Scholarships·East & Southeast Asia· 8 min read

University Entrance Scholarships in Hong Kong Explained

How entrance and merit scholarships work for international students in Hong Kong — from university awards to the HKSAR Government Scholarship Fund — and how to apply.

Last updated 13 July 2026

Key facts

Main types: University entrance/merit scholarships + HKSAR Government Scholarship Fund schemes
Government fund administered by: Education Bureau (EDB)
Basis: Academic merit / secular criteria — verify per scheme
Amounts & coverage: Vary and change yearly — verify on official pages
How to apply: Some automatic on admission; some need a separate form or nomination
Scam caution: No legitimate award is guaranteed for a fee — apply via official channels only

What 'entrance scholarships' mean

Entrance (or admission) scholarships are awards given when you are admitted, based mainly on academic merit and sometimes an interview. They are different from need-based financial aid and from research fellowships such as the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme.

Some entrance scholarships are automatic — you are considered on the strength of your application — while others need a separate form or a nomination by the university. Knowing which is which for your programme helps you avoid missing an award you were eligible for.

University entrance and merit scholarships

Most Hong Kong universities offer entrance or merit scholarships for outstanding non-local undergraduates. Coverage varies — some cover part of tuition, others full tuition, and a few add a stipend or hostel support.

Amounts, eligibility and the number of awards change every academic year and differ by university, so treat any figure you read elsewhere as indicative and confirm the current details on each university's official scholarships page. Eligibility is based on secular, academic criteria.

Offered by most Hong Kong universities for strong non-local students
Coverage ranges from partial to full tuition, sometimes with extra support
Amounts and rules change yearly — verify on each university's official page

The HKSAR Government Scholarship Fund

The HKSAR Government Scholarship Fund is a government fund that supports outstanding students — both local and non-local — on full-time publicly funded programmes. It is administered by the Education Bureau and includes several named scholarship schemes.

The specific schemes, who is eligible, and the amounts are set by the fund and can change, so check the official Education Bureau page for the current list and criteria rather than relying on older summaries.

How to find and apply

Begin on each university's admissions and scholarships pages, and read whether an award is automatic on admission or needs a separate application or nomination. Some are decided by the university without any action from you; others have their own deadlines and forms.

Keep your academic documents and English-test results ready, note the deadlines, and apply early. Do not assume amounts from previous years still apply — verify current figures before you count on them.

Avoiding scams and false promises

No legitimate scholarship, university or agent can guarantee you an award or admission in exchange for a payment. Official scholarships never ask you to pay a fee to 'secure' or 'confirm' them.

Treat any offer of a guaranteed scholarship, or a demand for money to obtain one, as a red flag and a likely scam. Apply only through official university and government channels, and cross-check anything you are told against the official pages.

Frequently asked questions

Are there scholarships for international undergraduates in Hong Kong?

Yes — universities offer entrance and merit scholarships, and the HKSAR Government Scholarship Fund runs several schemes for students on publicly funded programmes. Amounts and eligibility vary and change yearly, so verify on official pages.

Do I apply separately for entrance scholarships?

It depends. Some are automatic when you are admitted; others need a separate form or a university nomination. Check each university's scholarships page to see which applies to your programme.

Are Hong Kong scholarships based on religion or background?

Eligibility for these awards is based on academic, secular criteria. Confirm the exact criteria for each scheme on its official page.

Can anyone guarantee me a scholarship?

No. No legitimate scholarship or agent guarantees an award for a fee. Official scholarships never charge you to secure them — treat any such promise as a scam and apply only through official channels.

How much do these scholarships cover?

Coverage ranges from partial to full tuition, and some add a stipend or accommodation support. Amounts change every year and differ by scheme, so verify the current figures on the official pages.

Official sources

This guide explains the process and is for guidance only. Eligibility, dates, fees and rules change every year — always confirm the current details on the official site before you act.

Verified against: HKSAR Government Scholarship Fund (Education Bureau); Study in Hong Kong — Scholarships (Education Bureau); University Grants Committee — UGC-funded universities (for each university's scholarship pages).

Last verified: 13 July 2026.