At PolyU, summer provides an exciting chance for students to engage in enriching educational experiences and build friendships with peers worldwide. Our diverse summer programmes are designed to unlock the potential of learners from high school to postgraduate levels, allowing them to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of PolyU and Hong Kong while preparing for a bright future. These initiatives exemplify the University’s commitment to internationalisation, positioning Hong Kong as a global hub for post-secondary education and attracting students worldwide to study at PolyU and explore higher education in the region.

Empowering young minds at Summer Institute

Entering its third year, the PolyU Summer Institute (SI) attracted nearly 300 local and international high school students for a dynamic five-day, four-night residential camp. Participants engaged in ice-breaking activities, explored the PolyU campus, and took part in faculty-led programmes and company visits, including a five-day credit-bearing course to experience university life.

Feedback from students highlighted SI’s hands-on experiences and cultural exposure, fostering innovative thinking and essential skills. Manos Filippidis, a high school student from Greece visiting Asia for the first time, found the experience transformative, particularly enjoying the 3D printing activity and immersion in Hong Kong’s culture. Bonnie Wong, a Year One design student, discovered her passion for design during the 2023 SI, leading her to pursue a degree at PolyU. Now advancing to Year Two, she was excited to give back as a group leader, eager to inspire future students.

Discover, learn, and connect at International Summer School

The highly anticipated PolyU International Summer School (ISS) 2025 gathered nearly 500 undergraduates from around the world for an enriching learning experience. From early July to mid-August, students participated in four-week credit-bearing courses, complemented by local cultural tours and activities that showcased Hong Kong’s unique charm. Interactive games fostered new friendships, creating a vibrant atmosphere for academic and cultural exchange.

Sofia Fellinger, a design undergraduate from Germany, found ISS enriching as it deepened her knowledge in food design through the world cuisine course. She connected with peers from diverse cultures, engaged with industry professionals, and enjoyed the structured learning, which inspired her future academic pursuits and potential study opportunities at PolyU.

Inspiring research journeys began at International Research Summer School

The PolyU International Research Summer School (IRSS) 2025 welcomed 54 talented students from five continents for a two-week experience focused on research degrees. Participants explored interdisciplinary themes like health, AI, and sustainability while engaging with potential supervisors, attending workshops, and visiting research facilities, including the Hong Kong Science Park.

For Ozbek Turkan Simal from Turkey, the highlight of IRSS was the consultation with professors as a key experience, gaining insights into AI’s application in the medical field. Touring PolyU’s advanced laboratory further enriched his experience, showcasing cutting-edge facilities that sparked his enthusiasm for research.

Cultivating tomorrow’s researchers through Junior Researcher Mentoring Programme

In its fifth year, the Junior Researcher Mentoring Programme (JRMP) attracted around 147 high school students from 97 local and international schools. Guided by approximately 70 PolyU academics, students engaged in 31 diverse research projects across fields such as nursing, land surveying and geo-informatics, social sciences, biomedicine, design, fashion and textiles, hotel and tourism, and engineering. Over four months, they conducted research, including design, data collection, and reporting, which enhanced their skills and understanding. Students also visited laboratories and research facilities, gaining insights into PolyU’s undergraduate programmes to aid in their future studies.