For secondary school students weighing their future university choices, getting a taste of campus life and exploring specific academic disciplines early can be a major advantage. This summer, Form 4 and 5 students with an interest in healthcare will have the chance to dive into the world of public health at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK).
Following the Covid-19 pandemic, public health and primary care have emerged as globally critical disciplines. To help younger students understand the realities of this field, CUHK’s Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care is hosting its annual “Summer Discovery Academy” from July 22 to 28.
The five-day programme, held on CUHK’s main campus, is designed to move beyond traditional secondary school science curricula. Participants will attend faculty-led lectures tackling pressing modern health challenges, including obesity, mental health, environmental health, and the dual role of microbes. Students will also be introduced to practical screening equipment used in primary care settings.
Beyond the academic lectures, the academy aims to give participants a realistic preview of university life. Current CUHK students and alumni will lead a series of extracurricular activities, ranging from group discussions to dedicated mentorship sessions. These activities offer younger students a platform to ask candid questions about university admissions, campus culture, and potential career paths in the health sector.
The half-day programme will run daily from 9am to 1pm, excluding the weekend. It is open to local Form 4 and 5 students, as well as those in equivalent international curricula, such as Year 11 and 12 in the UK system, Grade 10 and 11 in the US system, or the first year of the IB Diploma Programme.
Students looking to participate will need to act quickly, as the early-bird application deadline – priced at HK$4,300 – closes this Friday, April 17. The final application deadline is May 18, with a standard fee of HK$4,800.
For students seeking financial support, the university is offering 10 scholarships that reduce the admission fee to HK$2,000. To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must rank in the top 15 per cent of their class and provide a formal recommendation from their school principal. All participants who meet the attendance and coursework requirements will be awarded a Certificate of Completion at the end of the programme.
Apply online now.
