[Test] ScoreBoost IELTS: Unlocking Reading and Writing
Programme Code: ACT260504
Academic Criteria:
– Level of Study: S.3-5 / Grade 9-11 / Year 10-12 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: February 24, 26, 2026 (Tuesday & Thursday)
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: Online via Zoom
Programme Overview:
This training programme is designed to help and equip students who plan to take the International IELTS Test (Academic) with effective strategies and techniques to achieve the best possible score in all four components – Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking.
In this Module, students will develop reading and writing skills and strategies with the aim of performing confidently and successfully in the IELTS Test. The module includes thorough preparation to help students understand the format of the Reading and Writing papers of the IELTS, acquire and practise key reading and writing strategies, and develop the language and communication skills required to perform well in reading and writing tasks in the Test.
Programme Rundown (Tentative):
Programme Instructors – Professor Grahame T Bilbow
Director of the Centre for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning at the University of Hong Kong. He has been a teacher of English for the past forty years, and has spent most of his professional life in Hong Kong and mainland China. He is a qualified and experienced English language teacher, is the author of many English textbooks for school, college, and university, and has led English language teaching operations for several organisations around the world.
He is the former Head of the Department of English at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and was Director of the Hong Kong Vocational English programme, with responsibility for designing and implementing the programme on behalf of the Hong Kong Education & Manpower Branch. For several years, he also served as the British Council Director of English for Hong Kong and China, based in Beijing.
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 *optional [Link]:
Accommodation Programme Code – ACC05
HKU Hall of Residence.
– Check-in date: July 16, 2025
– Check-out date: July 19, 2025
*Only students who are 15 years of age or above on or before the check-in date are eligible to reside in HKU-managed residential halls for the duration of the programme.
*Accommodation must be applied for after you have accepted your programme offer and is subject to availability.
Extracurricular Activities *optional [Link]:
We offer a range of extracurricular activities to enrich your summer at HKU. These activities allow you to meet fellow students, explore new interests, and enjoy experiences beyond the classroom.
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.