Hong Kong

HKPU Summer School

Located in the heart of Hong Kong, near Victoria Harbor and Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong Polytechnic University has over 30,000 students and is ranked in the top 10 of "50 under 50s" (top 50 universities worldwide under 50 years old). Learn about the culture of Hong Kong and China while participating in one of the affordable field trip options.

Key information

Language

English

Semester

Summer

Program type

Exchange

Application information

Application status

Open October 1, 2024

Apply Now

Summer 2026 applications

Priority Deadline November 11, 2024

University-specific additional requirements

Applicants do not need a reference. Min GPA 2.7

Summer 2026 applications

Open October 1, 2025

Program details

HKPU offers several course tracks in different areas. The following tracks are offered in Summer 2023:

Track 1: Chinese Language, Culture and Society
Track 2: Design, Innovation and Technology
Track 3: Business, Entrepreneurship and Global Leadership

Students are allowed to take 1 or 2 courses within a single track or by mixing-and-matching across multiple tracks, as long as there are no timetable conflicts. (You will be charged tuition for 1 or 2 UCalgary courses accordingly.) 1 standard 3-credit course at HKPU = 1 standard 3-unit course at UCalgary.

Please visit HKPU's website for more information.

Schulich students: You may be able to use certain pre-approved courses at HKPU's summer program towards their COST options. Please contact the Engineering Student Centre for details.

  1. Not all the courses offered by HKPU can be used towards COST options.
  2. Schulich students must obtain an approved ‘Letter of Permission’ before they attend any exchange program, otherwise, no transfer credit will be guaranteed. 

The 2023 program runs from July 17 to August 16. The 2024 dates are not yet known, but are expected to be around this date.

 

 

  1. Costs

    Exchange students pay their tuition for 2 UCalgary courses and relevant academic fees to the University of Calgary. Other expenses are paid directly to the service provider. 

    Students pay additional fees to HKPU directly: an administration fee (550 HKD).

  2. 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. Deadline: October 31, 2022

Accommodation at Hung Hom Halls of Residence is guaranteed for the summer program, and the accommodation fee is waived for incoming exchange students. More info on how to get there, visiting hours, etc. will be shared as soon as the Summer 2022 program details are released (this information was removed from HKPU's website as the Summer 2021 program was held entirely online).

The Hung Hom Halls, built in 2002, contain a dining hall/canteen, 25-metre swimming pool, games room with TV/Xbox/massage chair, printing room, dance room, two fitness rooms, activity room with screen & projector, snooker room with billards, table tennis court for ping pong games, meditation room, piano room, study rooms, and laundry rooms.

All bedrooms come with LAN ports and wifi. All rooms are double-occupancy, equipped with furniture (desk/bed), with communal kitchens on each floor. Toilet/Shower facilities are shared between 4 students. 

Student Tips: "There is a Skywalk through the MTR (Train) station to PolyU – Takes about 10 mins walk. Skywalk is protected from most rain and sun, but does not have Air conditioning. The app MyObservatory is a weather app that gives constant updates on weather, as well as the current temperature and typhoon level at the moment. It’s [been] pretty handy in letting me know when and how hard it’s going to rain." Android Link  Apple Link

"Get an Octopus Card. You can use it to pay for EVERYTHING."

This exchange is open to regular, full-time students in any faculty, who have completed at least 1 full year (10 courses) at the post-secondary level, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 (B-) 

 

What's unique about this program?

In addition to a selection of affordable field trip, HKPU has organized a variety of incredible activities

What's special about Hong Kong?

Hong Kong is one of the world's most recognizable global metropolitan areas and provides a contrast between East and Western culture that is reflected in its rich culinary scene. The city holds records for having the most skyscrapers in the world, the world's longest life expectancy (at 86.7 years on average), the tallest outdoor bronze Buddha, the world's only exclusively double-decker tram system, and the largest permanent light & sound show - "A Symphony of Lights", to name a few. It's also ranked as the #1 student city to live in, in the world!

Student Experience: "Go out and try different things – especially the food. There are many common Cantonese dishes you cannot try in Calgary! Or very hard to find. Like Decent Egg Tarts!"

All university campuses in Hong Kong prohibit smoking on campuses in accordance with Hong Kong law. 

What supports or services are available on the HKPU Summer program?

HKPU offers an orientation program for incoming students on the summer program. The HKPU campus also runs two canteens (cafeterias) where you can buy affordable meals/snacks, a dim sum house, gyms, and a swimming pool. The summer school also runs a variety of events, including cooking classes, an Eco-walk through a local park, tai chi, tea and calligraphy sessions, etc. 

Student Experience: "There was an orientation meeting, where we were assigned to group and given a general tour of Campus. It was helpful in meeting people and learning where I could get to certain buildings."


Have questions?

Global Learning 101

Please watch this short YouTube playlist before reaching out or booking an appointment. In these videos, you will learn much of the basics about Global Learning, which may answer your initial questions.

Watch Global Learning 101

Academic Advising

Before applying to study abroad, you should ask your academic advisor how this program might align with your degree (e.g. best time to go, what courses you need).

After you are accepted, you should ask your academic advisor more specific questions about courses/transfer credits. It’s also recommended to follow up with your advisor again once you return to Calgary.

Find your academic advisor

Global Learning Advising

If you have questions, please reach out to our office! We offer drop-in advising for general inquiries, and if you have questions about this specific program or any others, you can book an appointment with the responsible advisor.

Please use the link below to find the most up-to-date information about our current advising options.

View the Global Learning Advising page

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.

Application guide

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.

APPLY NOW

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.