Student Exchange
With many overseas connections established by the Department and the Faculty, summer exchange programmes and placements in different parts of the world are available to all BPharm students. This prepares students for the globalized workplace and internationalism mindset. Students can also learn at first-hand about healthcare systems in different countries.
Overview
Current exchange partners
| Partner | Country | Type | Target | Quota | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University College London (UCL) | UK | Research | Year 2 - 3 | 3 | 3 months |
| King’s College London (KCL) | UK | Research | Year 2 - 3 | 2 - 3 | 3 months |
| University of Sydney | Australia | Research | Year 3 | 1 | 3 months |
| University of Illinois, Chicago (UIC) | US | Visit | Year 1 - 3 | Unlimited | 1 month (to be confirmed) |
| University of Toronto | Canada | Project/ Research | Year 3 | 2 | 2 - 3 months |
| Sojo University | Japan | Research | Year 2 - 3 | 3 | 1 - 3 months |
| University of Hong Kong–Shenzhen Hospital (HKUSZH) | Mainland | Placement | Year 2 - 3 | 4 (to be confirmed) | 2 weeks (to be confirmed) |
| Shenzhen New Frontier United Family Hospital (UFH) | Mainland | Placement | Year 3 | 2 (to be confirmed) | 1 month (to be confirmed) |
| China Pharmaceutical University | Mainland | Visit | Year 1 - 4 | 30 | 1 week |
| Peking University | Mainland | Visit | Year 1 - 4 | 30 | 1 week |
| Peking University – Peking University First Hospital | Mainland | Placement | Year 3 | 2 | 2 - 4 weeks |
| Shanghai Jiaotong University | Mainland | Visit | Year 1 - 4 | 30 | 1 weeks |
| Shanghai Jiaotong University | Mainland | Research | Year 3 | 2 | 3 months |
| Shanghai Jiaotong University - Shanghai General Hospital | Mainland | Placement | Year 3 | 2 | 2 - 4 weeks |
University College London (UCL)
Introduction:
HKU pharmacy students have the opportunity to participate in a prestigious research exchange programme with University College London (UCL), one of the world’s leading institutions in pharmaceutical sciences and biomedical research. Ranked consistently among the global top universities, UCL offers a vibrant academic environment and access to cutting-edge research. To be eligible, students must meet UCL’s English language requirements, including an overall IELTS or TOEFL score of 7.0, with no component below 7.0. After being nominated by HKU’s research exchange coordinator, students will be referred to UCL’s contact person and are expected to reach out to potential supervisors at UCL to arrange interviews. Acceptance into a research group is contingent upon a professor’s approval. This programme provides an exceptional platform for students to broaden their research experience and engage with international scientific communities.
Application details for 2025-2026:
Application form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeF45H98rJqongyTFyJ0OH55mhqudpDwAFbCYx0L1F2vKWTLA/viewform?usp=header
Application Deadline: 13 October 2025
Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview, likely by the end of October 2025.
Kings College London (KCL)
Introduction:
HKU pharmacy students have the opportunity to join a research exchange programme with King’s College London (KCL), a leading UK university known for its excellence in pharmaceutical sciences, clinical research, and translational medicine. KCL provides a stimulating academic environment and access to cutting-edge research facilities. Once selected by HKU’s research exchange coordinator, students will be referred to the KCL contact person. KCL will then work to match students with suitable research supervisors based on their academic interests and research goals. This programme offers an exceptional opportunity for students to deepen their research experience and engage with internationally recognized experts in the field.
Application details for 2025-2026:
Application form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeF45H98rJqongyTFyJ0OH55mhqudpDwAFbCYx0L1F2vKWTLA/viewform?usp=header
Application Deadline: 13 October 2025
Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview, likely by the end of October 2025.
University of Sydney
Introduction:
HKU pharmacy students are invited to apply for a 3-month summer research exchange programme (June–August 2026) hosted at the University of Sydney under the supervision of Dr. Philip Kwok. This lab-based programme offers hands-on experience in a leading international research setting. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview with Dr. Kwok as part of the selection process. This is a valuable opportunity for students to deepen their research skills and engage with innovative pharmaceutical science in a global context.
