The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology - Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program

Applied Science, Science

About

About the program

Program Length: 2 - 4 months starting in May or June

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is the largest of the five Schools in Hong Kong. Since its inception, HKUST has consistently ranked as one of the best universities in the world, one of the top 10 universities in Asia, and one of the top universities in Hong Kong.

As a university devoted to nurturing researchers of high calibre, HKUST has comprehensive research facilities. The University has 9 Centralized Research Facilities and more than 10 School-centered research institutes. The research internship program provides opportunities for those students interested in gaining hands-on research experience. Students work directly with professors and learn firsthand the techniques, protocols, joys and frustrations of practical research. 

Research areas

  • Engineering
  • Environment and Sustainability 
  • Humanities 
  • Public Policy
  • Science
  • Social Sciences

see program details

Eligibility requirements

General Research Abroad eligibility

  • You must have at least a 70% average in your most recent academic term of full-time studies prior to application. We are looking at your Term 1 (Fall term) grades for summer research abroad experiences
  • Full-time student status as defined by your faculty in the year prior to your research abroad experience 
  • Be a UBC student in good standing (e.g., not be under academic or non-academic discipline) 
  • You must maintain a 70% average prior to your departure to participate in the program 

Program-specific requirements

  • Be a 3rd or 4th-year student in any of the above disciplines
  • Have an educational background deemed satisfactory by the host department at HKUST 

Accessibility

If you are considering applying for a Go Global program and you identify as having a disability or pre-existing health condition, you are encouraged to discuss any disability-related barriers with The Centre for Accessibility to enhance your full participation in the program.

The Centre for Accessibility (Vancouver)

Disability Resource Centre (Okanagan)

Transfer credit

UBC does not recognize credit for Research Abroad programs and does not grant transfer credit for these experiences. If a partner university offers credit for your Research Abroad program, save the transcript or certificate of completion for your future records.

How to apply

As soon as you submit your application to Go Global, you will be contacted by the advisor with instructions for next steps. You can apply to Go Global well in advance of the deadline to get a headstart on the rest of your application.

1. Apply to Go Global once you’ve identified programs you're interested in
  • Submit your Go Global application online. You can apply for up to 3 programs on one application.
  • Go Global will contact you within 2 weeks of submission with instructions on how to apply to the partner and an electronic copy of your UBC transcript.
2. Apply directly to the partner university
  • Each research program will have detailed instructions on how to apply and strict submission deadlines.
  • All research programs will need supporting documents that typically include:
    • Academic references (1 – 3)
    • Letter of intent
    • Curriculum vitae
    • UBC transcript

Application deadline

January 18, 2024

Housing

On-campus housing is limited and students may need to secure off-campus housing. HKUST offers advice and assistance to visiting research students. Learn more here

Program costs and fees

Students are responsible for the cost of travel and living associated with participating in this program, including program fees.  

There is a program application fee paid directly to HKUST at the rate of HK $300 ($50 CAD)

Students admitted as international interns are required to take a one-credit research project course. The course fee is HK$1,754 ($300 CAD) .

Go Global fee and withdrawal policy

The Go Global Fee ($415.00 CDN) is an administrative fee required for all applicants to Go Global programs. The fee is non-refundable. However, it may be adjusted under the following circumstances.

If you are not matched to a partner university

You are eligible to have your Go Global fee adjusted from $415.00 to $93.25 (reduced by $321.75) if:

  • You have applied to Go Global but do not meet our minimum eligibility requirements
  • Go Global cannot match you to a partner university
  • The partner university does not accept your application and Go Global cannot find another option

If you withdraw from Go Global

To withdraw from your Go Global research abroad program, you must contact Go Global by email to request withdrawal. You will then be asked to complete a short withdrawal form.

Students who withdraw from a Go Global Research Abroad Program by March 30th will have their Go Global fee adjusted from $415.00 to $321.75 (reduced by $93.25).

If you have questions or would like to request a withdrawal, please connect with your Go Global advisor or contact Go Global here.

Funding for Research Abroad

$1,000 per research experience

Eligibility requirements

All students accepted into a research abroad program, through Go Global, will be considered for this award. A separate application is not required. If you meet the eligibility criteria, then you will be notified of your award near the start of the summer term.

To be eligible for the award, you must have an average of at least 70% on your best 24 credits in the Winter Session of the previous year (with no failed or incomplete courses). If you were on a co-op work term, you must have at least 70% on your best 12 credits in the other term. 

Partner university funding

Students matched to HKUST are eligible to apply for a stipend valued between HK $10,000 - 12,000 ($1600 - $2000 CAD).

Pre-Departure policy

UBC is committed to preparing students for safe and successful international experiences. In order to achieve this, any student participating in a Go Global Program must complete the following:

Failure to successfully complete these and any other requirements may result in withdrawal from the Go Global Program.

Contact Go Global

Submit your questions here

In-person and Virtual Drop-in advising hours

  • Tuesday: 1:00 - 3:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 1:00 - 3:00 pm

Go Global offers both in-person and virtual drop-in advising through Zoom during the times listed above.