Design + Academy for the Talented
Programme Code: ACT260310A
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: July 20 – 24, 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:
At the Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Design+ Programme, we suggest that the next generation of designers do not have to wait to be handed down a world in crisis, rather that they are potential agents of change to challenge the status quo now. In this intensive hands-on summer programme, students will discover their aspirations, their concerns, and will dive into real-world issues.
Participants will be introduced to emerging technologies and design approaches that have demonstrated the potential to have both local and global impacts. They will try these novel methods and make them their own. This challenging programme will strengthen their creative confidence while building their character, their portfolio, forge new friendships, and will culminate in the production of practical and conceptual works for an online show and presentation.
“Whether we realize it or not, we live in a designed world. The question is: will this be a design for destruction or for a sustainable new world that we can safely hand down to our children and our children’s children?”
-Bruce Mau
Learning Objectives:
Through this programme, participants will:
- Challenge the status quo and explore solutions to real-world issues
- Gain exposure to emerging technologies and design approaches with meaningful impact
- Engage in hands-on experiences with innovative design methods
- Strengthen creative confidence while developing a personal and professional portfolio
- Showcase their conceptual and practical design work in an online exhibition and presentation
Programme Rundown (Tentative):
Programme Instructors
- Cheung, Dennis H.K., Adjunct Assistant Professor
- Wing Yuen
- Yeung, Jonathan T.H., Lecturer
- Queenie Chan
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 – 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.