What is the HKLSS Life Sciences Summer Internship Program?
With the full support of Nan Fung Group, Hong Kong Life Sciences Society offers a remarkable internship opportunity to university students since 2019. Through the six-week internship program in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Shenzhen, students have the opportunity to explore the life sciences and biotech industry. The Program goes beyond providing a hands-on internship experience, it also expands interns' horizons with visits to leading life sciences and biotech companies, as well as insightful sharing sessions by industry experts.
Which internship companies in Hong Kong/Mainland are involved in this program?
We offer opportunities for students who are interested in developing a career in biotech, life sciences or biomedical sciences in Hong Kong, Shanghai or Shenzhen. The life sciences and biotechnology companies covering biotech start-up, venture capital, science organization, healthcare and pharmaceutical companies.
Our partner companies for 2024 and previous cohorts include:
Ally Bridge Group, Antengene, Arctic Vision, AstraZeneca (Shanghai), Belun Technology, Delos Capital, Ecoinno, Highlight Capital, Insighta, Lee's Pharmaceutical, Morningside Venture, Nan Fung Life Sciences, Novus Life Sciences, OMNI Pharmaceutical, Opharmic Technology, Panda Healthcare, Pivotal bioVenture Partners, Quantum Digital Health, Shenzhen Moyuan Biotechnology, Signet Therapeutics, Snowhill Science, Tigermed, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Futian Biomedical Innovation R&D Center, The Mills Fabrica, Viva Ventures Biotech Fund, Vivo Capital, Zhaoke Ophthalmology
*Applicants who are selected for interviews will get to know more information about the internship companies.
Does this internship only offer positions in R&D? Is there any other job area I can explore through this internship?
HKLSS Life Sciences Summer Internship Program offers various positions in life sciences and biotech companies. Apart from working in the research and development department, our partners also offer positions related to business/product development, life sciences-related investment, marketing and communication, R&D, and program or project management etc. We encourage applicants to break through the boundaries and explore the different roles in the life sciences/biotech/biomedical sciences industry.
Watch the video to get to know more our interns’ experience working in different biotech sectors during the internship.
Life Sciences-related Investment
Are there any pre and post-internship activities?
Selected interns are required to join all the program-related activities during the internship, such as orientations, a study tour and weekend sharing sessions. These activities will allow interns to explore different life sciences and biotech opportunities and understand industry development.
Here are some of our activities from the previous years for reference.
Is it a mandatory to complete the full six-week internship period? What will be the start date and end date of the internship?
Yes, all interns are required to complete the full six-week internship period. The HKLSS Life Sciences Summer Internship Program working period will start from early July to mid-August. However, the start or end dates might slightly vary, subject to the company's decision.
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 students who are studying abroad.
Priority will be given to MRes, MPhil or PhD students when considering interns for R&D positions.
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? Any permit needed if selecting Shanghai or Shenzhen as internship location?
Non-local students studying in Hong Kong are eligible to apply to 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.
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?
Most of the positions require interns with more in-depth knowledge in the industry. Therefore, the company will prioritize applicants who are studying in the senior year. HKLSS will still consider applications from junior year students on case-by-case basis.
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 and Mentorship Scheme together.
How has the application process been structured for prospective interns?
The application process is segmented into two phases:
Phase 1: for local students abroad, application starting on 28 October
Phase 2: for all students, application starting on 22 November
Priority in selection is not given to local students abroad; rather, this division aims to streamline the application procedures.
I am a Hong Kong resident studying abroad. Can I still submit my application during the second phase?
Yes, your application will still be accepted. However, we recommend that applicants adhere to our specified timeframes for submission.
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.
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 mainland China.
When will I get a response after submitting my application?
Shortlisted candidates will be notified of interviews via email by Q1 2025.
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?
The application process for the Summer Internship Program 2025 for local students abroad will commence in late October 2024 and late November for all students, followed by the screening of candidates.
HKLSS will conduct the 1st round interview by Q1 2025, and the 2nd round interview will be conducted by the participating companies. Offers will be confirmed to selected candidates after the interviews.
A series of collateral events for the Summer Internship Program will begin in mid-June while the internship period will be starting from early July to mid-August.
Is there anything we 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 internship?
- 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 studying abroad.
Will I be paid for the internship?
Each intern will be paid upon completion of the internship. There may have some pay variations, subject to the decision by individual companies.
Can I apply for leave/sick leave during the internship period?
Students are not allowed to take vacations or breaks during the internship period unless under special circumstances. Regarding sick leave, policies of each company vary.
Why do I need to pay the deposit?
As the number of internship positions is limited, HKLSS aims to identify the most outstanding and dedicated candidates to join our Summer Internship program.
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 Mainland China?
HKLSS will arrange return flights, accommodation, and insurance for interns traveling to Mainland China, subject to arrangements.
The above FAQs are for reference only. The HKLSS Life Sciences Summer Internship Program is subject to modification without advance notice.