Short-term Abroad Partnerships
Through Short-term Abroad Partnerships (SAP), students can enrol in short-term programmes at renowned universities in Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania for intensive study and research, or undertake internships in vibrant overseas cities and gain practical work skills.
Many programmes have returned to being fully in-person, but some still offer online options. Refer to the host institution’s website for details. Whether you’re looking to experience a new environment first-hand, or immerse yourself in an engaging learning experience from the comfort of your own home, there are a variety of options for you to choose from!
To participate in one of the programmes listed under SAP, you will first need to obtain a nomination offer from the International Affairs Office.
Eligibility Criteria
- Full-time undergraduate student;
- Good academic standing: students with a CGPA 3.0 or above have a relatively higher chance of getting placement in a programme;
- Outgoing and eager to meet new challenges;
- Ready to be an ambassador of HKU;
- Willing to share exchange experience after the programme;
Points to Note Before You Apply
- Programme teaching mode and availability are subject to change. Please check the official programme websites for more information on the latest teaching arrangements.
- Although the COVID-19 pandemic remains ongoing, this should not dissuade you from applying to an SAP programme. Our office will be here to provide support as best as we can.
- All students applying to participate in a short-term programme are automatically considered to receive financial assistance. No separate application is necessary.
- Some programmes may only be offered during a certain application period (i.e. Early, First, or Second Round). You are advised to check the programme details carefully and apply as soon as possible. Due to quota limitations, priority will be given to those who apply early.
- After receiving the nomination offer from IAO, you will need to submit an application to the host institution directly.
- Application deadlines for each programme vary. Please refer to the host institution’s programme page for their specific deadlines.
Virtual Information Sessions
Many programmes hold regular information sessions to introduce their offerings to prospective students. Details can be found on each programme’s official website.
You are also encouraged to register for HKU-specific information sessions.
Visit our Upcoming Events Page for more information!
Programme Details
Programme Highlights
University of Oxford - Exeter College
The Exeter College Summer Programme offers a wide range of cross-disciplinary lecture courses taught be leading scholars in their fields. Or, if you enjoy research, are working towards a senior thesis, or considering applying to graduate school, you can opt for a self-directed research tutorial and work 1-to-1 with an expert in your field in the ECSP 2023. All teaching is modelled on Oxford University’s world-renowned tutorial system – personalised, small-group, discussion-based learning which is the basis of all undergraduate teaching in Oxford.
- Recommended for: Students from Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Business and Economics, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Science and Faculty of Social Sciences
- Highlighted courses: Literatures of Modernism; Why Be Good? An Introduction to Ethics; Introduction to Fluid Dynamics
- Programme: Exeter College Summer Programme
- Duration: 25 June – 5 August 2023
- Tuition Fee: GBP 4000*
- Accommodation Fee: GBP 3050
*ECSP Scholarships are available. Selected candidates will be invited for interviews (only if applicable).
University of Cambridge - Pembroke College
The Pembroke Cambridge Summer Programme offers you the unique opportunity to enjoy outstanding small-group teaching in a beautiful and inspiring academic setting. The programme combines the intimacy of College life with the excitement of studying with several hundred students from all around the world which helps you make the most of your six weeks in Cambridge.
- Recommended for: Students from Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Business and Economics, Faculty of Science and Faculty of Social Sciences
- Highlighted courses: Contemporary Issues in Neuroscience; Cambridge and its Writers: 1209 – Present; Advanced Microeconomic Theory
- Programme: Pembroke Cambridge Summer Programme (3 modules)
- Duration: (1) 10 July – 28 July 2023 ; (2) 31 July – 18 August 2023 ; (3) 10 July – 18 August 2023
- Tuition Fee: GBP 5286
- Accommodation Fee: GBP 2340 - 3215
King's College London
King's Undergraduate Summer School delivers globally-renowned, research-led teaching including lectures, small group seminars, and workshops to make summer classes as engaging and informative as possible. You get live case studies, educational visits and talks from expert guest speakers. You can also apply for credit from your home institution towards your undergraduate degree, enhance your career prospects and build an international network.
- Recommended for: Students from Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Business and Economics, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Medicine, and Faculty of Social Sciences
- Highlighted courses: 3D Printing; Business & Management; Human Anatomy & Physiology; Secret & Spies: Modern Espionage
- Programme: KCL Undergraduate Summer School (2 sessions)
- Duration: (1) 3 – 14 July 2023 ; (2) 17 – 28 July 2023
- Tuition Fee: GBP 2400 - 4800 (without housing)
London School of Economics and Political Science
LSE Summer School programmes are based on typical LSE undergraduate courses and are taught to the same high standard. Each course is carefully designed by faculty members to provide you with an authentic experience of LSE teaching, with comprehensive study materials and an intensive curriculum. You will study under lecturers who are actively involved in research, with many having connections that go beyond the university, influencing government policy and the strategies of the world’s top companies.
- Recommended for: Students from Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Business and Economics, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Science and Faculty of Social Sciences
- Highlighted courses: Management of Organisations; Business Analysis and Valuation; America as a Global Power: FDR to Biden; International Political Economy: States and Markets in the 21st Century
- Programme: LSE Summer School (3 sessions)
- Duration: (1) 19 June – 7 July 2023 ; (2) 10 July – 28 July 2023 ; (3) 31 July – 18 August 2023
- Tuition Fee: GBP 2750 - 5400 (without housing)
* HKU Students are eligible for a 10% partner discount.
University of Gothenburg
The Summer School for Sustainability is a chance to take action on sustainability and deepen your understanding of global challenges and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Join an international cohort of like-minded people for five inspirational weeks and get the chance to visit the beautiful city of Gothenburg.
