Hong Kong Universities Launch AI Focused Study Tours for International Students

Several universities in Hong Kong have expressed support for a government plan to launch short term study tours designed to attract non local secondary school students. The initiative aims to encourage more international students to consider pursuing higher education in the city. Many of the programmes will focus on modern subjects such as artificial intelligence, along with science, culture, and innovation.

Government proposal targets summer programmes

The idea was highlighted in this year’s government budget, where education officials encouraged universities to organize more short term academic tours. These programmes are expected to take place mainly during summer when campus facilities are less busy. The goal is to make better use of university resources while promoting Hong Kong as a destination for higher education.

Encouraging students to study in Hong Kong

Officials hope the study tours will introduce international students to the academic environment in Hong Kong. By experiencing campus life early, students may be more likely to choose universities in the city for their undergraduate studies.

According to sources, similar tours have existed for years but authorities want to improve them and raise their overall quality to attract a larger number of students from outside the city.

Programmes will cover a range of subjects

The proposed tours may include themes such as technology, innovation, arts, culture, and creativity. Many universities also plan to highlight emerging fields like artificial intelligence to reflect current global academic trends.

University of Hong Kong plans multiple courses

The University of Hong Kong announced that it will offer up to 35 short term pre university programmes this summer through the HKU Academy for the Talented. The courses will run between June and August and will cover areas including AI, science, medicine, healthcare, law, arts, and social sciences.

Outstanding international students who join the programmes may also receive full scholarships to participate.

HKU has organized similar summer courses since 2011. Participants have previously come from mainland China, South Korea, India, Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

CUHK continues long running enrichment programme

The Chinese University of Hong Kong also confirmed it will continue its summer institute in 2026. The programme has been running for nearly twenty years and offers a two week academic enrichment experience for both local and overseas high school students.

Last year the institute welcomed more than 340 participants from Hong Kong and 16 different countries and regions across Asia, Europe, and North America.

HKUST offers academic exploration activities

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology has introduced a preparatory programme for local and non local secondary students. The initiative combines online and in person activities that allow students to explore academic pathways, interact with faculty mentors, and learn more about university life.

The university also organized its first large scale Summer Boostcamp for Polymaths last year. The nine day programme attracted more than 150 students from over 17 countries including South Korea, Indonesia, Turkey, Kazakhstan, the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Participants worked on projects that required them to create solutions for real world challenges presented by partner companies.

Polytechnic University highlights innovation and campus life

Hong Kong Polytechnic University has also been welcoming international high school students to its summer institute since 2023. This year’s 12 day programme will allow participants to stay in student residence halls, attend short lectures on topics such as AI and data analytics, and take part in company visits.

Students will also experience local tours and cultural activities designed to introduce them to the city.

Lingnan University promotes cultural exploration

Lingnan University is also participating in the initiative through its Office of Global Education. The university plans to run a summer school programme aimed at attracting international students and recent school graduates.

Participants will be able to experience campus life and facilities while joining excursions that highlight Hong Kong’s cultural and historical attractions.

Strengthening Hong Kong’s position in global education

Education leaders believe these programmes could help strengthen Hong Kong’s reputation as an international education hub. By offering early exposure to university life, officials hope more students from around the world will choose the city for future academic studies.