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HKU IDS Summer Research Training Programme

In the summer of 2024, HKU IDS will launch a Research Internship Programme accepting outstanding undergraduate students focusing on the areas of foundation, theory, and applications of AI and machine learning. Selected students will undertake a period of around 7 weeks for an internship under the supervision of HKU IDS scholars.  


This programme aims to provide student interns an opportunity to collaborate with our HKU IDS scholars, who are leading experts in the field of data science research, and seek a deeper understanding of our research postgraduate programme. The tentative period of this programme is from July 14 to August 31, 2024, subject to further negotiations with the potential supervisor. Each intern will be working on a research project to their interest, and the project will be supervised by a faculty member. All participating summer interns will be required to give a presentation on the project outcomes at the end of his/her internship.

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Eligibility:

Current Year 2 or Year 3 undergraduate students who are with backgrounds in engineering, statistics, or mathematics, or major in a related discipline at recognised universities in the Mainland China, Hong Kong, or other overseas countries may apply.

Important Dates:

  • Application Deadline: 5pm, May 10, 2024 (Friday)
  • Start Date of Internship: July 14, 2024 (Sunday)
  • Orientation: July 15, 2024 (Monday)
  • Presentation: August 30 or August 31, 2024
  • Please note that the duration of our internship program can be subject to change due to the visa application process of the respective candidate.

How to Apply:

  • We only accept online applications. Please click here to apply.
  • In order to facilitate the matching process, you are strongly encouraged to contact your potential supervisors to identify possible projects before you apply. (Please take a look at each professor’s research.)

For Enquiry:

Special Note on Visa Application:

A student who is admitted to this programme can apply for a “training visa” through the Hong Kong Immigration Department. Each applicant is required to provide an official stamped supporting letter from the student’s home institution which clearly states that the institution supports his/her training in HKU, and the student will return to the institution to continue his/her study after completion of the training in HKU. Please make sure your school will be able to provide such a letter before you apply. A tourist visa is not acceptable. For more information, please read the Guidebook for Entry for Training in Hong Kong.
(http://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/training.html)

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: Will the interns attend classes or only pursue research work?

Each intern will be working on a research project. Once you join our internship program, either with the online or on-campus mode, you are reminded to work full-time on the research project during your intern period. You are reminded not to take another full-time or part-time job, because you are expected to constantly discuss with your internship supervisors and their PhD students daily in regular working hours. Only if you produce effective research outcomes from your project, you will be considered for passing the internship and receiving an internship certificate.

Q2: We are concerned about the living expenses in HK during our internship. Any information available?

If selected for the programme, the student is expected to take care of his or her living expenses with the monthly stipend not less HK$12,000 than during the internship period.

Q3: Each intern will be assigned to a research project and supervised by a professor. When I apply for the internship, should I indicate my preference on research areas, and is it necessary to have any relevant experience in that area?

You are encouraged to specify your preference, in order to increase your chance of being matched to a supervisor who knows your potentials the best. If you possess relevant knowledge and experience in the research areas of your interested supervisors, it will definitely put you in an advantage in being selected for the internship.

Q4: Will there be any selection interviews?

Yes, your preferred supervisor will invite you to attend a Zoom interview if you are shortlisted.