Hong Kong, formally the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, is located at the southeastern tip of China. Its population was 7,510,800 at the end of 2025, and its total land area is 1,114.57 square kilometers, or about 430 square miles. Hong Kong is an international business, trade, and financial center with a highly developed service-based economy.
Hong Kong is also a popular destination for visitors. Tourists can explore its cityscapes, experience its blend of Eastern and Western food cultures, and visit its shopping districts.
Hong Kong can be an attractive destination for students pursuing higher education in professional and research fields. However, tuition fees and living expenses can be significant. The following scholarships in Hong Kong can help international students reduce the cost of their studies.
Unless otherwise stated, the scholarship amounts below are in Hong Kong dollars.
Top Scholarships in Hong Kong for International Students
| Scholarship Name | Scholarship Type | Eligible Programs | Scholarship Value |
|---|
| HKSAR Government Scholarship Fund | Hong Kong SAR Government | Full-time publicly funded degree-level or higher programs | HK$80,000 per year for non-local recipients of the Scholarships for Outstanding Performance |
| City University of Hong Kong Entrance Scholarship Scheme | City University of Hong Kong | Bachelor’s | Up to renewable full-tuition coverage plus an annual living allowance of up to HK$60,000 |
| Hong Kong Ph.D. Fellowship Scheme | Research Grants Council | Ph.D. | HK$344,400 annual stipend plus HK$14,400 annual conference and research-related travel allowance |
| University Admissions Scholarship Scheme for IB Diploma Holders at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology | Hong Kong University of Science and Technology | Bachelor’s | Up to full tuition plus a HK$60,000 annual living allowance |
| Scholarship for Prospective English Teachers | Hong Kong SAR Education Bureau | Eligible bachelor’s pathways and full-time PGDE programs | HK$80,000 per year for eligible bachelor’s pathways; HK$80,000 for an eligible full-time PGDE program |
| HKUST Beyond Academic Admissions Scholarship | Hong Kong University of Science and Technology | Bachelor’s | One-off HK$50,000 scholarship |
| PolyU Scholarship | Hong Kong Polytechnic University | Bachelor’s | Varies by scholarship; the Cultural Ambassador Scholarship for Non-Local Students is renewable up to HK$60,000 per year |
| Postgraduate Studentships | Chinese University of Hong Kong | MPhil, Ph.D. | HK$229,200 per year for 2025/26 |
| Admission Scholarship Scheme | Hong Kong Baptist University | Bachelor’s | HK$242,500 per year for the full scholarship; HK$190,000 per year for the tuition-waiver scholarship; HK$121,250 per year for the half scholarship |
| HKU Presidential Ph.D. Scholar Programme | University of Hong Kong Graduate School | Ph.D. | Up to approximately HK$439,500 in the first year and HK$422,000 in each subsequent year during the normative study period |
1. HKSAR Government Scholarship Fund
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: HK$80,000 per year for non-local recipients of the Scholarships for Outstanding Performance
- Eligible Programs: Full-time publicly funded degree-level or higher programs
The HKSAR Government Scholarship Fund was established in 2008 to support outstanding students pursuing full-time publicly funded programs in Hong Kong. Investment income generated by the fund is distributed to ten institutions: the eight University Grants Committee-funded institutions, the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, and the Vocational Training Council.
One award available under the fund is the Scholarships for Outstanding Performance. Non-local recipients studying in full-time publicly funded degree-level or higher programs receive HK$80,000 per year. The scholarship is tenable for the normal duration of the program and is renewable annually, subject to satisfactory academic performance.
Institutions consider factors such as academic performance, contributions to the institution or society, leadership, communication skills, and commitment to the Hong Kong community. Students should check with their chosen institution for application and selection details.
2. City University of Hong Kong Entrance Scholarship Scheme
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: Up to renewable full-tuition coverage plus an annual living allowance of up to HK$60,000
- Eligible Degree: Bachelor’s
The Entrance Scholarship Scheme of the City University of Hong Kong is available to international students with excellent academic performance who are admitted to full-time government-funded bachelor’s degree programs.
The scheme offers three awards: the Top Scholarship, the Full Tuition Scholarship, and the Half Tuition Scholarship. The Top Scholarship provides renewable full-tuition coverage and an annual living allowance of up to HK$60,000 for university-managed accommodation and partial living expenses. The Full Tuition Scholarship provides renewable full-tuition coverage, while the Half Tuition Scholarship provides renewable half-tuition coverage.