Application details for 2025-2026:
Application google form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCVnclSAO7edoDqeidznzAZsx_S8VBIFkqmtHRO9ZYKcc-UQ/viewform
Application Deadline: 21 September 2025
Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview with Dr. Kwok near the end of September.
Research Topic Details: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Eu2P2HHuutqyTVJrfvfMViiD8dKSwMgH/view?usp=sharing
University of Illinois, Chicago (UIC)
Introduction:
KU pharmacy students are invited to participate in the 2026 International Summer Program on Contemporary Clinical Pharmacy Practice & Education at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), scheduled for June to July (dates to be confirmed). This four-week paid programme includes over 80 hours of interactive teaching and learning led by more than 30 UIC pharmacy faculty members. Students will explore clinical pharmacy practice in the U.S., develop essential clinical skills, and engage with UIC Pharm.D. students, residents, and alumni through academic and social events. The programme also features cultural activities and excursions in Chicago, offering a well-rounded international experience in clinical pharmacy education.
Application details for 2025-2026:
tbc
University of Toronto
Introduction:
HKU pharmacy students have the opportunity to participate in a research or project-based exchange programme at the University of Toronto (UofT), one of Canada’s top institutions and a global leader in pharmaceutical education and research. Depending on the student’s interests and academic background, the exchange may involve contributing to ongoing research projects or engaging in structured experiential learning through non-direct patient care rotations. After being selected by HKU’s exchange coordinator, students will be referred to the UofT contact person, who will work to match them with suitable supervisors based on their interests. This programme offers a valuable opportunity to gain international experience and explore diverse areas of pharmacy practice and scholarship.
Application details for 2025-2026:
Application form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeF45H98rJqongyTFyJ0OH55mhqudpDwAFbCYx0L1F2vKWTLA/viewform?usp=header
Application Deadline: 13 October 2025
Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview, likely by the end of October 2025.
Sojo University
Introduction:
HKU pharmacy students have the opportunity to participate in a research exchange programme at Sojo University in Kumamoto, Japan. This programme offers students a chance to engage in pharmaceutical research projects in an international academic setting, while also experiencing Japanese culture and pharmacy practice. After being selected by HKU’s research exchange coordinator, students will be referred to the Sojo University contact person, who will match them with suitable supervisors based on their research interests. The exchange is designed to foster academic collaboration and personal development through hands-on research and cross-cultural engagement.
Application details for 2025-2026:
Application form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeF45H98rJqongyTFyJ0OH55mhqudpDwAFbCYx0L1F2vKWTLA/viewform?usp=header
Application Deadline: 13 October 2025
Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview, likely by the end of October 2025.
University of Hong Kong–Shenzhen Hospital (HKUSZH)
Introduction:
The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital (HKU-SZH) is a major public teaching hospital in Shenzhen, built and funded by the Shenzhen municipal government with management support from the University of Hong Kong. Opened in 2012, it has about 2,000 beds and follows modern hospital management and international standards. HKU-SZH offers advanced medical services in specialties including reproductive medicine, oncology, cardiovascular diseases, orthopedics, and organ transplantation. It aims to provide high-quality, accessible healthcare and is positioned as a leading hospital in China through Shenzhen-Hong Kong collaboration. The hospital also emphasizes research, education, and international medical standards.
Program Highlights:
- Exposure to clinical pharmacy services at HKUSZH
- Interaction with experienced clinical pharmacists
- Opportunity to learn about different therapeutic areas and patient care
- Cultural exchange and professional networking
We are pleased to offer HKU pharmacy students a clinical placement opportunity at the University of Hong Kong–Shenzhen Hospital (HKUSZH). This structured programme provides in-depth exposure to clinical pharmacy services within one of the region’s leading healthcare institutions. Participants will gain practical experience across various therapeutic areas, engage with experienced clinical pharmacists, and observe patient-centered care in a dynamic hospital environment. In addition to clinical learning, the programme promotes cultural exchange and professional networking, offering a well-rounded experience that supports both academic and personal development.
