APRU Undergraduate Leaders’ Program 2026: Future Ready: Leadership in the Age of AI and Robotics
Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) is proud to host the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Undergraduate Leaders’ Program (ULP) from June 22 to July 03, 2026. Themed “Future Ready: Leadership in the Age of AI and Robotics”, the program invites future leaders from across the Pacific Rim to explore how social robotics and embedded AI will transform human life, industry, and society.
Set in Shenzhen, China’s globally recognized hub of technology and entrepreneurship, the ULP 2026 will immerse participants in one of the most dynamic innovation ecosystems in the world. 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.
Developed by SUSTech’s School of Design with the support of the Robotics Institute, the program provides an unparalleled platform for students to gain hands-on experience, broaden their perspectives, and build the leadership skills needed to navigate the complex intersection of technology and society.
Program Dates: June 22 to July 03, 2026
Host: Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech)
Number of Participants: 50 – 60 undergraduate students from across APRU member universities
Full-time undergraduate students from all disciplines currently registered at an APRU member university are welcome.
Students must have a good command of the English language.
Each APRU member university may nominate up to five students for the program (more info about nominations in the ‘Application’ tab), and list the names in the order of preference. At least two students from each member universities will be admitted. If there are spaces for more students, selections will be made from the nominated students who remain based on their credentials.
Programme 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’sleading companies and innovation hubs will expose students to the city’sdynamic robotics and AI ecosystem.
•Cultural immersion activities, excursions around Shenzhen, and peer-to-peer exchange will enrich participants’ perspectives and foster cross-cultural understanding.
Certificates: participants will be issued a certificate upon completion of the program.
Day 1 - Arrivals.
Day 2 - An introduction to SUSTech, Shenzhen and our robotics ecosystem.
Day 3 - Interaction and experience in social robotics.
Day 4 - Ethics, innovation, and the human–robot interface.
Day 5 - Innovation ecologies and tech entrepreneurship in action.
Day 6 - Excursion.
Day 7 - Free day.
Day 8 - Designing futures: culture, society, and sustainability.
Day 9 - Presentation skills workshop and capstone project team time.
Day 10 - Preparing for final presentations.
Day 11 - Capstone presentations and closing.
Day 12 - Departures.
Program details are subject to change
Cost per student: 4,680.00 RMB (USD 650.00)
Program fee includes:
•Accommodation
•Shuttle bus service during the program
•Field trips and one-day excursion
•Welcome reception and opening ceremony
•Breakfast
•Administrative fees.
Expenses covered by participants:
•International travel
•Visa application fees
•Insurance throughout the program
•Lunchtime and evening meals
•Expenses on the free day
•Other personal expenses during the program.
Nomination and application procedures:
Step 1: Nomination submission
APRU member universities promote the ULP’26 to their students and set up their own student selection process. Each university may nominate up to five students (list of selected students to be provided by each university to SUSTech via email to apru_ulp_2026@sustech.edu.cn) and have the nominated students submit their online application by March 09, 2026:
Step 2: Notification of selection
Selected students will be informed via email by March 23, 2026.
Step 3: Confirmation & payment
Successful students should confirm their acceptance and begin their visa applications (if needed) by April 06, 2026, and settle the program fee payment by April 13, 2026. Air tickets should only be purchased after this ... point.
Nomination period:
January 5 to March 09, 2026
Notification to selected applicants:
March 23, 2026
Confirmation of acceptance deadline:
April 06, 2026
Program fee payment deadline:
April 13, 2026
Visa applications period:
April 6 - May 31, 2026
Arrive in Shenzhen:
June 22, 2026
Program:
June 22 to July 3, 2026
Departure from Shenzhen:
July 3, 2026
Dates are subject to change.
Important Note: The program will take place in Shenzhen, China. Participants may fly into Shenzhen or Hong Kong International airports and make their own way to SUSTech.
For further enquiries and follow us, please contact SUSTech via email at:
apru_ulp_2026@sustech.edu.cn
Christopher Clarke
Senior Manager for Global Communication
SUSTech Global
How much does the program cost for students?
The program fee for each student is USD650, and payment is due by April 18, 2026. This fee does not cover airfare to and from the student's home country, passport and visa fees, medical and travel insurance, or any other expenses not explicitly mentioned. The students must cover any additional costs.
Do I require a visa to enter China?
It is your responsibility to determine if you need a visa to enter China. If you do, we will provide the necessary documentation and assistance with the application process.
X2 Visa
We will assist in the applications for the X2 short term study visa (https://us.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/lsfw/zj/qz2021/202206/t20220614_10702581.htm). If you require any additional documentation or assistance, please let us know. The X2 visa is single entry, and participants will not be able to leave mainland China during the program (including being unable to visit Hong Kong and Macau).
How do I book my flight to Shenzhen or Hong Kong?
You should only make your reservation after receiving the acceptance letter from SUSTech. If arriving into Hong Kong, you should arrange your own cross-border transportation into Shenzhen. More information can be found here: https://www.hongkongairport.com/en/transport/mainland-connection/
Does the program include accommodation?
The program includes accommodation from 22 June 22 to 03 July, 2026. Accommodation is only available for the specified dates. Any additional lodging outside these dates must be arranged and paid for by the students at another location. The accommodation will be in shared rooms, with two students per room. We will send a survey to inquire about your preference for sharing rooms with people of the same gender or nationality.
Does the program include meals?
The program includes breakfast during academic activities, as well as some dinner (specific dates to be confirmed). Affordable meals will be available for other dinners in the on-campus cafeterias.
Does the program include transportation within the city?
The program covers transfers between the university housing and academic activity venues within the SUSTech School of Design, as well as transportation for the site visits. Transportation from the airport to the university housing will also be provided upon arrival. It is also recommended that you open a WeChat account for use of public transportation in Shenzhen.
Will I have time to travel around Shenzhen and China?
Yes, but this will depend on your schedule and must be self-funded. Please note that travel outside of Shenzhen during the two-week program is not permitted.
Will I require insurance for the duration of my stay?
Yes, all participants require insurance and the necessary insurance certification should be provided to SUSTech ahead of your arrival.