Students do not need to submit a separate scholarship application. Awards are granted based on merit. Scholarship recipients must meet the minimum cumulative grade point average required by the university each year to renew their awards.
3. Hong Kong Ph.D. Fellowship Scheme
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: HK$344,400 annual stipend plus a HK$14,400 annual conference and research-related travel allowance
- Eligible Degree: Ph.D.
The Research Grants Council established the Hong Kong Ph.D. Fellowship Scheme in 2009 to attract outstanding students from around the world to pursue Ph.D. studies in Hong Kong. Applicants must seek admission as new full-time Ph.D. students at one of the following eight universities: City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Baptist University, Lingnan University, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Education University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, or the University of Hong Kong.
Applicants should demonstrate outstanding academic performance, research ability or potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities. For the 2026/27 academic year, each awardee will receive an annual stipend of HK$344,400 and an annual conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$14,400 for up to three years. Universities may provide additional support to awardees who need more than three years to complete their Ph.D. degrees.
4. University Admissions Scholarship Scheme for IB Diploma Holders at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: Up to full tuition plus a HK$60,000 annual living allowance
- Eligible Degree: Bachelor’s
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology considers IB Diploma applicants for scholarships based on their total IB scores, including Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge points.
For the 2026/27 intake, students with a total IB score of 45 receive full-tuition coverage plus an annual living allowance of HK$60,000, renewable for the normative duration of study. Students with a total score of 44 receive renewable full-tuition coverage, while students with a total score of 43 receive renewable half-tuition coverage.
- IB Score 45: Full tuition plus a HK$60,000 annual living allowance, renewable for the normative duration of study
- IB Score 44: Full tuition per year, renewable for the normative duration of study
- IB Score 43: Half tuition per year, renewable for the normative duration of study
- IB Score 40 to 42: One-off half-tuition scholarship
The university may offer a top-up scholarship through a school or program office, provided that the total award does not exceed full tuition plus a HK$60,000 annual allowance.
5. Scholarship for Prospective English Teachers
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: HK$80,000 per year for eligible bachelor’s pathways; HK$80,000 for an eligible full-time PGDE program
- Eligible Programs: Relevant bachelor’s pathways and full-time PGDE programs
The Hong Kong SAR Education Bureau established the Scholarship for Prospective English Teachers to encourage students with strong English proficiency to pursue eligible local bachelor’s degree programs or teacher training programs that qualify them to become English teachers after graduation.
Both Hong Kong students and students from outside Hong Kong may apply. For secondary school graduates, the five-year scholarship covers eligible pathways such as a Bachelor of Education degree majoring in English, a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education double degree majoring in English, or a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in English or a relevant subject followed immediately by a full-time or part-time Postgraduate Diploma in Education majoring in English.
Secondary school graduate applicants must have attained at least Grade B in AS Level English in the General Certificate of Education examinations, Grade 5 or above in Higher Level English Language A1 or A2 in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, or an accepted equivalent. They must also begin the first year of an eligible degree program in the 2026/27 school year.
Undergraduates and graduates may apply for a one-year scholarship to pursue an eligible full-time Postgraduate Diploma in Education program majoring in English. Each eligible PGDE awardee receives HK$80,000. Awardees must satisfy the academic performance and conduct requirements, as well as the applicable teaching obligations after graduation.
6. HKUST Beyond Academic Admission Scholarship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: One-off HK$50,000 scholarship
- Eligible Degree: Bachelor’s
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology offers the Beyond Academic Admissions Scholarship for students with notable non-academic achievements. The award includes a one-off HK$50,000 scholarship and favorable admissions consideration.
Prospective HKUST students from around the world may apply through the JUPAS or non-JUPAS routes, except Mainland Gaokao applicants. Applicants must meet the university’s minimum entrance requirements, the requirements of their chosen program, and any applicable English language requirements.
Applicants may demonstrate achievements in areas such as innovation, leadership, entrepreneurship, arts, music, multimedia, sustainability, community service, sports, esports, or other fields. Applicants should submit supporting evidence and recommendation letters from their schools and relevant clubs, associations, or institutions.
7. PolyU Scholarship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: Varies by scheme; the Cultural Ambassador Scholarship for Non-Local Students is renewable up to HK$60,000 per year
- Eligible Degree: Bachelor’s
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University offers undergraduate scholarships that recognize academic and non-academic excellence. Scholarships are available to local and non-local students, and the amount and eligibility requirements vary by award.