- Recommended for: Students from Faculty of Arts
- Programme: Summer School for Sustainability
- Duration: 3 July – 4 August 2023
- Tuition Fee: None
* Summer School for Sustainability courses are free of charge for all students from partner universities; however, spots are extremely limited and the programme is highly competitive. Nomination from your home institution is required in order to apply. Selected candidates will be invited for interviews.
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley Summer Sessions offers more than 600 courses, including Summer-only certificates, English As a Second Language, and online options. Summer visiting international students get the opportunity to enrol in Berkeley courses for credit alongside UC Berkeley degree-seeking students as well as domestic visitors.
- Recommended for: Students from Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Business and Economics, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Social Sciences
- Highlighted courses: The Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs, Economic Statistics and Econometrics, General Biology Lecture and Laboratory
- Programme: Berkeley Summer Sessions (7 sessions)
- Duration: (1) 22 May – 30 June 2023 ; (2) 5 June – 11 August 2023 ; (3) 20 June – 11 August 2023 ; (4) 3 July – 11 August 2023 ; (5) 24 July – 11 August ; (6) 3 July – 21 July 2023 ; (7) 22 May – 11 August
- Tuition Fee: USD 595 per unit
Yale University
Each summer, Yale Summer Session brings together students from across the country and around the world to take Yale College courses in New Haven, online, or abroad or to hone their craft at the Yale Writers’ Workshop or in the Summer Drama Program. International students can also study law, business, or English in one of our certificate programs. Living together in Yale's residential colleges, students in New Haven share a vibrant community outside of the classroom. Students in online courses study with top Yale faculty, accessing our virtual seminar classroom from just about anywhere in the world. YSS extends beyond the boundaries of Yale's New Haven campus as well, with more than 25 Yale faculty-led programs abroad in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe.
- Recommended for: Students from all faculties
- Programme: Yale Summer Session (2 sessions)
- Duration: (1) 29 May – 30 June 2023 ; (2) 3 July – 4 August 2023
- Tuition Fee: USD 4850 - 9475
SAP Application Timeline (for programmes ending on or before August 31, 2023*)
There will be three rounds of applications from January to March. Some programmes are only offered in specific rounds, please take this into consideration when making your application.
|
Activity |
Early Round |
First Round |
Second Round |
|
Application Opens |
January 13, 2023 |
January 13, 2023 |
March 10, 2023 |
|
Application Deadline |
January 31, 2023 |
February 27, 2023 |
March 20, 2023 |
|
Nomination Offer |
February 17, 2023* |
March 3, 2023 |
March 29, 2023 |
|
Acceptance and Deposit Payment Deadline |
February 23, 2023* |
March 9, 2023 |
April 5, 2023 |
|
Submission of report and feedback |
As soon as you return, or no later than August 31, 2023 |
||
|
*Some Early Round programmes have earlier deadlines due to the programme nomination timeline. Students will be notified of the acutal deadline if selected for nomination.
Financial Assistance Awards will be announced on a rolling basis after students have accepted SAP nomination. |
|||
Applying for Nomination
- Apply through SAP Online Application System
- Specify up to 5 Programme Choices
- Upload required Supporting Documents
- Personal Statement (maximum 100 words)
- Academic record: Official transcript/screen capture(s) of academic results from HKU Portal:
- For non-first-year students: with your latest CGPA
- For first-year students: with the list of courses you are taking
- Submit the Optional Documents to the online application system
- TOEFL/IELTS report (applicable if it is part of the programme-specific requirement*)
*Many SAP programmes have strict English proficiency requirements. Make sure that you check the programme details carefully and ensure that you will have a valid test report in time to apply for your intended programme(s).
- Accept the nomination offer by paying a deposit of HKD2,000 (please refer to Deposit Payment Instructions) and submit the payment slip to the online application system by the given deadline.
Note: The deposit is refundable upon your completion of the programme and the submission of your report. Under normal circumstances, no deposit shall be refunded if you withdraw from the programme after accepting the offer or if you fail to complete the programme.
- Upon completion of Short-term Study Abroad Programme, submit your programme report and evaluation questionnaire by the designated deadline.
Applying to the Host Institution
After your nomination is confirmed, you may apply to the host institution.
- Visit the host institution's website or use the application link provided to you to apply for your nominated programme.
- Make sure you have fulfilled the eligibility requirements as stated by the host institution.
- Most institutions require a scanned copy of your official HKU transcript as part of the application. Late submissions are not allowed, so please make all necessary arrangements well in advance.
- Receive an official admission offer from the host institution.
- Pay the programme fees to the host institution (or to HKU, where applicable).
- Submit your visa application and prepare for departure. Visa applications to the U.S. take a substantial amount of time and effort, so please initiate your visa application as soon as possible.
Financial Assistance for Short-term Programmes
In order to be eligible for financial assistance, a student must complete at least 2 weeks of the programme while physically at the host institution/organisation and in the host country. Financial assistance will NOT be available to online short-term programmes.
You will be automatically considered for a scholarship or allowance if you apply for SAP. A separate application is not necessary.
In all the merit-based funding provided by the Registry in support of study abroad, each student is only eligible to receive a total award amount equal to the largest single award they receive throughout their undergraduate studies. Should a student receive more than one award, they may be required to return the prior award to the University, or receive only a portion of the subsequent award.
General Requirements
- Currently a full-time undergraduate student;
- Completion of the designated short-term programme;
- Submission of a programme report by the designated deadline;
- Completion of the evaluation questionnaire by the designated deadline.
Points to Note for Financial Assistance
- Final award amounts are subject to change and subject to programme format.
|
Financial Assistance |
Amount (HK$) |
Eligibility |
|
Scholarship for Short-Term Study Abroad Programmes |
10,000* |
|
|
Short-Term Abroad Allowance |
8,000 |
|
*Funded under the HKSAR Government Reaching Out Award funds.