Winter Programmes

Further your academic goals and experience a different climate by participating in one of our recognized Winter Short-term Abroad Opportunities! Choose from programmes based in France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, the U.S., and other locations to embark on a rewarding learning experience and meet other students globally.

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 Winter 2022/23 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 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 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.

Programme Details

• SAO Winter Programme List 2023/24

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Highlighted Programmes

Sophia University, Japan

Since 2014, Sopha University's January Session has provided students from around the world with the opportunity to learn unique aspects of Japanese Studies in a comprehensive and intensive manner amongst a lively cosmopolitan community.

• Recommended for: Students from the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Business and Economics
• Highlighted courses: Management in East Asia; Contemporary Japanese Culture and Society
• Programme: January Session in Japanese Studies
• Duration: 10 - 31 January 2024
• Tuition Fee: JPY 122,00 - 258,000
• Apply by 16 October 2023

Korea University, South Korea

Kore University International Winter campus (KU IWC) provides an excellent opportunity for students to learn about Korea through academic and cultural immersion during the winter months. It offers on semester's load of work condensed into 3 weeks, during which renowned academics teach both domestic and international students. Students participating in-person will experience the unique culture of Korea by going on various day trips to places like the DMZ, Gyeongbok Palace, and Lotte World, while also having access to a variety of extra-curricular experiences such as K-pop Dance, Korean cooking class, and Taekwondo.

• Recommended for: Students from the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Business and Economics, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Science, and Faculty of Social Sciences
• Highlighted courses: Principles of Financial Accounting; Media and Popular Culture in Korea; Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
• Programme: International Winter Campus 
• Duration: 26 December 2023 - 12 January 2024
• Tuition Fee: KRW 1,600,000 (1 course) / 2,800,000* (2 courses)
  * Early bird tuition discount available. Details can be found on the host institution's website.
• Apply by 24 November 2023

Yonsei University, South Korea

Winter Abroad at Yonsei is a 3-week programme focusing on academic achievement alongside opportunities to study Korean language, culture, and history. Students at WAY can enhance their scholarship, interact with eminent professors, and meet other participants from all over the world.

• Recommended for: Students from the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Business and Economics, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Science, and Faculty of Social Sciences
• Highlighted courses: AI & Design; Introduction to Big Data Analysis; Korean Popular Culture and Korean Wave
• Programme: Winter Abroad at Yonsei 
• Duration: 27 December 2023 - 17 January 2024
• Tuition Fee: KRW 1,650,000 - 3,650,000* (1-3 courses)
  * Early bird tuition discount available. Details can be found on the host institution's website.
• Apply by 16 November 2023

Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Germany

Humboldt Universität zu Berlin is a leading higher educational institution in Germany and is situated in Berlin's unique and historical city center. Through the Humboldt Winter and Summer University (HUWISU), the university has offered and intense 2-4 week summer and winter programs for over 10 years. These programmes give students the opportunity to explore Humboldt-Universität, the city of Berlin, and German culture.

• Recommended for: Students from the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Business and Economics, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Social Sciences
• Highlighted courses: Metropolitan Studies & Urban Development; Language, Literature & Creative Writing; Law & Economics
• Programme: International Winter Campus 
• Duration: 8 January - 26 January 2024
• Tuition Fee: EUR 690 - 840 per course
• Apply by 15 November 2023

The Fund for American Studies, Chile

Start the new year at TFAS Santiago with young leaders from throughout Latin America and the United States studying economics, political philosophy, and the basis for the rule of law and institutional governance. Accredited through Universidad de los Andes, this two-week-long program offers a unique opportunity for young leaders to learn about the political and economic necessities of a free society while exploring the vibrant metropolis of Santiago, Chile.

• Recommended for: Students from the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Business and Economics, and Faculty of Social Sciences
• Highlighted courses: Economics; Political Philosophy
• Programme: TFAS Santiago 
• Duration: 6 January - 20 January 2024
• Tuition Fee: USD 2,500
• Apply by 2 October 2023

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 31 December 2023.

• IAO will connect students who are attending the same winter 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.