The Global Experience for All Funding Scheme (GEAFS), subject to approval, provides financial support for direct student costs associated with overseas summer programmes. This includes partial coverage of programme fees, airfare (economy class), and accommodation, capped at 60%. The scheme aims to offer students valuable learning experiences in new environments, broaden their cultural horizons and cultivate a global perspective.
More information will be announced in January/February 2025. For further details, students are advised to refer to the announcements sent via email.
University of British Columbia – Vancouver Summer Program
The University of British Columbia (UBC) offers a four-week academic programme for international undergraduate students through various faculties. Participants can take two academic courses while exploring Canadian culture and practices. This programme fosters academic growth, cultivates friendships and broadens students’ worldviews.
UBC Vancouver Summer Program (VSP) 2025
(for students joining VSP with GEAFS subsidy or at their own expense)
For updates and details about the courses offered in the July Session (11 July – 11 August 2025), visit the official UBC VSP website: https://vancouversummerprogram.ubc.ca/.
Notes for Year-3 BMS Major Students: Students in Year 3 of the BSc Biomedical Sciences programme should note that the Final Year Project (FYP) is expected to commence around July 2025. If you plan to join the summer programme, please consult your prospective FYP supervisor and course coordinator in advance to discuss your FYP progress and timeline.
(This section is applicable upon approval of GEAFS.)
Subsidy Details
Programme Fee
Subsidy capped at 60% of CAD 6,214.
(Total cost of VSP 2025: CAD 6,214 including a 4% service charge.)
Application Fee: CAD 125 (payable upon application submission).
Programme Fee: CAD 5,850 (includes course fees and materials, most activities, accommodation, and medical insurance).
Note: Online payments are subject to a 4% service charge as informed by UBC.
Airfare
Subsidy capped at 60% of the actual cost for one round-trip economy class ticket by the most economical means (economy with excursion fares in most cases).
Students departing from their home country must provide two quotations:
1. Hong Kong → Vancouver → Hong Kong, and
2. Home city → Vancouver → Home city
Reimbursement will be based on the lower cost of the two quotations.
Total Subsidy
Total of the above or HK$28,300 (whichever is lower)
Note: Students not receiving GEAFS funding may join the programme at their own cost.
Application for GEAFS Nomination
Students wishing to join the four-week programme with GEAFS support should submit a self-nomination to the Department for selection. Results will be announced in time for students to complete their UBC VSP application.
Selection Criteria
- CGPA of the latest Semester
- Non-academic achievements
- English language results
- Interview if necessary
Application Method
Submit the following documents by 4 March 2025 via email to bms.ug@cityu.edu.hk. Late submissions will not be accepted.
- Nomination Form (refer to email)
- Updated CV (listing academic and non-academic achievements)
Important Notes
- Priority will be given to i) students without prior non-local learning experience lasting 28 days or more while studying at CityU, and ii) students who are in a financial situation that does not permit overseas study or extensive overseas travel. Provision of evidence and documents may be required upon request.
- Each student can only receive GEAFS funding once during the same summer.
- Students must complete the entire programme to qualify for funding support.
Reimbursement
Documents Required
- Receipt of programme fee payment
- Receipt of airfare (economy class) (a bank statement showing the related transaction is required if the transaction is not in Hong Kong dollars)
- Boarding passes
- Two airfare quotations (as detailed above)
- Grades letter from UBC (all courses must be passed)
- 10 high-resolution photos of the programme experience, each with a caption and file size over 1 MB
- Reflective essay (minimum 500 words)
- Completed online feedback questionnaire
Remarks: The photos, written reviews and all programme-related information submitted may be used for administrative and promotional purposes.
Reimbursement Deadline
To receive reimbursement, students must submit the above documents by 17 August 2025 to bms.ug@cityu.edu.hk.
The Department will consider credit transfers for students who complete the programme.
Pre-Approval Application
Please submit the following documents to bms.ug@cityu.edu.hk by 16 May 2025 for the Department’s consideration.
- Credit Transfer Pre-Approval Form (refer to email)
- VSP syllabus (if available at the time of submission)
Credit Transfer Procedures (After Completion of VSP)
If pre-approved, please submit the following documents to bms.ug@cityu.edu.hk by 17 August 2025:
- Grades letter from UBC
- Final syllabus of the completed programme
- Credit Transfer Application Form (refer to email)
UBC Vancouver Summer Program 2024 (VSP) – Students’ Sharing
Helpful Links
5 February 2025