[TouchStart Science Summer Programme]
Exploring Marine Biodiversity: Hands-On Experiences in Conservation and Ecology
Programme Code: ACT260306
Academic Criteria:
– Level of Study: S.4-6 / Grade 10-12 / Year 11-13 students
– English Requirement: Applicants are expected to meet the English language proficiency requirement, with an IELTS score of 6.5 or an equivalent qualification.
Programme Dates: July 13 – 17, 2026 (Monday to Friday)
Programme Time: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm (HKT)
Non-refundable Application Fee: HKD 100
Programme Fee: HKD 14,000
– For HKU Academy Members will receive an exclusive scholarship of HKD 4,000, which will be automatically deducted from the Programme Fee upon application.
– For Non-Members we will encourage you to apply as soon as possible to secure a 5% Early-bird discount before February 15, 2026
Application Deadline:
– Non-local Students: March 31, 2026 (Tuesday)
– Local Students: May 31, 2026 (Sunday)
Delivery Mode: Face-to-Face
Programme Overview:
This workshop will offer participants a comprehensive, hands-on experience in marine science, focusing on biodiversity, conservation, and ecology. Through engaging activities, participants will learn about marine species, their habitats, and the threats they face.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand how marine scientists define biodiversity, how we measure, document, monitor, and study it.
- Understand why biodiversity is important.
- Learn how to identify hundreds of local invertebrate marine species.
- Become familiar with Hong Kong’s coastal habitats.
Programme Rundown (Tentative):
Programme Instructor:
- Dr Phil Thompson, Outreach Manager, The Swire Institute of Marine Science (SWIMS)
- Dr Phil Thompson, Outreach Manager, The Swire Institute of Marine Science (SWIMS)
Submit Application: https://actstudentapp.hku.hk/student/login
*If you have any questions regarding the application process, please refer to the Application Guide / ⽹上申请系统 – 申请指南 or email us at talented@hku.hk
Accommodation & Extracurricular Activities Options – to be released
Visa Application for Non-local Students (required for face-to-face programmes only):
Students without the right of abode in Hong Kong are required by law to obtain a student visa issued by the Hong Kong Immigration Department (ImmD). As the visa application process takes 10–12 weeks, please submit your online application (HKU Student Visa) as soon as you receive your offer from the HKU Academy. For visa-related enquiries, please contact HKU VISA team at Contact Us | HKU Student Visa.
*Students are responsible for arranging their own visa before coming to Hong Kong. The Admissions Office is not responsible for any delay, cancellation, or rejection of student visa applications.
Travel and Medical Insurance:
All students need to have valid travel and medical insurance as a mandatory condition for participation in our programmes. We strongly recommend that students secure their insurance policies well in advance of their departure to ensure continuous coverage.
*Programme Attendance Policies:
Students are highly encouraged to attend ALL classes on time for the duration of the Programme. Please note that according to the University’s attendance and absenteeism policy, at least 80% of the lectures and required classes for each curriculum must be attended.
*Disclaimer:
– Programme fees and application fees are non-refundable.
– Programme contents and formats are subject to change. The programme is subject to cancellation if there are insufficient applications.