HKU CDS Research Internship Programme 2026 | Summer Research Opportunity at The University of Hong Kong

April 2026 — Hong Kong — The Research Internship Programme at the School of Computing and Data Science (CDS), The University of Hong Kong (HKU), is now inviting applications from outstanding undergraduate students for its 2026 summer research internship. This programme offers a hands-on research experience in cutting-edge fields such as computer science, artificial intelligence (AI), and data science, providing a valuable stepping stone toward postgraduate research careers.

What It Is

The HKU CDS Research Internship is a fully supervised, project-based summer research placement designed to give undergraduate students real experience in academic research. Interns will be matched with a faculty member and work on a defined research project, culminating in a presentation of findings at the end of the internship period.

Who Should Apply

✔ Current Year 2 or Year 3 undergraduate students
✔ Studying Computer Science, AI and Data Science, or related disciplines
✔ Enrolled at universities in Mainland China, Hong Kong, or other overseas institutions

This internship is ideal for students who want to gain advanced research exposure and consider pursuing research postgraduate (Master’s or PhD) study later in their academic journey.

Internship Benefits

🎓 Research Experience — Work directly under the supervision of HKU CDS faculty on active research topics.
💰 Stipend Support — Receive approximately HK$19,601 total to help cover living costs during the internship. (HKUCS)
📆 Duration: Tentatively 19 July – 31 August 2026 (flexible with supervisor approval).
🔍 Presentation Opportunity — Share your research results in a formal end-of-internship presentation.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online via the official internship page above. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact potential supervisors in advance to discuss research interests and project possibilities — because internship offers are nominated by individual faculty supervisors rather than assigned centrally.

To increase your chances:

• Review research faculty profiles in HKU’s Computer Science and AI & Data Science divisions
• Email supervisors expressing interest before finalising your application

Key Dates (2026)

📅 Application Deadline: 5:00 p.m. (HKT), 31 May 2026 (Sunday)
📩 Notification of Results: Offers are typically sent in May 2026 (can be sooner if supervisor and applicant agree).
📆 Internship Start Date: 19 July 2026 (Sunday)

Visa & Logistics

International students admitted to the programme can apply for a “training visa” through the Hong Kong Immigration Department. A supporting letter from your home institution confirming your return after the internship will be required. Tourist visas are not acceptable for this internship programme.

Why This Opportunity Matters

This internship places you inside one of Asia’s leading research universities’ computing and AI environments, helping you:

• Build research skills valued by graduate programmes and employers
• Expand your professional network with faculty and postgraduate researchers
• Gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies and research methods
• Enhance your profile for future international academic or industry careers