Outstanding applicants to full-time undergraduate programs are considered for merit-based scholarships without submitting a separate application, except when an external organization requires an application. One example for international students is the Cultural Ambassador Scholarship for Non-Local Students.
The Cultural Ambassador Scholarship is open to eligible non-local students with international qualifications, including IB Diploma, GCE A-Level, International A-Level, and other international qualifications. Eligible students are automatically considered. The scholarship is renewable and valued at up to HK$60,000 per year.
8. Postgraduate Studentships (Chinese University of Hong Kong)
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount for MPhil and Ph.D. Students: HK$229,200 per year for 2025/26
- Meet the CUHK Scholars: Explore scholarship journeys, including that of Manoj Chamlagain from Nepal
The Postgraduate Studentships at the Chinese University of Hong Kong support qualified full-time research postgraduate students, including MPhil and Ph.D. students. The annual studentship for the 2025/26 academic year is HK$229,200, payable during the normative period of study. Studentship results are announced together with admission offers.
Here is what Postgraduate Studentship (Chinese University of Hong Kong) Scholars Say:
“I was awarded a Postgraduate Studentship at a rate of HKD 18,360 per month for four years when I was awarded it in 2023 to pursue my PhD studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK).”
Manoj Chamlagain
“I applied for the scholarships before the deadline and made sure all the documents were ready by then.”
Manoj Chamlagain
9. Admission Scholarship Scheme for Overseas Applicants (Hong Kong Baptist University)
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount for Bachelor’s Students: HK$242,500 per year for the full scholarship; HK$190,000 per year for the tuition-waiver scholarship; HK$121,250 per year for the half scholarship
- Meet the HKBU Scholars: Explore scholarship journeys, including that of Manoj Chamlagain
The Admission Scholarship Scheme for Overseas Applicants at Hong Kong Baptist University is available to non-local applicants when they apply for admission. The awards are renewable for the normal duration of study, subject to the student achieving good academic results. No separate scholarship application is required.
For the 2026/27 academic year, the full scholarship covers 100% of the HK$190,000 tuition fee and includes HK$52,500 in living subsidies, for a total annual value of HK$242,500. The tuition-waiver scholarship covers the HK$190,000 annual tuition fee. The half scholarship is worth 50% of the full scholarship, or HK$121,250 per year.
Here is what Hong Kong Baptist University Admission Scholarship Recipients Say:
“I was offered the Full Admissions Scholarship by HKBU for my undergraduate studies, which covered the tuition fees, guaranteed on-campus accommodation at a heavily subsidized fee, and provided a generous stipend of HKD 50,000 per annum for four years.”
Manoj Chamlagain
“I did not submit this score to HKBU because the university already recognizes the GCE A-Level exams I took for my high-school degree, where I had performed relatively well.”
Manoj Chamlagain
“I believe the winners of most scholarships are not always the best of students, but those who have an information edge.”
Manoj Chamlagain
10. HKU Presidential Ph.D. Scholar Programme
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: Up to approximately HK$439,500 in the first year and HK$422,000 in each subsequent year during the normative study period
- Eligible Degree: Ph.D.
The Presidential Ph.D. Scholar Programme at the University of Hong Kong Graduate School offers scholarships to selected outstanding full-time Ph.D. students from around the world. All applicants to HKU’s full-time Ph.D. programs are considered for the award, and shortlisted candidates may be invited to an interview.
For 2026/27 admission, each HKU Presidential Ph.D. Scholar will receive a package of up to approximately HK$439,500 in the first year and HK$422,000 in each subsequent year during the normative study period.
The package includes a cash award of HK$40,000 in the first year and HK$20,000 per year during the remaining normative study period, a waiver of composition fees for the entire normative study period, a postgraduate scholarship of HK$28,400 per month, and a conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$14,200 per year. Awardees also receive a guaranteed hall place in the first year, with the possibility of renewal. Selected outstanding students may receive financial support for an additional year of study beyond the normative period.
In addition to financial support, HKU Presidential Ph.D. Scholars receive academic and training support, including individualized advisory services, teaching training, mentorship opportunities, and opportunities to interact with leading scholars.
For many international students, paying tuition fees and living expenses at a university abroad can be challenging. Students interested in studying in Hong Kong should review each scholarship’s official page carefully, confirm the current eligibility requirements, and prepare their applications before the relevant deadlines.
We hope this article on scholarships in Hong Kong for international students was helpful. For more information, check out the Study in Hong Kong and Available Programs for International Students pages!
