One-to-one mentorship with an eminent professorSuccessful applicants will be supervised by an eminent professor in HKU to plan and carry out a research project. The Programme office will help participants match with mentors based on participants’ given priorities.
Scholarship for participantsA scholarship of HK$10,0001 will be awarded to each participant of the Programme upon successful completion of the Programme.
Financial support Financial support of airfare up to HK$5,0001, and university accommodation up to HK$5,0001 will be provided on a reimbursement basis.
Prizes and awards for top performersPrizes and awards will be available for top performers in the Programme. The details will be announced in due course.
Possible conditional offer for a HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship Selected students with outstanding performance may be awarded a conditional offer for the HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship. The HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship is the most prestigious entrance scholarship to attract top students from around the world to pursue full-time PhD studies at HKU. The scholarship package includes up to HK$420,900 (US$53,960) in the first year, and up to HK$400,900 (US$51,390) in each of the subsequent years during the normative study period. Click here for the details regarding the scholarship.
1 The amount may be adjusted pending approval of budget.
Selection of ParticipantsTarget participantsOutstanding undergraduate students in year 3 and year 4 with excellent CGPA; or students in Master’s degree programmes with excellent Bachelor’s degrees from top universities, who are interested to pursue a PhD at HKU.
Selection criteria- Outstanding academic performance- Strong interest in research postgraduate studies- Previous research experience Interest in interdisciplinary studies- High English proficiency- Mature and independent
Online ApplicationPlease click here to complete the online application form.
Required Information
ItemsSupporting documents (to be uploaded via the online application form)Basic information for personal identification(name, contact information, etc.)Proof of applicant’s identity will be required at admissionEducation qualificationCopies of certificates and academic transcripts in English of your UG and/or Master programme (as specified in the application form):
The documents should indicate:- Full name of school- Full name of applicant- GPA, class ranking, etc.
Copies of official score report of English language proficiency tests for applicants from institutions outside HK where the language of instruction and examination is not entirely in English, if available.
Research experience- Describe up to 3 research experiences you have had- Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting your academic and professional credentialsAdditional informationTwo-part Essay
Part 1: Personal statement (300-500 words)
Write an essay describing:
> Your reason for applying to the HKU Summer Research Programme. What do you hope to gain from this experience?> Your short and long-term career goals> The HKU Programmes that interest you
Part 2: Summer research interest (100-200 words)
Please browse HKU research topics on HKU department webpages. Write an essay describing:> General research topics that interest you> Areas you would like to focus on this summer
Application feeThere will be a non-refundable application fee of HK$300.TimelineTimelineWorkDec 1, 2022 – Jan 27, 2023Application periodFeb 1 – 21, 2023SelectionThe week of Mar 1, 2023Announcement of resultsMar – May, 2023Visa application for non-local students (8-10 weeks)May 29 – Aug 4, 202310-week Summer Research Programme at HKU(detailed programme to follow)Note: Admitted students who have not started the summer vacation on May 29 may attend the Programme via online mode as an exceptional arrangement until they can physically come to Hong Kong).
Programme Highlights- Individual research work with guidance from the mentor- Peer Seminars: Project Plans and Summary Presentations- Research skills courses and seminars- Teambuilding workshops- Programme completion ceremony
(Programme details to be followed)
FAQQ1. Can I apply for Summer Research Programme if I am just a Year 2 UG student?A1: If you are an outstanding student with excellent academic achievement, or you have ample research experience, you may still submit your application for the summer research programme for the Faculties to consider. Though senior UG students might have higher priority to be selected.
Q2. I will have my exam and cannot come to Hong Kong till mid-/late June, can I still apply /eligible for the programme?A2: If you are selected for the programme, you may apply to attend the Programme via online mode as an exceptional arrangement until you can physically come to Hong Kong. It is expected that students should arrive Hong Kong in person in week 4 the latest.
Q3. I haven’t taken the English Language proficiency test, am I eligible to apply for the summer research programme?A3: You may still apply for the summer research programme if you have not yet taken the English Language proficiency test, although that would be one of the considerations when selecting candidates for the programme.
Q4. I realised that I have submitted wrong information in the form by mistake, what should I do?A4: Please send in the request for amending submitted information via email: gradsch@hku.hk.
Q5. I have submitted the application and uploaded the required documents, but I haven’t paid the application fee. What should I do?A5: Your application will not be processed if you have not paid the application fee. Please proceed to settle the payment and send an email to grdsch@hku.hk specifying your full name, registered email address and the receipt number.
Q6. My official transcript will not be ready before the application deadline. What should I do?A6: Please submit the latest transcript available for the application.
Q7. Can I submit supplementary information after submission of information?A7: Please arrange all your documents and supplementary information all in one pdf file, and send it to gradsch@hku.hk. The latest submission of documents will replace the previous set of documents.
Q8. Will there be selection interviews for the programme?A8: It depends on different faculties. You will be contacted by the proposed faculty via your registered email address should there be any interviews be held during February 2023.
Visa Application for Non-Local StudentsAdmitted students are advised to submit the visa application, if needed, as soon as you receive a confirmation email from Graduate School. Please click here for more details about student visa application. For inquiries, please contact here.
Students are also reminded to pay attention to any special arrangements due to COVID. For most updated information by the HKSAR Government, please visit https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/index.html.
AcknowledgementThe Summer Research Programme 2023 is funded by the University of Hong Kong Foundation for Educational Development and Research.