UG Summer Research Abroad Sponsorship (USRA)

Download Application Guidelines

Download Research Visit Programme Proposal Form

Download Departure Form

Download Completion Report Template

Call for Applications: USRA 2024/25

To enrich the immersive research experience in international environments for undergraduate students, the College of Undergraduate Researchers and Innovators (CURI) offers its member-exclusive sponsorship for the UG Summer Research Abroad (USRA). This initiative supports students to engage in research visit programmes of no less than six weeks under the guidance of academics at top-ranked universities abroad. 

Eligibility Criteria

Programme Coordinator must be:

• a full-time academic staff at PolyU.

Nominated Student must be:

• a non-final year UG student who has not previously received USRA; and
• a CURI member who is currently undertaking or has completed the Undergraduate Research and Innovation Scheme (URIS).

Research Visit Programme must be:

• no less than six weeks in a face-to-face mode in collaboration with an overseas institution that ranked in the top 200 in the latest world university rankings.

Application Submission

Applications should be submitted to CURI by 15 January 2025 by email at gs.curi@polyu.edu.hk. The application should include:

• a completed research visit programme proposal form with the D/SRC endorsement,

• a collaboration letter or email issued by the hosting unit, and
• a resume of the student(s).

 Application Selection and Funding Approval

Applications will be reviewed and selected by a selection panel based on:

• quality of the research visit programme and activities;
• significance of the research collaboration; and
• benefits to the student(s).

Each approved student will be offered a non-accountable sponsorship, which includes a subsistence allowance and a travel allowance at the rates specified below. The decision is subject to the availability of funding.

Under this sponsorship, both the University and the students share the costs of the research visit programme. If necessary, students may seek additional scholarship/award from external sources. However, travel expenses cannot be reimbursed twice to avoid double payments.

Responsibilities of Participating Students

• Visa: Arrange an appropriate visa with the Host University. Do not purchase air tickets until the visa is approved.
• Departure: Submit a departure form to CURI timely. Provide accurate start and end dates for the research visit programme, as these determine the actual sponsorship amount. Payment will be made via bank transfer within 4 weeks.
• Supervision: Schedule regular progress meetings with the Programme Coordinator during the trip.
• Completion: Submit a completion report detailing the research experience abroad to CURI within 2 weeks of returning.
• Shortened Visit: Obtain prior approval by email from both the Programme Coordinator and CURI Administration Team if the trip needs to be shortened for unforeseen reasons. Refund part of the sponsorship to the University as advised by CURI.
• Sharing: Participate in sharing sessions with fellow students and funding sponsors as needed.
• Undertaking on Ongoing URIS: Submit an undertaking form for USRA participation during URIS programme period. Please read the URIS Handbook for procedures. 

Timeline of USRA 2024/25

Event	Date
Call for applications	15 November 2024
Application submission deadline	15 January 2025
Application selection and funding approval	31 January 2025
Result announcement by email	7 February 2025

 

Contact

For application and enquiries, please contact the CURI Administration by email at gs.curi@polyu.edu.hk.