Application details for 2025-2026:
tbc
Shenzhen New Frontier United Family Hospital (UFH)
Introduction:
Shenzhen New Frontier United Family Hospital (UFH) is a modern, multi-specialty hospital in Shenzhen’s Futian District. It offers high-quality care with international standards, including 24/7 emergency services, multiple departments, and advanced medical technology. The hospital serves middle- to high-income patients in the Greater Bay Area and partners with top medical experts and institutions. It provides bilingual services and seamless healthcare access for both local and HKSAR residents.
Program Highlights:
- Shadowing Opportunities: Primarily shadow pharmacists, with potential opportunities to shadow physicians and surgeons based on student interest and staff availability.
- Structured Training: Includes training, shadowing, project assignments, and case studies.
- Clinical Training:
- 2 weeks in frontline operations
- 1 week in outpatient pharmacy clinical training
- 1 week in inpatient pharmacy clinical training
- Multidisciplinary Exposure: Gain insights into the multidisciplinary team approach, enhancing your experience in pharmacists' intervention and understanding of prescriber considerations.
- Cultural Exchange and Professional Networking: Interact with experienced healthcare professionals and expand your professional network.
- Hospital Features:
- Adheres to international standards private hospital, with various specialties, including plastic surgery, mental health, and sports rehabilitation.
- One of the top private hospital in mainland China. The hospital in the same company previously gained the international JCI accreditation, fulfilling the top international standard.
- Comprehensive electronic prescription system and electronic records for pharmacy interventions.
- Creation of a student learning profile.
- Collaboration with 亚朵 Hotel Shenzhen (besides the hospital) for discounted accommodation rates. HKU funding is available to support accommodation fees.
- Site for launching new medications in China, such as ruxolitinib and lecanemab.
- Serving many Hong Kong people and English-speaking foreigners, with mostly Cantonese-speaking staff at the pharmacy.
- Close to the border, allowing easy travel back to HKSAR in less than an hour.
- Approximately 200 outpatients and 70 inpatients daily, with ambulance and 24-hour A&E services.
- Unit dose dispensing for inpatients, medication reconciliation at admission and discharge, and 100% pharmacist counseling at outpatient clinics.
- Developing oncology pharmacy services.
Application details for 2025-2026:
tbc
China Pharmaceutical University
Introduction:
Established in 1936, China Pharmaceutical University is the first national institute for higher pharmaceutical education in China. Today, it stands as one of the leading and exemplary pharmaceutical universities in Mainland China. Notably, its clinical pharmacy programme has been ranked among top 3 nationwide since 2021.
Application details for 2025-2026:
Not available in 2025-2026
Peking University
Introduction:
Students can visit the Peking University campus, Tong Ren Tang manufacturing site, and Peking University First Hospital. In addition, students have the opportunity to participate in the clinical ward visit at Peking University First Hospital with guidance from their experienced clinical pharmacist.
Application details for 2025-2026:
Not available in 2025-2026
Peking University Peking University First Hospital
Introduction:
TBC
Application details for 2025-2026:
TBC
Shanghai Jiaotong University – Shanghai General Hosptial
Introduction:
The Shanghai General Hospital is the affiliated hospital of Shanghai Jiaotong University. Being a Grade-3-and-first-class hospital (三甲医院) located in the most affluent city , the Shanghai General Hospital has long been recognized as one of the most comprehensive and sophisticated healthcare hubs in the nation. Its pharmacy department is also one of the most pioneering in the country.
Students will have the opportunity to shadow clinical pharmacists and receive structured training in various areas such as inpatient and outpatient patients, ward and other pharmacy services. Students will be exposed to innovative services provided by the pharmacists at the hospital such as the joint-consultation service provided for outpatient consultations with the presence of clinician and pharmacists; AI consultation rooms and personalized medicines for medication management service.
Application details for 2025-2026:
TBC
