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Programme Rundown (Tentative):

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:
Smart City Explorers: Shaping a Sustainable, Smart, and Healthy Built Environment is a five-day programme for secondary school students interested in surveying, land development, and smart cities. Surveying is a multi-disciplinary profession at the heart of the land development cycle — from planning and project management to real estate, conservation, and urban regeneration — and this programme introduces students to its key roles.

Through hands-on activities, workshops, site visits, and seminars, participants will explore different surveying specialties and experience cutting-edge technologies used in smart and sustainable city development, including GIS, VR, Modular Integrated Construction (MiC), robotics, mobile LiDAR, and drones.

Students will gain insight into surveying and related career paths, interact with industry professionals and HKU teachers, and experience what it is like to study surveying at HKU. A team competition will immerse participants in the role of surveyors as they tackle real-world urban and environmental challenges. By the end of the programme, students will be better equipped to explore future pathways in land development, real estate, and construction within the context of smart and sustainable cities.

Programme Instructors –
Professor Isabelle Chan 
Professor Yu Ka-Sing
Professor Frank Xue
Professor An Jiafu
Professor Koh Tas Yong
Deng, Katherine Y.

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.