University of Hong Kong Summer Program 2026 (Fully Funded) for All Nationalities 2026

Elevate your academic profile with the University of Hong Kong (HKU) Summer Research Programme 2026—a prestigious, fully funded opportunity for outstanding undergraduate and postgraduate students worldwide. Hosted by one of Asia's leading universities, this immersive 10-week programme offers a unique platform to engage in cutting-edge research, gain international exposure, and collaborate with renowned scholars in a dynamic, global city. Scheduled from 1st June to 7th August 2026, this initiative is designed to foster intellectual growth and cross-cultural exchange among elite students interested in pursuing research postgraduate studies.

Participants will work directly with HKU faculty on research projects across diverse disciplines, from science and engineering to humanities and social sciences, enhancing both their academic credentials and professional networks. This summer programme is more than a research stint—it's a gateway to academic inspiration, lifelong connections, and a standout experience in one of the world's most vibrant cities.

If you want to explore other opportunities alongside this programme, you can check fully funded scholarships in Hong Kong for international students for more options in the same region.

Quick Overview

• University: University of Hong Kong (HKU)

• Host Country: Hong Kong

• Programme Name: Summer Research Programme 2026

• Duration: 10 weeks (1st June – 7th August 2026)

• Target Participants: Outstanding undergraduate (Year 3/4) and Master's students

• Financial Coverage: Fully Funded (scholarship + airfare + accommodation support)

• Application Deadline: 9th February 2026 (exact date to be confirmed)

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Programme Benefits

As a fully funded opportunity, selected participants will receive comprehensive support designed to remove financial barriers.

• Scholarship: HK$10,000 awarded upon successful completion of the programme

• Airfare Support: Financial support of up to HK$5,000 for round-trip airfare (reimbursement basis)

• Accommodation Support: Financial support of up to HK$5,000 for university accommodation (reimbursement basis)

• Tuition and Research Fees: Comprehensive coverage for the programme duration

• Health Insurance: Provided during the programme

• World-Class Facilities: Access to HKU's cutting-edge laboratories and extensive research collections

Note: Students residing or currently studying in Hong Kong are only eligible to receive financial support for university accommodation.

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One-to-One Mentorship with Eminent Professors

Successful applicants will be supervised by an eminent professor at HKU to plan and carry out a research project tailored to their interests.

• The Programme office helps match participants with mentors based on participants' given priorities and research interests

• Some distinguished professors have already expressed strong interest in meeting and working with outstanding students

• Lists of potential mentors are available for review

• You are strongly encouraged to propose one or more professoriate staff mentors you would like to work with

• For applicants selecting the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, please propose a maximum of two mentors

• You are also encouraged to contact proposed mentors before submitting an application

This personalized mentorship is a cornerstone of the programme, providing invaluable guidance and support.

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Prizes and Awards for Top Performers

Prizes and awards are available for top performers in the Programme, recognizing exceptional achievement and dedication.

• A small number of participants with outstanding performance and excellent academic records may be awarded a conditional offer of the HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship

• The HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship is the most prestigious entrance scholarship, designed to attract top students from around the world

• Scholarship package includes:

• Up to HK$433,300 (US$55,560) in the first year

• Up to HK$413,300 (US$52,990) in each subsequent year during the normative study period

This represents an incredible pathway to doctoral studies at a world-class institution.

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Eligibility Criteria

The programme is open to current undergraduate and postgraduate students with a strong academic record and demonstrated interest in research.

Target Participants

• Outstanding undergraduate students in year 3 and year 4 with CGPA 3.6 or above (or equivalent)

• Outstanding students in Master's degree programmes with a Bachelor's degree in 1st Class Honours (or equivalent)

Additional Considerations

• If you are a Year 2 undergraduate student with excellent academic achievement or ample research experience, you are encouraged to apply (though senior students may have slightly higher priority)

• English proficiency is required, as the programme is conducted in English

• If you have not yet taken an English language proficiency test, you can still apply, though this will be one of the considerations when selecting candidates

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Selection Criteria

Selection is based on several factors designed to identify the most promising candidates.

• Outstanding academic performance – demonstrated through grades and academic achievements

• Strong interest in research postgraduate studies – shows commitment to advanced research

• Previous research experience – even at undergraduate level, strengthens applications

• Interest in interdisciplinary studies – valued by the selection committee

• High English proficiency – for full programme participation

• Mature and independent – candidates who can manage their own projects are preferred

• Proposed faculty, department, field of study, and potential mentors – influence selection decisions

How to Apply

The application process is conducted entirely online through the official HKU Graduate School website.

