Apply

Summer Portal 2025 welcomes boys and girls aged approximately 10-13 (currently studying in Primary 4 through to Secondary 1) from any school in Hong Kong and abroad to apply. Please note that the medium of instruction is English.

There is a total of around 80 places in the Portal, including a limited number of non-boarding places for those in need. (Non-boarders participate in all activities from 9am to at least 8pm during the camp. The application for a non-boarding place is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.)

Camp Fee & Scholarship

CAMP FEE (Inclusive of Room-and-Board)

HK$26,800 (Boarding) HK$19,800 (Non-Boarding)

Scholarships of up to 100% tuition (but excluding applicable room-and-board charges of HK$8,000) may be given to exceptionally gifted students at the sole discretion of the Portal, based on an impact and merit-based assessment.

Fee Remisson

Online Interview

In order to provide the best learning environment where peer learning is maximised, it is our top priority to get to know you both musically and personally. As such, admission to the camp will be based on the outcome of an interview to be held online in March and early April where we assess musical abilities, language proficiency, learning aptitude and readiness for boarding.

申請指引

Application Guidelines

Online Application

The application deadline has now passed and it looks like we have more interests than places we could offer. However, plans may change for some of our applicants who receive our offer. Should you want to be called for an interview when places become available – possibly in late April – then please fill out the standby application form.

Please read the Application Guidelines carefully before initiating the online application process. A non-refundable late application fee of HK$500 is payable only upon being called to an interview. We will not notify you if no places are available, but will keep you on our database for future camps.

Can I ask for a reference letter after completing the Portal?

Yes, students who have made a personal and positive impression, upholding the 2Rs virtues during the Portal may ask the Portal Director for a Letter of Reference for their future use.
What is the medium of instruction?

This camp will be taught primarily in English with some activities in both English and Cantonese and Putonghua.
Who are eligible to apply?

Students from any school in Hong Kong or abroad, who are currently studying in Primary 4 through to Secondary 1, (or aged ~10-13), are welcome to apply. With this being a music-oriented camp, students should love to sing in a choir, or play the piano, violin, viola or cello to an advanced level, and have basic English proficiency.
Can my child apply for leave for a certain period of time during the camp?

It is not recommended for students to miss any part of the camp as this will undermine their learning and may affect the progress of the group. Application for leave is usually not granted under normal circumstances. However, parents who have special reasons for such a request should write to the Portal Director to explain the circumstances, and arrangements may be made on a case-by-case basis after review.
What do I have to prepare for the Interview?

Please refer to the Application and Interview Guidelines. Please feel free to contact us if you still have questions pertaining to the Interview.
Will I get a certificate upon completion of the Summer Portal?

Yes, students successfully completing the programme will be awarded a Certificate of Completion, signed by the Chairman of the Council of St. Paul's Co-educational College and the Portal Director.
What does the camp fee cover?

The camp fee covers all tuition and activities, accommodation and meals.
What is your policy with regard to the use of mobile phone?

At the Summer Portal, we treasure human interaction over digital communication; as such, students are only allowed access to their phones for around an hour before their bedtime. Their phones are kept, sound and safe, by our staff at other times.
Are there scholarships available?

A limited number of scholarships of up to 100% of the tuition fees (excluding room-and-board charge of HKD$8,000 per camp) may be offered to exceptionally gifted students based on a merit-based and impact assessment. Every applicant will be considered and assessed in the interview process. You may be invited to a live audition for consideration of a scholarship in due course.
How much is the camp fee?

It's HK$26,800 for boarding, with a limited number of non-boarding places at HK$19,800.
What type of accommodation is provided?

Students of the same gender will be put in the same dormitory at our Chong Yau Pak Wan Residence Hall, and supervised by the Portal Guardian and Dormitory Officers.
How many students will there be in Summer Portal?

Up to around 80 students will be admitted to the Portal.
When will I know whether I am admitted to the Summer Portal?

You will be notified by email of the result of the try-out no later than April 15, 2025.
When is the online interview?

The online interview will be scheduled in March or early April. You will be notified of the date and time and given a link in due course.
What happens when a student falls ill during the camp?

Parents will be notified at the soonest possible moment. The student will be asked to wear a mask and depending on severity of the illness, be taken to the sick room for rest and further observation. If the student has a fever, s/he will be sent home until such time that s/he has recovered. If the student’s parents are not available (e.g. travelling or from abroad), the student will be separated from others in the dormitory.
Do I have to stay in the dormitory during the camp?

Generally, yes. In order to create an all-immersive experience where deep bonding and interaction take place, boarding is an essential and compulsory component of the Summer Portal. There are a limited number of non-boarding places available for students who have such needs (e.g. young age, health conditions etc.). These requests to enrol as non-boarders will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
My child is joining as a singer in the Choral Stream. But can s/he bring his/her musical instrument to the Portal to practice and play?

With this being a music-loving camp, the answer is “yes” (and your child’s group-mates in the Talent Show would love him/her for that!) Having said that, it must be cautioned students live in a dormitory environment, and they must learn to be respectful of others’ space as well as quiet time and know when to ask for permission. We also adopt a “bring-at-your-own-risk” policy, and expensive instruments are not recommended unless you have insurance for damage and loss!
Are students from St. Paul’s Co-educational College and Primary School given priority?

No, admission to the programme is open to all students and based purely on the merit of the interview.