Legal Academy for the Talented
Programme Code: ACT260314
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 27 – 31, 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:
Get a headstart on your future in Law. The Legal Academy for the Talented (“Legal Academy”) offers an inspiring and intellectually rigorous introduction to legal study, designed for students from diverse backgrounds who share a curiosity about how law shapes the world. The one-week programme blends university style lectures with interactive learning, inviting participants to grasp the foundations of legal reasoning while exploring more advanced and thought provoking questions, all as part of an exclusive Legal Academy for the Talented experience.
Four Distinctive Features of the Legal Academy:
1. University-Style Learning and Independence
Experience the independence, intellectual energy, and sense of community that define life at a leading university. You will study law in an academic setting, engage with peers who share your passion, and take part in hallmark activities such as mooting challenge, legal exploration lab and high table dinner. This is not only a chance to explore the law, but also an opportunity to widen perspectives, build friendships, and grow in confidence as a future law student.
The detailed structure of the law lectures will be shared once finalised. Please stay tuned for updates.
2. Law in Everyday Life: Exploration Lab
Discover the law where it powerfully shapes the world around you. In collaboration with a social enterprise, we are reimagining community legal education through interactive, engaging methods. Two exploration labs are designed to help you think more sharply, speak with confidence, and view the relationship between law and their communities through a fresh and meaningful lens — all while having fun.
3. Mooting Challenge
Step into the courtroom and think like an advocate. The Mooting Challenge places you at the heart of legal arguments and advocacy. Work in teams to tackle realistic legal problems that reflect what leading law schools value: intellectual curiosity, teamwork, and clear, confident expression.
Through this experience, you will:
– Experience the excitement of real-world legal advocacy.
– Take part in a live courtroom simulation.
– Build persuasive arguments and develop poise in oral presentation.
4. Aspiring Lawyers Fellowship
Explore the profession and see your future up close. Top up your Legal Academy for the Talented experience with the Aspiring Lawyers Fellowship to prepare yourself in becoming future lawyers, whether in firms, chambers, corporations, or other legal settings. Top-performing students in the Mooting Challenge will gain the opportunity to step inside real legal workplaces. Through a one- or two day post programme experience, you will observe legal professionals at work, explore different pathways within the profession, and discover how an interest in law translates into meaningful careers.
The Fellowship enables high-achieving students to:
– Engage directly with legal practitioners.
– Build early professional skills.
– Understand the competencies essential for success in the legal field.
You will complete the Fellowship with hands-on exposure and receive a Certificate of Completion.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of the Programme, students will be able to:
- Learn from world-class law professors and lecturers, gaining firsthand insight into what it is like to study law at university. Students will broaden their legal knowledge and develop an early advantage for future academic pursuits – taught at HKU Law, where many leading lawyers began their journeys.
- Explore a wide spectrum of legal areas and perspectives, engaging with contemporary legal issues and understanding how law shapes societies.
- Strengthen analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills through experiential learning, interactive activities, and exposure to real world legal reasoning.
- Build confidence and academic readiness that will place them ahead of the curve, equipping them with knowledge, skills, and mindset essential for success at university and beyond.
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.