Social Sciences Academy for the Talented 2026 - AI & Us: Socientist Bootcamp
Programme Code: ACT260318
Academic Criteria:
– Level of Study: S3 – 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 27 – 31, 2026 (Monday to Friday)
Programme Time: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm (HKT)
Non-refundable Application Fee: HKD 100
Programme Fee:
– Non-local Students HKD 12,500
– Local Students HKD 4,500 (For local students, an automatic scholarship of HKD 8,000 has been deducted from the Programme Fee upon application. For the definition of local students, please refer to Definition of Local and Non-local Students – JUPAS).
Application Deadline:
– Non-local Students: March 31, 2026 (Tuesday)
– Local Students: May 31, 2026 (Sunday)
Delivery Mode: Face-to-Face
Programme Overview:
Explore society up close with HKU Social Sciences in the AI&Us: Socientist Bootcamp this summer! Join us for a 5-day summer programme to explore how AI is reshaping the way we live, work, and connect-through the lens of social sciences! And how can we govern technology for a better future?
Discover how disciplines like Geography, Journalism and Media Studies, Politics and Public Administration, Psychology, Social Work and Social Administration, and Sociology shape our understanding of complex human and societal issues driven by AI and technological change.
This programme will help you to explore how Social Sciences disciplines shed light on the opportunities and challenges presented by the transformations in AI and Technology.
Bringing perspectives from leading experts in the School / Departments of Future Media, Geography, Politics and Public Administration, Psychology, Social Work and Social Administration, and Sociology, students can broaden their perspectives and understanding through lectures, field visits, and team projects.
This unique summer experience invites you to immerse yourself in university life, collaborate with like-minded peers, and uncover how social sciences empower you to navigate—and shape—the AI-driven world of tomorrow.
Learning Objectives:
• Understand key concepts in Social Sciences
• Explore how Technology and AI influence society, culture, economy, and everyday life
• Experience multidisciplinary approaches from Geography, Journalism & Media Studies, Politics & Public Administration, Psychology, Social Work & Social Administration, and Sociology.
• Develop critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving skills through group projects and discussions.
This summer programme offers you unique opportunity to experience vibrant university life, make lasting friendships, and discover how social sciences empower you to understand—and shape—the future. Explore society up close and become the changemaker our world needs.
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 (***COMPULSORY***):
HKU Hall of Residence.
– Check-in date:
– For Local Students: July 27, 2026 ;
– For Non-local Students: July 26, 2026
– Check-out date: August 1, 2026
*Accommodation is included in the programme fee.
*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.
Extracurricular Activities (optional) – to be released
Visa Application for Non-local Students:
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.