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Frequently Asked Questions for HKLSS Life Sciences Summer Internship Program

  • About the Program
  • About the Eligibility
  • About the Application
  • About the Selection
  • About Contract and Allowance

About the Program

What is the HKLSS Life Sciences Summer Internship Program?

With the full support of Nan Fung Group, Hong Kong Life Sciences Society launched the Summer Internship Program (Program) in 2019, and has continued to provide opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students ever since.

HKLSS’ seven-week Program provides a six-week core work experience, complemented by enrichment activities along the placement that allow interns to further explore cutting-edge research, latest technology, and the future of biotechnology. Interns are encouraged to engage with sector specialists and leaders through company visits, sharing sessions, and workshops, exploring different career options in biotechnology and life sciences.

What companies may interns be placed at?

Our partner companies and organizations span the life sciences and biotechnology sector in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland (Shanghai and Shenzhen), including but not limited to healthcare and bio-pharmaceutical companies, VC firms, start-ups, NGOs. Internship opportunities may cover functions such as R&D, business or product development, investment, program or project management and marketing communication. 

Employer companies for the 2027 cohort will be announced upon interview invitations. Our partner companies for 2026 and previous cohorts include: 

Advanced Biomedical Instrumentation Centre, Ally Bridge Group, Antengene, Arctic Vision, AstraZeneca (HK & Shanghai), Bayland Capital, Belun Technology, BirdoTech, Delonix Bioworks, Delos Capital, FaceMed.ai, GenFleet Therapeutics, Genuine Biotech, Highlight Capital, HighTide, Insighta, JC STEM Lab of Neural Computation, Lee’s Pharmaceutical, Morningside Venture, Novus Life Sciences, NutrigeneAI Biotech, Our Hong Kong Foundation, Panda Healthcare, Pivotal Life Sciences, Pivotal bioVenture Partners, , Roche, Roche Accelerator, Snowhill Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Futian Biomedical Innovation R&D Center, The Mills Fabrica, Viva Ventures Biotech Fund, Vivo Capital, Zhaoke Ophthalmology

Does the Program only offer positions in R&D? Is there any other job area I can explore?

HKLSS Life Sciences Summer Internship Program offers various positions of relevance to life sciences and biotech. MRes, MPhil or PhD students will be prioritized for R&D positions.

Apart from working in the research and development department, you may be assigned to intern at our partner company on business/product development, investment, project management or marketing communications, etc. We encourage applicants to break through the boundaries and explore the different roles in the life sciences/biotech/biomedical sciences industry. 

Explore our interns’ experiences across the biotech sectors.

Business Development

Investment

Marketing Communication and Program Management 

Product Development

Research and Development

Is it mandatory to complete the full program? What does the full program include? 

Yes, all interns are required to complete the full 7-week program. In addition to a six-week internship, interns are expected to participate in all Program activities, including pre- and post-internship events, i.e. Orientation, Study Tour, Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Weekend Programs etc.

Here are some of our activities from the previous years for reference. 

What will be the start date and end date of the internship?

The working period will start from late June to mid-August. However, the start or end dates might slightly vary, subject to the company's decision.

About the Eligibility

Who is eligible to apply for this Program?

Senior-year undergraduate or postgraduate students aged 18 or above, with an academic qualification in life sciences, biomedical sciences, medicine, data science or business (with a science or tech focus). This Program is also open to local and non-local students who are studying abroad. 

Priority will be given to MRes, MPhil or PhD students when considering interns for R&D positions.

Final-year students and fresh graduates are welcome.

Recent graduates and applicants with other relevant backgrounds will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

I am a non-local student studying at a local university, am I eligible? Do I need a permit to intern in Shanghai or Shenzhen?

Non-local students studying in Hong Kong are eligible to apply for this Program. Those with a valid Home Return Permit or Hong Kong and Macau Travel Permit may choose Shanghai or Shenzhen as their internship location. However, students holding a student visa can only select Hong Kong due to visa restrictions.

I am a non-local student studying at a local university and thus don't speak Chinese. Is there still a place for me in this Program?

Non-Chinese speakers are also welcome to apply the Program. However, those who are proficient in Mandarin and written Chinese may have a higher chance of being selected for an internship in the Chinese Mainland.

Will HKLSS apply the work permit for me?

No. Applicants must verify their eligibility to work on their desired locations. Applicants without a valid work permit will not be considered.

I am a junior year student, am I eligible?

Non-local students studying in Hong Kong are eligible to apply for this Program. Those with a valid Home Return Permit or Hong Kong and Macau Travel Permit may choose Shanghai or Shenzhen as their internship location. However, students holding a student visa can only select Hong Kong due to visa restrictions.

About the Application

How can I apply for the Program?

You can apply for the Program by filling in the application form and indicating your preferred program(s) by ticking the box(es). You can submit the application for the Summer Internship Program 2027 and Mentorship Scheme 2027/28 together.

Can I choose the location and the job area for an internship?

You can indicate your interested area(s) and location preference (Hong Kong, Shanghai, or Shenzhen) in the online application. HKLSS and the participating companies will take it into account during the job mapping.

When will I get a response after submitting my application?

An application receipt will be sent to you upon successful submission of your application. However, only shortlisted candidates will be notified of interviews via email by Q1 2027.

About the Selection

What are the selection criteria of the internship?

Applicants will be shortlisted based on their academic performance, past working experience, and interview performance etc.

What is the selection process?

There are typically two rounds of interviews (subject to companies' discretion):

The 1st round interview will be conducted by HKLSS by Q1 2027.

The 2nd round interview will be conducted by the participating companies. 

Is there anything I should prepare for the interview?

Like any job interview, you may be asked the below questions:

  • Self-introduction
  • What do you expect to learn from the Program?
  • Which specific areas of life sciences/biotech are you interested in? Why?
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses?

If I am now doing an exchange program/studying in another country, can I arrange an online interview?

Yes, virtual interviews may be arranged for applicants abroad.

About Contract and Allowance

Will I be paid for the internship?

All intern will be paid upon completion of the internship. As companies may have different remuneration policies, allowance levels may vary.

Can I apply for leave/sick leave during the internship period?

In principle, interns are expected to commit to the full internship period and are generally not allowed to take leaves during the internship period unless under special circumstances. Please consult the HR department regarding sick leave

Is a deposit required?

Yes. As the number of internship positions is limited, HKLSS aims to identify the most outstanding and dedicated candidates.

The deposit for all successful applicants shall be HK$2,500. The above fee, to be paid after accepting the offer, will be returned to the intern upon completion of the internship.

Do I need to pay/arrange for my transportation and accommodation if I am going to intern in the Chinese Mainland?

HKLSS will arrange and include accommodation and insurance for interns working in the Chinese Mainland. Return transportation is provided for interns in Shanghai. HKLSS staff will contact selected interns regarding specific details and arrangements. 

The above FAQs are for reference only. The HKLSS Life Sciences Summer Internship Program is subject to modification without advance notice.

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