Call for Applications: Join the Fully Funded University of Hong Kong Summer Research Programme 2026

Ednah Carrick January 19, 2026

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Closing Date: 9 February 2026

Call for Applications: Join the Fully Funded University of Hong Kong Summer Research Programme 2026

Overview

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) Summer Research Programme (“the Programme”) 2026 is a 10-week intense research training programme with networking and extra-curricular activities for elite students around the world who are interested in pursuing research postgraduate studies at HKU.

Benefits for Participants

One-to-one mentorship with an eminent professor
Successful 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 and research interest.

Scholarship for participants
A scholarship of HK$10,000 will be awarded to each participant upon successful completion of the Programme.

Financial support
Financial support of airfare up to HK$5,000, and university accommodation up to HK$5,000 will be provided on a reimbursement basis. (Students residing or currently studying in Hong Kong are only eligible to receive financial support for university accommodation.)

Prizes and awards for top performers
Prizes and awards will be available for top performers in the Programme.

Possible conditional offer for an HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship
A small number of participants with outstanding performance and excellent academic records may be awarded a conditional offer of the HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship to pursue PhD studies at HKU upon completion of the current studies. 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$439,500 (US$56,350) in the first year, and up to HK$422,000 (US$54,110) in each of the subsequent years during the normative study period. The amount may be adjusted pending approval of budget.

Selection of Participants

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 programme with a Bachelor’s degree in 1^st Class Honours (or equivalent)

Selection criteria

Outstanding academic performance
Strong interest in research postgraduate studies
Previous research experience
Interest in interdisciplinary studies
High English proficiency
Mature and independent

How to Apply

The online application system will be open from January 9, 2026 (10am Hong Kong Time GMT+8) to February 9, 2026 (5pm Hong Kong Time GMT+8). The application fee (non-refundable) is HK$300.

Required information/documents for the online application:

Personal and academic information
Proposed faculty, department, field of study and mentor(s)
Personal statement (300-500 words) describing: your reason(s) for applying to the HKU Research Programme; what do you hope to gain from this experience; your short and long-term career goals; and the HKU Programme(s) that interest you.
Research interest (100-200 words): Visit the homepage of your proposed faculty/department/unit and describe the research topic(s) that interest you, and the area(s) that you would like to focus on if you are admitted to the HKU Summer Research Programme 2026.
Supporting documents
- passport size photo
- your CV highlighting your academic achievement, research experience, and professional credentials
- final/latest transcript and certificate of your Bachelor’s programme
- final/latest transcript and certificate of your Master’s programme (if any)
- result of your English language proficiency test (for applicants from institutions outside Hong Kong where the language of instruction and examination is not entirely in English)

Timeline

Timeline	Work
January 9, 2026 (10am HKT) – February 9, 2026 (5pm HKT)	Application period
Mid-February – March 2026	Selection
By end of March 2026	Announcement of results
By mid-April, 2026	Visa application for non-local students (8-10 weeks)
June 1 – August 7, 2026	Summer Research Programme at HKU Note: Week 1 and Week 2 of the Programme (i.e. June 1 – 14, 2026) can be conducted via online. All participants are required to attend the Programme in person at HKU starting from Week 3 until the end of the Programme (i.e. June 15 – August 7, 2026). For participants who cannot come to Hong Kong on or before June 15, 2026 due to final examination, joining the Programme via online until completion of examination is subject to prior approval of the Graduate School.