webpages.

Attachments

Combine your academic transcripts and CV into one PDF file (max 5 MB) for upload.

Visa Information for International Students

Selected students must apply for a "training visa" through the Hong Kong Immigration Department.

Requirements:

• Official stamped letter from your home institution supporting your training at HKU

• Statement confirming you will return to your institution after the internship

• Tourist visas are NOT acceptable

Important: Confirm that your university can provide the required support letter before applying.

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Why Choose HKU CDS?

World-Class Institution

• The University of Hong Kong consistently ranks among the top universities globally, with strong reputation in computing and data science

Research Excellence

• HKU CDS faculty are leaders in fields like artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, computer vision, and theoretical computer science

International Environment

• Work alongside students and researchers from around the world in Hong Kong—a vibrant, multicultural city

Career Development

• Gain research experience that strengthens your profile for postgraduate studies and industry careers

Pathway to Postgraduate Studies

• The program introduces students to HKU's research postgraduate programs, potentially leading to future M.Phil. or Ph.D. opportunities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Will interns attend classes or only pursue research?

A: Interns work full-time on research projects. You are expected to work during regular hours, constantly discussing with your supervisor and their PhD students. No classes are involved.

Q2: Will I be matched with a professor in my area of interest?

A: Yes. A professor whose research matches your interests will supervise you and assign a research task.

Q3: How can I prepare before the internship starts?

A: Review faculty research profiles and contact your potential supervisor for guidance on preparatory reading or tasks.

Q4: Is the stipend enough for living expenses in Hong Kong?

A: Yes. The HK$19,601 stipend is designed to cover local transportation, accommodation, and living expenses for the entire period. Some supervisors may offer additional funding for airfare—discuss this individually.

Q5: I transferred to CDS after my first year. Which GPA should I submit?

A: Provide GPA and ranking based on CDS subjects if possible. Mathematics rankings will also be considered.

Q6: Should I indicate research preferences?

A: Yes, indicating preferences helps match you with a suitable supervisor. However, it's not mandatory.

Q7: I'm a third-year student. My second-semester grades aren't available yet. What should I submit?

A: First-semester GPA and ranking are acceptable.

Q8: Will there be an interview?

A: Interviews are not mandatory. If required, it will likely be a short Skype interview.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Start Early: Begin researching faculty interests and contacting potential supervisors months before the deadline

• Reach Out to Professors: Email potential supervisors whose work interests you—this significantly increases your chances

• Prepare a Strong Statement: In 150 words, clearly explain your interest and what you hope to achieve

• Maintain Strong Grades: GPA and class ranking are important selection factors

• Combine Documents Properly: Upload transcripts and CV as one PDF file (max 5 MB)

• Check Visa Requirements: Ensure your university can provide the required support letter

• Apply Early: Offers may be sent quickly when supervisors match with applicants

• Proofread Everything: Check for errors before submitting

Final Thoughts

The HKU CDS Fully Funded Research Internship 2026 offers an exceptional opportunity for undergraduate students to experience world-class research in one of Asia's premier institutions. With comprehensive financial support, mentorship from leading faculty, and exposure to cutting-edge projects, this program can be a transformative step in your academic and professional journey.

The program accepts around 40 students from around the world, with a generous stipend of HK$19,601 covering all expenses. You'll work on research projects in Computer Science, AI, and Data Science, supervised by HKU faculty members, and present your outcomes at the end of the internship.

The key to success? Start early, research faculty interests, contact potential supervisors, and submit a strong application before the May 31, 2026 deadline.

Good luck with your application

Apply Now

For complete and official information and to submit your online application, visit the official HKU CDS program page:

Apply for HKU CDS Fully Funded Research Internship 2026 Hong Kong