Apply Link:https://srpapp.hku.hk/login/?utm

Who May Apply?

Selection Criteria.

Small group teaching. Lectures with peer interaction.Problem, based learning (PBL).Medical students experience teaching.Computer, aided education (CAE).The simulated patient program.Selection process

The selection process is competitive. Selection is based on the criteria:

Academic excellence and a strong GPA.Research potential and prior experience.The research goals’ clarity and the relevance to HKU faculties.English communication ability.

Understand What HKU REALLY Looks For (Very Important)

This programme is not a visa for travelling or cultural exchange. HKU looks for candidates who:

Have potential for research.Are committed to postgraduate/PhD studies seriously.Can work independently under a supervisor.Will academically represent HKU well. Key Insight:If your application is just about I want international exposure or I love Hong Kong, you will most probably be rejected.HKU wants researchers not tourists.

 Choose the RIGHT Research Area & Faculty Do This:

Select the research area that matches your academic backgroundPick the faculty where:, you have taken relevant courses, you are aware of basic research methods Avoid:, plucking a trendy field, e.g., AI, Biomedical, from the air without any background, choosing several unrelated fields

The best submissions demonstrate ONE clear academic track, not a mess.

Contacting a Potential Supervisor (Strongly Recommended)

Properly how to:                 

Check out HKU’s Potential Mentors list

Look at:

Their recent journal articles

Their area of research

Just send a brief, formal email

Email outline:

A brief intro (name, university, degree)

Explain why you got attracted towards their research (mention specific points)

Your research preferences

Inquire if they are willing to supervise a summer research student

 Composing a REALLY STRONG Personal Statement (300-500 words)

What HKU WANTS to SEE:

Your educational trip

How you found the research deeply engaging

Your intended long, term goals (Masters/PhD)

Reasons for choosing HKU

Good Template:

Intro: Your academic passion and motivation

Body: Courses, research, projects that support your application

Conclusion: Career goals + HKU’s role in them

Strong Example:

I envisage that the MSc in Social Science Research Methods will provide me with skills for doctoral research in sociology at HKU by developing my abilities in research design, data analysis, and academic supervision.

Don’t:

Write overly emotional stories which do not have academic relevance

Use buzzwords too much

Imitate or produce AI language

Research Interest Statement (100, 200 words), Be Focused:

This is the major area where most applicants fail.

What to add:

One or a few related research sub, problems or topicsWhy you like it as a subject for scientific studyHow HKUs research strengths fit with it. Example (Good):

“I want to investigate how to make coastal cities more climate resilient, especially the part that urban planning policies can play in reducing the risk of flooding.”

Example (Bad):

“I want to do research on environment and sustainability.”

Specific = serious applicant                                           

CV / Resume Academic Style (Not Job Style):

Your CV should be research, oriented, not geared towards the corporate sector.

List:

Education (with GPA if strong)Relevant courseworkResearch projects (even class projects)Publications (if any)Conferences / workshopsAcademic awardsTechnical skills (lab, software, programming)

Don’t:

Include unrelated part, time jobs (unless it is relevant

Academic transcripts GPA matters

HKU is very competitive.

Tips:

If your GPA is strong make it a selling point

If GPA is average :

Put the spotlight on:

researching projects

the improvement trend

strong final, year courses

HKU really values research ability besides just the GPA, however, poor academics with no research will be a struggle.

 English Proficiency Dont Neglect This:

If your previous degree was not completely in English, then you must get ready for:

IELTS / TOEFL (if applicable)

Clear communication is a must for research supervision.

Application Fee Strategy:

Application fee: HK$300 (non-refundable)

Submit only when:

Documents are complete

Statements are proofread

Research interests are finalized

Rushed applications = wasted fee

Timing & Submission Strategy:

Ideal Timeline: January: Research mentors + prepare drafts Late January: Finalize documents Early February: Submit application Dont wait till the last day.

Why this research area?

What experience do you have?What do you want to do after this programme?How will you contribute?Tip: Read the supervisors recent paper Be honest if you dont know something HKU values honesty and curiosity, not arrogance. Financial Planning (Important Reality Check)Although called fully funded: Funds are mostly reimbursement, based You might need some initial funds for: VisaFlight bookingAccommodation depositStart planning well in advance to avoid stress.

Visa & Travel Guidelines

Apply for Hong Kong student visa right after getting the admission

Documents have to be perfect

If you are late, your participation may be rejected

Visa processing may take 810 weeks

 Most common reasons for rejection!!

Unconvincing or totally bland statements

There is no clear research direction

Poor academic alignment

Late, incomplete or submitting an application for                                   

Only applying for funding, not research

Using AI to write or copying content

Final Golden Advice

Stay academically honestDemonstrate your research motivation clearlyMake sure your CV, statements and research interests are all consistentWrite as if you are a researcher, not an itinerantQuality > quantity Final Verdict

When you view the HKU Summer Research Programme 2026 as a bridge to a Masters or PhD and your application perfectly shows that mind, set, you will have a much better chance of getting through.