HKUST provides undergraduate students with exciting research opportunities through a signature program called Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP). In Fall, Spring and Summer semesters, lists of UROP projects are open for student application. The qualified students work closely with faculty members on the research and scholarly activities, thereby develop insightful perspectives on their areas of interest and advance the frontiers of knowledge. Students are also most welcome to propose a project title to a faculty member if he or she agrees to do the supervision.

Successful completion of UROP courses may lead to stipend as encouragement, or credits to fulfill part of the program requirement. For UROP project papers/posters accepted for presentation at an academic conference, or accepted by international journal, various sponsorships will be conferred to the UROP students. Students who exhibit excellent research performance may also be nominated for award, in recognition of their contribution to research and innovation at HKUST.