CUHK Summer Undergraduate Research Programme (SURP)

The Chinese University of Hong Kong

♡ Save

Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Full-time senior undergraduates at overseas (non-Chinese mainland) universities in good academic standing. CUHK supervisors decide admission and about 180 students are hosted. Students earn 3 credits for the project.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

The Summer Undergraduate Research Programme (SURP) at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) hosts over 100 international undergraduate students each summer for 8 weeks of full-time research under the direct supervision of a CUHK faculty member. Over 90 curated projects are offered across all eight faculties (including Engineering, Science, Medicine, Business, and Social Science), culminating in a campus-wide poster presentation conference.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Full-time senior undergraduates at overseas (non-Chinese mainland) universities in good academic standing. CUHK supervisors decide admission and about 180 students are hosted. Students earn 3 credits for the project.
2. Note the deadline. Jan – Feb (annual; applications usually run in the first months of the year for a programme in mid-June to mid-August - check the SURP page) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Project Selection & Statement: Choice of 1 specific research project from the annual CUHK SURP catalog and a tailored statement explaining how you meet its prerequisites.; Official University Transcripts: Demonstrating a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0/4.0.; Recommendation Letter: 1 academic reference letter from a faculty member at your home university.; Curriculum Vitae & Passport Copy: Academic resume and travel identification..
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

Eligibility Verification by CUHK Office of Academic Links → Direct Project Selection by the Hosting CUHK Professor (March) → Offer Issuance in April.

Profile of past winners

Undergraduates who carefully check the project-specific prerequisites posted by CUHK professors in January and contact the faculty supervisor to express interest before submitting their single project choice.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

Browse all free materials →

Tips from our advisors

1. Tailor your CV to the role: lead with the skills and projects the posting asks for.
2. Write a short, specific motivation statement. Name the team or project you want to join and why.
3. Beyond grades, show leadership and community impact with concrete numbers and outcomes.
4. Spend most of your time on the criteria with the highest weight in the selection breakdown above.
5. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
6. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.

Quick answers

Who can apply for CUHK Summer Undergraduate Research Programme (SURP)?

Full-time senior undergraduates at overseas (non-Chinese mainland) universities in good academic standing. CUHK supervisors decide admission and about 180 students are hosted. Students earn 3 credits for the project.

What does CUHK Summer Undergraduate Research Programme (SURP) cover?

An eight-week research project at CUHK for credit; funding and fees are listed on the SURP page

When is the deadline for CUHK Summer Undergraduate Research Programme (SURP)?

Jan – Feb (annual; applications usually run in the first months of the year for a programme in mid-June to mid-August - check the SURP page) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with CUHK Summer Undergraduate Research Programme (SURP)?

Host countries: Hong Kong.

What documents do I need for CUHK Summer Undergraduate Research Programme (SURP)?

Project Selection & Statement: Choice of 1 specific research project from the annual CUHK SURP catalog and a tailored statement explaining how you meet its prerequisites.; Official University Transcripts: Demonstrating a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0/4.0.; Recommendation Letter: 1 academic reference letter from a faculty member at your home university.; Curriculum Vitae & Passport Copy: Academic resume and travel identification..

How are applicants selected for CUHK Summer Undergraduate Research Programme (SURP)?

Eligibility Verification by CUHK Office of Academic Links → Direct Project Selection by the Hosting CUHK Professor (March) → Offer Issuance in April.

How much work is the CUHK Summer Undergraduate Research Programme (SURP) application?

High: Online CUHK SURP Application + Selection of 1 Approved CUHK Research Project + Statement of Interest + Transcripts + 1 Reference Letter