Chinese University of Hong Kong Summer Program
The Chinese University of Hong Kong's Summer Program gives students an opportunity to study at one of the top 50 universities in the world (and top 3 in Hong Kong) while exploring the flavours and vibrancy of summer in Hong Kong.
The birthplace of Bruce Lee, Hong Kong is known for its history as a gateway to the West, it's Michelin-star cuisine (on a student budget), as well as its incredible architecture. Choose from the July or August program, and get a chance to take your studies outside the classroom - each program offers a variety of excursions, from tours of Hong Kong, to an optional trip to Beijing to visit the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Olympic stadiums and Summer Palace. There is something for everyone at this comprehensive university ranked in the top 12 in Asia! (QS 2019).
Key information
Application information
Student experience
Check out this video from CUHK interviewing past summer program students!
Program details
CUHK's International Summer School is held in 2 sessions, July and August, with different course offerings. It is possible for students to attend one or both sessions.
For the July session, courses are offered in the following topics: "Business & Finance" (e.g. business sustainability), "Understanding China" (e.g. Chinese government, media, policy), "Chinese Language" (both Cantonese and Putonghua/Mandarin), "Environment, Science & Technology" (e.g. green innovation, Chinese medicine), and "Society & Human Interaction" (e.g. communications, psychology). Click here for details.
For the August session, the focus is on Putonghua/Mandarin language studies, offered from beginner to advanced level. Click here for details.
Students can choose 1 or 2 courses in the July session. Language courses at CUHK are "bundled" in pairs, so in the August session, students will take 2 courses.
In most cases, 3 CUHK credits = 3 UCalgary units (1 course).
There are some exceptions for language courses. UCalgary has assessed Putonghua/Mandarin courses in the July session and found that beginner level courses (CLCP 1113A, 1113B, 1123A) are worth only 2 units at 2XX each, while intermediate level courses (CLCP 2213, 2223) are worth the standard 3 units at 9XX each. The August session language courses are still under review. Students interested in taking any language courses are CUHK are encouraged to talk with their academic advisor early to make sure you understand exactly how these courses will transfer back to your degree.
There is also a summer research program available at CUHK.
July session (5 weeks): June 23 - July 31, 2025
August session (3 weeks): August 4 - 24, 2025
Students can attend one or both sessions.
In addition to courses, CUHK plans to offer a variety of cultural immersion activities every week during both sessions. Example activities include guided tours, cooking classes, and heritage walks. These activities will be a way for exchange students to not only gain a better understanding of Hong Kong culture & society, but also to interact with each other and local Hong Kong students.
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Costs
Exchange students pay tuition and academic fees to the University of Calgary for 2 courses.
In addition to this, CUHK charges an administrative fee per session:
The July fees are $3800 HKD (approx. $680 CAD)
The August fees are $2500 HKD (approx. $445 CAD)
These fees cover the cost of orientation and cultural immersion activities held weekly throughout the program. The August fees also include the cost of Chinese language textbooks.
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Funding
Did you know that you can take your UCalgary funding with you on exchange?
Since you remain a degree seeking student at UCalgary while on exchange, you remain eligible for any awards and scholarships you are eligible to receive from the university as well as student loans.Our office administers several awards, including the Global Access Fund (based on a funding-first model where students apply prior to committing to a global learning program) and the Global Learning Award (students apply after being accepted to a global learnng program; the amount varies year-to-year as the money is split among chosen recipients). Students may only receive these awards once. Please see the funding page, linked below, for more information.
HKCBA Award 3 prizes awarded annually. Apply directly to HKCBA ($3000/$2000/$1000)See funding page for more details.
Double or triple occupancy rooms on-campus are guaranteed for ISS participants. Staying in a hostel is optional, but you are strongly encouraged to live on-campus so you can interact with local and international students coming from different cultural backgrounds.
This exchange is open to regular, full-time students in any faculty at UCalgary, who have completed at least 1 full year (10 courses) at the post-secondary level, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 (B-).
If your GPA is lower, please contact the UCalgary exchange advisor to discuss, as exceptions may be possible on a case-by-case basis.
All university campuses in Hong Kong prohibit smoking on campuses in accordance with Hong Kong law.
The Support Services for Students with Disabilities office is a good resource for SAS students.
Have questions?
The exchange advisor for this program is: Veronica V. Cardoso
How to Apply
Download the application guide
This PDF contains information on how to complete your application and what to do after you have applied.
Identify three programs of interest
We recommend applying for your top three programs for the priority application deadline, as placement may be competitive. We will assess your applications in ranked order.
Check requirements and deadlines
These may vary by program, so check the individual program pages and make sure that you are aware of any different application deadlines or eligibility requirements.
Start your application
Once you have gathered everything you need, you can begin your application!
Please note: Applications will not be considered complete until all required documents are submitted in full.
International travel presents challenges that may not be found when attending classes on campus. There may be a lack of resources, emergency services, hospitals, accessibility issues and/or demands on the physical and the mental self, all of which can challenge individuals when away from their usual support systems and structures. Adequate preparation is essential.
For this reason, it is imperative that you evaluate all aspects of your own physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual condition against the rigors of the particular global learning program you are selecting. If you are unsure of whether or not this program is a good fit for you and/or if you have any circumstances that could impede your enjoyment of the program, please contact us. Our Global Learning Advisors will be happy to assist in finding the best options for you and arrange any supports or accommodations necessary to ensure your success.
If you have or are seeking a certificate from Student Accessibility Services, you should provide this early to your Global Learning Advisor to ensure that the option that you are seeking can support your needs.
Please note: All participants must adhere to COVID-19 and other vaccination-related requirements for the destinations visited on this program. Failure to do so may have consequences such as being denied access to accommodation/housing, program activities, or to the host country itself.