Step-by-Step Application Process

• Step 1: Visit the official HKU Graduate School website during the application period

• Step 2: Prepare your personal and academic information

• Step 3: Identify your proposed faculty, department, field of study, and mentor(s)

• Step 4: Write a personal statement (300-500 words) describing:

• Your reason(s) for applying to the HKU Summer Research Programme

• What you hope to gain from this experience

• Your short and long-term career goals

• The HKU Programme(s) that interest you

• Step 5: Prepare a research interest statement (100-200 words) – visit the homepage of your proposed faculty/department and describe the research topic(s) that interest you

• Step 6: Gather supporting documents:

• Passport size photo

• CV highlighting academic achievement and research experience

• Final/latest transcript and certificate of your Bachelor's programme

• Final/latest transcript and certificate of your Master's programme (if any)

• English language proficiency test results (if applicable)

• Step 7: Pay the non-refundable application fee of HK$300 online through various methods (Credit Cards, WeChat Pay, Alipay, Faster Payment System)

• Step 8: Submit your application before the deadline

Important Application Notes

• Applicants are strongly advised to apply only through the official HKU website to avoid fraudulent portals

• After payment is authorized, an application number will be assigned and an acknowledgement email will be sent

• If your official transcript is not ready before the deadline, please upload the latest available transcript

• Faculties and departments start considering applications immediately after the deadline, so submit all documents via the online system

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Important Dates

Event Date Application Period Early January – early February 2026 (exact dates TBC) Application Deadline Approximately 9th February 2026 (5pm Hong Kong Time) Selection Process February – mid-March 2026 Results Announcement Mid-March 2026 Visa Application Mid-March – mid-April 2026 (8-10 weeks processing) Programme Start 1st June 2026

Note for 2026: The online application system typically opens in early January, with the deadline around early February. Monitor the official HKU website for exact dates.

Programme Schedule

The Summer Research Programme runs from early June to early August with the following structure:

• Weeks 1-2 (June 1-15): Can be conducted via online

• Weeks 3-10 (June 16 – August 7): All participants required to attend in person at HKU

• Flexibility: Participants who cannot come to Hong Kong by mid-June due to final examinations may join online until completion, subject to prior approval

Programme Highlights

• Individual research work with mentor guidance

• Project presentations

• Research skills lectures and seminars

• Teambuilding workshops

• Programme opening and completion ceremonies

• Networking and extra-curricular activities

Visa Application for Non-Local Students

All students without the right of abode or right to land in Hong Kong must apply for a student visa from the Hong Kong Immigration Department.

• Admitted students should submit their visa application immediately after being admitted to the Programme

• Processing takes 8-10 weeks

• Detailed information about student visa application is available on the HKU website

Why Choose HKU Summer Research Programme

• World-Class Institution: HKU is one of Asia's leading universities with global recognition

• Comprehensive Funding: Scholarship, airfare support, and accommodation support

• Expert Mentorship: One-to-one guidance from eminent professors

• Pathway to PhD: Potential conditional offer for the prestigious HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship

• International Exposure: Network with elite students from around the world

• Dynamic Location: Experience Hong Kong, one of the world's most vibrant cities

• Academic Growth: Enhance research skills and build professional networks

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Tips for a Strong Application

• Start Early: Begin preparing documents and identifying potential mentors months in advance

• Research Faculty: Explore faculty homepages and the HKU Scholars Hub to find mentors matching your interests

• Contact Potential Mentors: Reach out to proposed mentors before submitting your application

• Write Compelling Statements: Clearly articulate your research interests, goals, and reasons for applying

• Highlight Research Experience: Emphasize any previous research, even at undergraduate level

• Meet Academic Requirements: Ensure your CGPA meets the 3.6 threshold for undergraduates

• Prepare Documents Early: Have transcripts, CV, and photo ready in required formats

• Pay Application Fee: Complete payment to receive your application number

• Submit Complete Application: Ensure all documents are uploaded before the deadline

Final Thoughts

The University of Hong Kong Summer Research Programme 2026 offers a transformative opportunity for outstanding students to experience world-class research in one of Asia's most dynamic cities. With comprehensive financial support including a HK$10,000 scholarship, airfare support up to HK$5,000, and accommodation support up to HK$5,000, selected participants can focus entirely on their research experience without financial worry.

One-to-one mentorship with eminent professors, the chance to win prizes for top performers, and the possibility of a conditional offer for the prestigious HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship (valued at up to HK$433,300 in the first year) make this programme an unparalleled academic experience.

The programme is open to outstanding Year 3/4 undergraduate students (CGPA 3.6+) and Master's students (Bachelor's with First Class Honours). Applications typically open in early January with a deadline around early February (approximately 9th February 2026).

Eligible candidates should begin preparing their applications now, identifying potential mentors, crafting strong personal statements, and gathering required documents before the deadline. This could be your gateway to academic inspiration and lifelong connections at one of the world's leading universities.

Good luck with your application

Apply Now

For complete details and to apply, visit the official HKU Graduate School website. The 2026 programme information will be updated on this page when available:

Apply for University of Hong Kong (HKU) Summer Research Programme 2026