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 2023 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 29 March 2023) 

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

Click Here to Apply Now!

Application Procedure

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

• 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 online application system by 15 June 2023.

• IAO will connect students who are attending the same summer programme.
• You can begin your registration application as soon as plan to apply for a summer programme. 
• You will need official admission to a programme to complete your registration application.

Step 3. Enjoy your Short-term Study Abroad 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. 
  
  

Accepting Your SAO Offer

Step 1. Read the Letter of Acceptance and Complete the Reply Slip

• Read the Letter of Acceptance carefully
• Complete the Reply Slip on Page 4
• Save the Letter of Acceptance and completed Reply Slip as a single PDF file

Step 2. Accept the Offer through the Application System

• Login to the Outgoing Application System and choose the correct application
• Upload the completed Letter of Acceptance (PDF) to the "Acceptance Document" section
• Click the green "Accept" button to accept your SAO offer
• Click "OK" to confirm

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.