Hong Kong is a major international city and one of Asia’s leading education hubs. It offers world-class education through institutions whose qualifications are internationally recognized and whose universities perform strongly in global and Asian rankings. Studying at a university in Hong Kong can also expose you to exciting career opportunities, so when deciding where to study abroad, do not overlook Hong Kong.
Hong Kong is known for its culture and diversity. You will not only receive formal education there, but you can also gain lifelong experiences and make long-lasting friends. Chinese and English are both official languages, and English is used as the teaching medium in most university courses, making Hong Kong an accessible destination for many international students.
If you’re planning to study here with a limited budget, make sure to read on as we cover helpful tips and scholarship opportunities to start your studies in Hong Kong for free or at a reduced cost.
How to Study in Hong Kong for Free
1. Prepare Your Application Early
The first step is to have an application that stands out. You will need to start working on the application well beforehand because you cannot magically get good grades overnight. Plan ahead if you want to go abroad for your studies. A strong personal and academic résumé can open many doors for you, so invest in yourself.
The main things that you will need to consider are your GPA, the subject of your degree, the relevance of your academic background, extracurricular activities, final-year projects or thesis work, strong referees, publications or research experience if applicable for master’s and PhD applicants, and language proficiency test scores. Finally, arrange all of your documents. Get them scanned in color and have them certified or attested if required.
2. Apply for Scholarships
The next step is to look for all available scholarships. Many scholarships are competitive and come with strict deadlines. This is why it is important to have a list of scholarships and their deadlines on hand. When the time comes, you can apply quickly with the application documents that you prepared earlier.
If you have missed one scholarship deadline, keep checking for other options. Scholarships and awards are offered by the HKSAR Government, post-secondary institutions, and other public or private organizations, and some awards are available specifically for non-local students.
3. Apply to Affordable Universities
Another way to study in Hong Kong without breaking the bank is to enroll in affordable universities. By studying at these schools, you can save more. With a combination of scholarships and affordable tuition fees, studying in Hong Kong for free or at a much lower cost may be possible.
Tuition-free Options for Bachelor’s Studies in Hong Kong
Hong Kong has several highly ranked universities for bachelor’s degree programs. Scholarships and awards for non-local students are available through the HKSAR Government, post-secondary institutions, and public or private organizations, although eligibility and funding levels vary.
The Chinese University of Hong Kong ranks 7th in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026 and is a leading research university with a publicly funded undergraduate and postgraduate student population of more than 23,000. Its eight faculties offer a wide selection of undergraduate programs. The Chinese University of Hong Kong offers Admission Scholarships for international students, with awards ranging from HKD 5,000 to full-tuition coverage; some awards also include an allowance of up to HKD 66,000 per year.
Another strong option for a bachelor’s degree in Hong Kong is the University of Hong Kong. HKU offers merit-based entrance scholarships for undergraduate students, including awards for international students that may cover full tuition fees and, in some cases, accommodation and general living allowance. Students should check current HKU eligibility before relying on any specific scholarship listing, such as the Foundation Scholarship for President’s Scholars.
Tuition-free Options for Master’s Studies in Hong Kong
There are two common types of master’s programs in Hong Kong: taught postgraduate programs, which focus mainly on coursework, and research postgraduate programs, such as MPhil programs, which focus mainly on research and a thesis. Research applicants are often asked to submit a research proposal or statement of research interest, depending on the faculty and program.
Regarding scholarships, the University of Hong Kong offers Postgraduate Scholarships for eligible full-time MPhil and PhD students. The basic Postgraduate Scholarship is HKD 19,135 per month, with a higher rate for confirmed PhD candidates. It is a stipend rather than a general full-tuition waiver; tuition waivers at HKU apply to specific groups, such as local full-time UGC-funded research postgraduate students and awardees of the HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship or Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme.
Tuition-free Options for Ph.D. Studies in Hong Kong
A PhD is one of the most prestigious degrees anywhere in the world, and universities in Hong Kong put special care into these degrees and the students they select for them. Various funding options are available for this degree, and they are usually awarded to outstanding candidates with strong academic and research potential.
There is a variety of funding for PhD students at universities, such as Postgraduate Scholarships at the University of Hong Kong, as well as government-supported schemes such as the Hong Kong Ph.D. Fellowship. The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme provides an annual stipend of HKD 344,400 and a conference and research-related travel allowance of HKD 14,400 per year for up to three years. Additional support may be provided by the chosen university if an awardee needs more than three years to complete the PhD degree.
FAQs: Studying in Hong Kong as an International Student
Is It Cheap for International Students to Study in Hong Kong?
No, it is not usually cheap for international students to study in Hong Kong. Non-local undergraduate tuition at major publicly funded universities is commonly around HKD 180,000 to HKD 249,000 per year, with exact amounts depending on the university and program.
However, Hong Kong has many scholarship options for non-local students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including government, university, and other public or private awards. These scholarships can reduce tuition costs significantly, and some awards may cover full tuition or provide living support.
There are many ways you can reduce your study costs in Hong Kong; you just need to find the option that works for you. If you have worked hard on your application, you may see the results of your effort, so be patient and apply wherever you see fit. Good luck with your application. We hope you get in!
We hope this article on studying in Hong Kong for free was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Study in Hong Kong and Available Programs for International Students!
