Short-term Abroad Partnerships
Short-term Study
Short-term Abroad Partnerships
Through our Study Abroad Partnerships (SAP) scheme, students can enrol in short-term programmes at renowned universities in Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania for intensive study and research, or gain practical work skills through internships in vibrant overseas cities.
Many programmes are held in-person, but some 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!
Eligibility Criteria
- Full-time undergraduate student;
- Good academic standing: students with a CGPA of 3.0 or above have a relatively higher chance of getting a placement in the programme;
- Outgoing and eager to meet new challenges;
- Ready to be an ambassador of HKU;
- Willing to share your study abroad experience after the programme.
Before You Apply
- By participating in the SAP scheme, 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 receive partner benefits offered by the host institution.
- Programme teaching mode and availability are subject to change. Please check the official programme websites for more information on the latest teaching arrangements.
- Application deadlines vary by programme and by programme type. Please refer to the host institution’s programme page for their specific deadlines.
Specialty Programmes requiring nomination may have earlier internal deadlines than those published on the programme page. Please refer to the SAP Registration Timeline below. Further details will be shared directly with students who are offered nomination. - 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 SAP scheme. Please have your home Faculty contact us at goabroad@hku.hk to confirm that your student status will be valid through the start of your intended programme. This will help ensure your eligibility 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.
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 attend HKU-specific information sessions. Visit our Upcoming Events Page for more information!
Programme Details
Programmes with Fee Reductions
The following programmes offer fee waivers, tuition reductions, and other discounts to HKU students. Please refer to the specific programme profiles and websites for detailed information.
|
Country / Region |
Institution |
Programme |
Fee Reduction |
|
Canada |
The University of British Columbia |
possible refund of up to CAD 200 (must complete IAO registration to be eligible |
|
|
France |
Universite Catholique de Lille |
10% tuition discount |
|
|
Japan |
University of Tokyo |
15% tuition discount |
|
|
Singapore |
Singapore Management University |
10% tuition discount |
|
|
South Korea |
Korea University |
up to KRW 300,000 |
|
|
South Korea |
Yonsei University |
APRU Scholarship |
|
|
Spain |
SpaCIE |
EUR 150-200 tuition discount |
|
|
Spain |
Universidad Autónoma de Madrid |
12.5% tuition discount |
|
|
United Kingdom |
University of Edinburgh |
10% tuition discount |
|
|
United Kingdom |
University of Liverpool |
||
|
United Kingdom |
University of Liverpool |
10% tuition discount |
|
|
United Kingdom |
University College London |
10% tuition discount |
|
|
United Kingdom |
The London School of Economics and Political Science |
10% tuition discount (email goabroad@hku.hk for partner code) |
|
|
United Kingdom |
University of Warwick |
15% tuition discount |
|
|
USA |
University of California, Berkeley |
International service fee waived |
|
|
USA |
University of Pennsylvania |
10% tuition discount |
Note: the above information is for reference only. The host institution has final authority regarding fee reduction eligibility.
Interested students should apply directly to these programmes, then register through our Summer 2025 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 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
[CLOSED] Specialty Programmes (Nomination Required)
Students wishing to participate in the following programmes must be formally nominated by HKU International Affairs Office before they can apply. Students who are offered nomination will receive further instructions about how to apply to the host institution.
Stanford University - International Honors Program
The International Honors Programme at Stanford University invites top students from around the world to partake in a transformative educational experience that combines challenging academics with a rich array of extra-curricular programming. Participating students get to experience Stanford’s culture of innovation, academic excellence, and global responsibility, all while developing connections and friendships with other dedicated scholars that can last a lifetime.
- Recommended for: Students from Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Business and Economics, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Social Sciences
- Programme: Stanford Summer Session International Honors Program
- Duration: 21 June – 17 August 2025
- Tuition Fee: varies based on course enrollment
Accommodation Fee: USD 5,350
University of Cambridge - Pembroke Cambridge Summer Programme
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, allowing you to 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
- Duration: 12 July – 23 August 2025
- Tuition Fee: GBP 6,020
Independent Supervision Fee (optional): GBP 1,550
Accommodation Fee: GBP 2,600 – 3,800
Yale University - Yale Summer Session
Each summer, Yale Summer Session (YSS) brings together students from across the country and around the world to take Yale College courses in New Haven, online, or abroad. Students can hone their craft at the Yale Writer's Workshop and Summer Drama Program, or study law, business, or English in one of their certificate courses. 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 their virtual seminar classroom from just about anywhere in the world. YSS extends beyond the boundaries of Yale's New Haven campus, 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: (Session A) 26 May - 27 June 2025; (Session B) 30 June - 1 August 2025
- Tuition Fee: USD 5,270 – 10,295
Accommodation Fee: TBC
Step 1: Requesting Nomination
- Register your interest through the online SAP Nomination Request System by 20 February 2025
- Specify up to 2 Programme Choices
- Upload the required Supporting Documents
- Personal Statement (maximum 100 words)
- Academic record: Official transcript/screen capture(s) of academic results from HKU Portal
- Submit the Optional Documents to the online application system
- TOEFL/IELTS report
Many SAP programmes have strict English proficiency requirements. Check the programme details carefully and ensure that you will have a valid test report in time to apply for your intended programme(s).
- TOEFL/IELTS report
- Accept the nomination offer by paying the deposit of HKD2,000 (please refer to the Deposit Payment Instructions and submit the payment slip to the online application system by the given deadline.
Note: the deposit is refundable upon successful completion of your nominated programme and submission of your Post-Programme Report. Under normal circumstances, deposits will not be refunded if you withdraw from the programme after the accepting the offer or if you fail to complete the programme.
Step 2: 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.
- Confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements (such as age, year of study, etc.) as stated by the host institution.
- Most institutions require a scanned copy of your official HKU transcript. Late submissions are generally not allowed, so make all necessary arrangements well in advance.
- Complete your application and submit all required documents as instructed by the host institution.
- Pay the programme fees to the host institution (or to HKU, where applicable).
- Once you have officially been accepted by the host institution, obtain your visa (if needed) and prepare for departure. Visa applications to can take a substantial amount of time, so start this process as soon as possible.
SAP Registration Timeline (for programmes ending on or before August 31, 2025*)
|
Activity |
Specialty Programmes |
Programmes with Fee Reductions |
|
Registration Deadline |
20 February 2025 |
15 June 2025 |
|
Nomination Offer |
24 February 2025* |
N/A |
|
Acceptance Deadline |
28 February 2025 |
N/A |
|
Release of Financial Award Offers |
by 12 August 2025 |
|
|
Post-Programme Report and Evaluation Questionnaire |
due by 31 August 2025 |
|
|
Disbursement of Short-term Abroad Scholarship or Allowance |
October 2025 onwards |
|
|
* Students who are offered nomination to a Specialty Programme will receive instructions on how to apply to the host institution. Please follow these instructions carefully to ensure your eligibility to participate. |
||
Financial Assistance for Summer 2025 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.
Students who receive a nomination offer (for Specialty Programmes) or register their participation in a summer study abroad programme through the Summer 2025 Short-term Study Abroad Registration System will automatically be considered for a financial assistance award. A separate application is not necessary. These financial assistance awards are not guaranteed, and should be treated as a notional amount of additional support, rather than a main source of funding.
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 post-programme report by the designated deadline;
- Response to an evaluation questionnaire by the designated deadline.
Students who receive a financial award offer should check their HKU email regularly for additional instructions and updates.
Points to Note for Financial Assistance
- Final award amounts are subject to change and subject to programme format.
|
Financial Assistance Award Type |
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.