HKU Summer Research Programme 2026: A Fully Funded Research Opportunity Indian Students Should Not Miss

If you are an Indian student who has ever thought, “Maybe I should try research abroad, but where do I even start?”, this blog is for you.

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) Summer Research Programme 2026 is opening applications on January 9, 2026, and it is one of those rare global research programmes that combines top-class mentorship, funding, and a genuine pathway to a future PhD.

Let’s break it down in a way that actually makes sense.

What Is the HKU Summer Research Programme 2026?

The HKU Summer Research Programme 2026 is a 10-week intensive research training programme designed for outstanding undergraduate and master’s students from around the world who are interested in pursuing research postgraduate studies, especially a PhD.

The programme runs from June 1 to August 7, 2026, with the first two weeks allowed online and the rest conducted in person at the University of Hong Kong.

If you want hands-on research experience at one of Asia’s top universities, this is as real as it gets.

Why Indian Students Should Seriously Consider This Programme

For Indian students aiming for research, international exposure matters. HKU is consistently ranked among the top universities globally, and this programme gives you:

• One-on-one mentorship with a senior HKU professor
• International research experience you can actually talk about in PhD interviews
• Financial support that reduces the cost barrier
• A possible direct pathway to an HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship

Key Benefits of the HKU Summer Research Programme 2026

1. One-to-One Mentorship with an HKU Professor

Every selected participant is supervised by an eminent HKU professor. You will work closely with your mentor to design and execute a real research project.

The programme team helps match students with mentors based on research interests, which is a huge plus if you are coming from India and unsure how to approach international faculty.

2. Scholarship of HK$10,000

On successful completion of the programme, each participant receives a scholarship of HK$10,000. This amount may be adjusted based on final budget approval, but it is guaranteed funding, not a merit-based promise.

3. Financial Support for Travel and Accommodation

HKU offers reimbursement-based financial support, including:

• Airfare support up to HK$5,000
• University accommodation support up to HK$5,000

4. Prizes and Awards for Top Performers

High-performing participants are eligible for additional prizes and awards, which further strengthen your academic profile.

5. Possible HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship Offer

This is the part most Indian research aspirants get excited about.

A small number of outstanding participants may receive a conditional offer for the HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship, which is HKU’s most prestigious PhD scholarship.

The scholarship offers:

• Up to HK$439,500 in the first year
• Up to HK$422,000 per year for subsequent years

Who Can Apply for the HKU Summer Research Programme 2026?

Target Participants

You can apply if you are:

• An outstanding undergraduate student in Year 3 or Year 4 with a CGPA of 3.6 or above, or equivalent
• A master’s student with a Bachelor’s degree in First Class Honours, or equivalent

Indian students from engineering, science, humanities, social sciences, business, and interdisciplinary backgrounds are all eligible.

Selection Criteria

HKU looks for students who demonstrate:

• Strong academic performance
• Genuine interest in research postgraduate studies
• Previous research experience, if any
• Interest in interdisciplinary research
• High English language proficiency
• Independence and maturity

Official link

Choosing Your Faculty, Department, and Mentor at HKU

Each participant is affiliated with an academic unit and guided by a professor.

While applying, you must clearly mention:

• Proposed faculty or interdisciplinary area
• Department
• Field of study
• Preferred mentor or mentors

You are encouraged to shortlist professors whose research aligns with your interests. You can explore faculties, departments, and interdisciplinary areas through HKU’s official research listings.

Application Dates and Fees

• Applications open: January 9, 2026
• Applications close: February 9, 2026
• Application fee: HK$300, non-refundable

Documents Required for HKU Summer Research Programme Application

You will need:

• Personal and academic details
• Details of proposed faculty, department, field of study, and mentor
• Personal statement of 300 to 500 words
• Research interest statement of 100 to 200 words
• Passport-size photograph
• CV highlighting academic achievements and research experience
• Bachelor’s transcripts and certificates
• Master’s transcripts and certificates, if applicable
• English language proficiency test results, if your institution was not fully English-medium

HKU Summer Research Programme 2026 Timeline

• January 9 to February 9, 2026: Application period
• Mid-February to March 2026: Selection process
• By end of March 2026: Results announced
• By mid-April 2026: Visa application for non-local students
• June 1 to August 7, 2026: Programme duration

The first two weeks can be completed online. From June 15 onwards, all participants must be physically present at HKU, unless special approval is granted.

What Will You Actually Do During the Programme?

The programme includes:

• Independent research under faculty supervision
• Project presentations
• Research skills workshops and seminars
• Team-building activities
• Networking with global peers
• Opening and completion ceremonies

Final Thoughts

The HKU Summer Research Programme 2026 is ideal for Indian students who are serious about research, global exposure, and future PhD opportunities.

It is competitive, yes. But if you have strong academics, clear research interests, and the motivation to step outside your comfort zone, this programme can genuinely change the direction of your academic career.

If research abroad is on your mind, January 9, 2026 should already be circled on your calendar.