Whether you’re aiming for an undergraduate degree, a master’s, or a PhD, Hong Kong’s universities offer competitive, fully funded scholarships for international students. Below is a curated list of prominent schemes and institutions to explore.
1) Hong Kong PhD Fellowships
Who it’s for: Doctoral applicants of any nationality.
What’s offered: Annual stipend (HK$340,800) plus travel allowance; tuition typically covered by the host university.
Where: Open to students at major research institutions including The University of Hong Kong (HKU), The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), City University of Hong Kong (CityU), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Lingnan University, and The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK).
Highlights:
• The scheme is known as the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS).
• Many of the above institutions accept HKPFS awardees and in some cases add extra benefits (fee waivers, travel allowance, monthly stipend).
Tip: Apply to both your desired university’s PhD programme and the HKPFS – check deadlines carefully (usually in November of the year prior to entry).
2) Taught Master’s International Scholarships
Who it’s for: Outstanding international applicants to certain postgraduate programmes.
Examples:
• At Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU): the International Postgraduate Scholarship (IPS) offers full tuition waiver + HK$100,000 living allowance for selected international students.
Tip: Research each institution’s “International Scholarships” page under their postgraduate admissions section. Highlight your international profile, strong academic results, and research interests in your application.
3) Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships (Non-local / International)
Several Hong Kong universities offer for tuition + allowance for non-local/international students. Here are some of the key schemes:
• HKU Entrance Scholarships – covers full tuition, accommodation, and a living allowance for top non-local entrants.
• HKUST International Students’ Admissions Scholarships – up to full-tuition + HK$60,000 per year, renewable.
• CityU Entrance Scholarship Scheme – offers merit-based awards for non-local students which can cover full tuition plus allowances.
• PolyU Entry Scholarships – for non-local students; up to full tuition + HK$50,000 allowance (renewable) plus one-off exchange scholarship.
• Lingnan University Entrance Scholarships – non-local students may receive full-tuition awards.
• EdUHK Non-local Entrance Scholarships – for strong international applicants under its Undergraduate Admissions.
Tip: For these, submit your application early and highlight any unique international experience, extra-curricular excellence, and strong academic record.
4) Government & Territory-Wide Scholarship Schemes
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) supports various scholarship schemes and lists them online. Some cover full tuition and living allowances for students from designated countries (e.g., through the Belt & Road Initiative).
Tip: Check the official platform “Study in Hong Kong” for latest updates and eligibility criteria.
Quick Application Checklist
1. Check the official website of the university and the relevant scholarship page for eligibility, application deadline, and cover amount.
2. Prepare strong academic transcripts, English language proof (if required), recommendation letters, and personal statement.
3. For taught programmes: emphasise why you’re applying (international outlook, leadership, unique profile).
4. For PhD: develop a well-defined research proposal, identify a potential Hong Kong-based supervisor, and highlight how your research aligns with the institution.
5. Apply early and follow all instructions (some systems require separate scholarship application forms).
6. After submission, prepare for possible interview assessments or further documentation requests.
