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APRU Undergraduate Leaders' Program

APRU Undergraduate Leaders' Program

Overview

  • Program Dates: June 22–July 3, 2026
  • Max Enrollment: 5
  • Language: English
  • Program Location: Shenzhen, China
  • Theme: “Future Ready: Leadership in the Age of AI and Robotics”

Join the APRU Undergraduate Leaders' Program (ULP) in Shenzhen, China in summer 2026! Begin your journey into AI and robotics at Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), where innovation meets leadership. This immersive program dives into the future of AI and robotics, exploring how these technologies will transform human life, industry and society.

Through design workshops, seminars, site visits to leading technology companies, and exchanges with scholars and practitioners, participants will confront the design, social, and leadership challenges that arise in an age where robotics is increasingly embedded in our daily lives.

Program Highlights

  • Participants will be introduced to cutting-edge research and practice in social robotics through workshops led by SUSTech faculty and international experts in design, automation, and human-robot interaction.
  • Interdisciplinary design workshops will allow students to collaborate with peers, faculty, and industry designers in developing creative responses to real-world challenges.
  • The ethical and social dimensions of artificial intelligence will be explored, addressing questions of trust, transparency, cultural understanding, and the impact of robotics on human life and work.
  • Visits to Shenzhen's leading companies and innovation hubs will expose students to the city's dynamic robotics and AI ecosystem.
  • Cultural immersion activities, excursions around Shenzhen, and peer-to-peer exchange will enrich participants' perspectives and foster cross-cultural understanding.

Program Cost and Funding

The $650 program fee for up to five UC Davis undergraduate students will be covered through the Global Education for All Excellence Fund. Costs not included below are the responsibility of the student.

The program fee includes:

  • Accommodation
  • Shuttle bus service during the program
  • Field trips and one-day excursion
  • Welcome reception and opening ceremony
  • Breakfast
  • Administrative fees

Costs not included:

  • Airfare to and from the participant’s home country
  • Passport and visa application fees (if required)
  • Medical insurance*
  • Lunch and evening meals
  • Personal expenses and any other expenses not specified

*Students may be eligible for UC Travel Insurance, and may also want to purchase additional insurance at their own discretion. More information will be shared once participation is confirmed.

Program Eligibility

Full-time undergraduate students at UC Davis from all disciplines.

International Students
Please consult the International Students webpage on the Global Learning Hub website for important information about traveling abroad. Please also check in with your UC Davis SISS advisor. Please check this SISS webpage for the most up to date travel information shared by the university.

Application Process

Step 1

  • Complete the application through UC Davis by clicking “Apply now”
  • The following prompts are required as part of the UC Davis application:
    • Why are you interested in participating in the APRU Undergraduate Leaders’ Program? (Max. 1200 characters)
    • Describe a situation where you demonstrated leadership or worked collaboratively in a team (Max. 1200 characters)
    • What do you hope to gain from this program (Max. 1200 characters)

Step 2

  • If nominated by UC Davis, you will be asked to complete the APRU/SUSTech application form by: March 13.
  • Note: you will be able to use your responses from the UC Davis application to inform your responses in the APRU/SUSTech form.
  • IMPORTANT: APRU/SUSTech will make the final selection of participants. Nomination by UC Davis does not guarantee participation in the program.

Application Timeline

  • UC Davis application opens: January 6
  • UC Davis application deadline: February 22, 11:59 p.m.
  • Review of student applications: February 23-27
  • Students notified of nomination status: February 27
  • Nominated students confirm their participation to UC Davis: March 4, 11:59 p.m.
  • Nominated students complete the required APRU/SUSTech application forms: March 13
  • APRU/SUSTech notifies students of their status in the program: March 23

Contact Information

Staff Photo

Chelsey Hawes

Senior Coordinator, Global and Intercultural Programs
Global Learning Hub, Global Affairs
[email protected]