Overseas Start-up Technology Entrepreneur Programme (Australia) - Summer 2027

STEP Australia Banner

In collaboration with Bloom of Youth, CityUHK undergraduate students will be placed into a start-up company or organisation in Australia, for twelve weeks of full-time internship during the academic terms.

Internship Details

Location: Australia (Sydney/Melbourne)
Commencement: Summer 2027
Period and Duration: 12 weeks (tentatively 24 May – 13 August 2027)
Internship Type: Face-to-face
Job Nature / Job Field: Artificial Intelligence, Business, Engineering, Health, Information Technology (IT), Media, and more.
Course Information: Eligibility and credit units are subject to respective School/College arrangement and confirmation
Visa Requirement: Eligibility for a STEP(Australia) visa requires students to be a citizen of and hold a valid passport from countries/jurisdictions specified by the Australian Government. Please click here for more information.

Highlights

Programme Fee

HKD55,800: Inclusive of pre-internship training, internship arrangement, enrichment activities, accommodation and airport pickup.
Note: Fees may be subject to changes upon review.

Financial Support

Financial allowance: STEP subsidy will be available, subject to the satisfactory completion of the Programme and meeting relevant requirements.

  • The subsidy will be granted and released to students by installments.
  • Subsidy is up to HKD 20,000 maximum* per month or prorated, subject to the internship period and location.
  • Airfare (one round-trip in economy class) will be reimbursed based on actual expenses.

*Remarks: If the host company provides remuneration, accommodation / airfare / allowance to students, the amount of CAI allowance will be reduced.

Pre-Departure Details

Flight and Accommodation

Students are responsible for arranging their flights to the internship location.

Travel Documents and Visa

Students are responsible for obtaining the correct visa, passport, and other necessary personal travel documents for their stay in the destination and will bear the associated cost.

Insurance

  • Students will be covered by the University's Group Personal Accident Insurance and Group Travel Insurance Policy throughout their stay overseas, provided that they depart from Hong Kong to the host destination. Please click here for details.
  • In addition to the University’s provision, students are advised to purchase additional personal travel insurance.

Notes: Students are responsible for their own living expenses, including health check fee, visa application fee, meals and transportation. Students must ensure sufficient funds for living outside Hong Kong for the entire period.

Host Companies

Start-ups located in Sydney or Melbourne provide students with a unique opportunity to experience Australia's vibrant innovation landscape. Operating across sectors including Artificial Intelligence, digital services, Information Technology (IT), logistics, compliance certification, education, health, and media, etc.

Atlas is a Melbourne-based data analytics tech start-up that provides a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform to help companies measure and analyze workforce cultural diversity and sentiment. It was founded in 2019 and has raised substantial funding to support its growth and global expansion. It is a high-growth company operating in the tech sector, making it a strong candidate for a program focused on tech entrepreneurship.

Atlas is a diversity data analysis software platform and consulting service offered by the social enterprise Cultural Infusion. It helps other organizations measure and manage their workforce diversity. As a type of for-profit company that provides services to other businesses, governments, and non-profit entities, its function is to act as a:

  • Software provider: It offers an online survey tool and integrated dashboard for collecting sensitive cultural and demographic data anonymously.
  • Consultancy: It uses its extensive database of cultural, language, religious, and ethnic attributes to provide expert analysis and help organizations develop tailored diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) strategies.

Clients use Atlas to gain insights into their internal diversity profile and compare it to their target markets or communities they serve.

Charles Elena is a Melbourne-based digital and technology-driven brand agency that specializes in creating innovative digital experiences and brand solutions. The agency delivers end-to-end services across branding, brand strategy, brand creative, campaign creative, digital design, web design, web development, UX, UI, CX, social media campaigns, sales enablement, video production, motion graphics, immersive experiences and emerging platforms such as Web3.

Operating at the intersection of design, technology and strategic storytelling, Charles Elena helps organisations elevate their digital presence and enhance how their products and services are experienced across channels. Its capabilities enable clients to launch integrated and data-informed campaigns, strengthen customer engagement and expand brand reach in competitive digital markets.

The agency’s open-plan studio brings together UI/UX specialists, web designers, developers, motion designers and brand creatives who collaborate closely to deliver high-impact outcomes on tight deadlines. Business owners, entrepreneurs and marketing leaders value the direct interaction with the creative and technical teams, which fosters transparency, agility and a hands-on approach to digital execution.

Comtest Group is a technology-led compliance, testing, and certification company helping innovative products reach global markets faster. It operates at the intersection of engineering, regulation, and emerging technology.

As an Australian-owned SME with an entrepreneurial culture, Comtest works closely with regulators and standards bodies to ensure next-generation telecommunications, IT, and electrical products meet Australian and international requirements. Their expertise spans hardware compliance, digital systems, and evolving regulatory frameworks.

Through NATA-accredited testing laboratory, JAS-ANZ-accredited certification body, and tech-enabled compliance management services, Comtest delivers end-to-end solutions for modern technology companies.

Built to evolve, Comtest combines deep technical capability with start-up agility - supporting innovators as technology moves fast.

Cultural Infusion is a leading Australian organisation using the arts, education and technology to build intercultural understanding. The organisation has delivered multicultural programs to more than six million people across Australia.

As an official partner of the Australian National Commission to UNESCO, Cultural Infusion develops programs that celebrate diversity and promote inclusion. The Education & Experiences Division delivers live cultural workshops and performances in schools and communities nationwide, representing artists from more than 90 cultural backgrounds.

The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health is Australia’s leading brain research centre, dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and improving health outcomes for individuals affected by brain and mental health conditions. With over 50 research teams engaging in more than 200 active projects, the Florey focuses on key research priorities, including dementia, epilepsy and neurodevelopment, mental health, neurodegeneration, and stroke.

Information and Briefing Session for STEP (Australia)

The session will be held online via Zoom. If you are interested in joining the session, please register HERE.
Successfully registered students will receive a confirmation email that includes the Zoom link prior to the session.

  • Date: 13 October 2026 (Tuesday)
  • Time: 15:00 - 16:00
  • Platform: Zoom (the link will be provided closer to the session)
  • Registration Deadline: 8 October 2026 (Thursday), 23:59 HKT

Course Registration and Application

Course information and credit units are subject to the respective School / College’s arrangement and confirmation. The application period is from 30 September 2026 - 30 October 2026 (23:59 HKT).

Apply HERE

Enquiry

If you are interested in learning more about STEP, please contact CAI at cai@cityu.edu.hk.