Short-term Abroad Opportunities

Looking to make the most of your summer? Join our Short-term Abroad Opportunities (SAO) scheme and participate in one of the overseas study programmes organised by institutions around the world!

Whether you want the opportunity to learn a new language or immerse yourself in inspiring courses that span disciplines, you'll find what you're looking for in the the programme list below.

Institutions from all over the world are offering online learning online learning options this summer, offering a great chance for you to gain international exposure and experiences from the comfort of your home! Refer to each host institution's website for details.

Students should apply directly to the host institution. Once accepted to a programme, register with the International Affairs Office (IAO) to gain the benefits of joining our SAO scheme!

Before You Apply

• To participate in the SAO scheme, you will need to apply to the host institution directly and then, once admitted, register your participation through IAO's online system. By completing this registration, you will be considered for financial support, automatically enrolled in the group Travel / Personal Accident Insurance plan provided to HKU students, put in touch with fellow HKU students participating in the same programme, and eligible for partner benefits offered by the host institution. 
• Programmes have different application deadlines, and some operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Check the programme details carefully and apply as early as possible.
• Some SAO programmes for Summer 2024 have not yet confirmed whether they will be offered online, offline, or both. The teaching mode and availability of each programme is subject to change. Please visit the programme websites directly for the latest information.
• If you wish to join a programme that is not currently listed under our SAP or SAO scheme, please send the programme name and website to IAO at goabroad@hku.hk for our review. If approved, the programme will be listed on our website and participating students will be eligible for funding support from our office (subject to all relevant eligibility requirements).
• If you are in the final year of your undergraduate studies at HKU, you must receive pre-approval from your home Faculty in order to participate in the SAO scheme. Please have your home Faculty contact us at goabroad@hku.hk to confirm that your student status will be valid for the entire duration of your intended programme. This will also ensure that you are eligible for financial assistance and insurance coverage.
• If you plan to transfer credits back to HKU from your study abroad programme, please contact your home Faculty ahead of time for information on how to request approval.
  
  

Available Programmes

Host institutions offer a wide range of opportunities. Refer to the Short-term Programme lists for more details:

(last updated 3 January 2024) 

• Asia, Africa & Oceania Region Short-term Programmes
• Europe Region Short-term Programmes
• North America Region Short-term Programmes

Application Procedure

Step 1. Apply directly to the host institution for your intended summer programme.

• Different institutions have different application procedures and deadlines. Make sure you complete your application in accordance with the requirements set by the host institution.

Step 2. Register your participation in an SAO programme through the Summer 2024 Short-term Study Abroad Registration System once admitted.

Students will need the following materials to complete their registration:

• Official HKU transcript (scanned) OR screenshot of cumulative GPA and current current course enrollment from HKU Portal
• Confirmation of admission from host institution/programme (e.g., admission confirmation email, Letter of Acceptance, etc.)
  Note: Both of the above documents must contain your Full Name or UID
• Completed Short-term Study Abroad (SAO/SAP) Letter of Acceptance
• Home Faculty confirmation of HKU enrollment status validity (Final-year students only)

Step 3. Enjoy your Short-term Study Abroad Programme!

• IAO will connect students who have registered for the same summer programme

Step 4. Post-Programme Report & Evaluation

• Upon completion of your Short-term Study Abroad Programme, please submit a programme report and respond to the evaluation questionnaire by the designated deadline. 

Key Dates*

*Subject to change - please refer to the latest updates on this page.

Financial Assistance for Short-term Programmes

In order to be eligible for financial assistance, students must complete a programme that lasts for at least 2 weeks while physically at the host institution/organisation and in the host country. Financial assistance is NOT available for participation in virtual short-term programmes.

Upon successfully registering through the SAO application system, you will automatically be considered for a financial assistance award. A separate application is not necessary.

For all merit-based funding provided by Registry offices 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;
• Response to an evaluation questionnaire by the designated deadline.

Points to Note for Financial Assistance

• Final award amounts are subject to change and subject to programme format.

*Funded under the HKSAR Government Reaching Out Award funds.