University of Hong Kong Scholarships for International Students

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Founded in 2011, the University of Hong Kong is a prestigious public research university based in Pokfulam in Hong Kong. It is the oldest tertiary institution of higher education to be located in Hong Kong and is also known for being one of the first universities to be established by the British Empire in Asia. The university is further reputed for its high standards of academic and research excellence, often being ranked among the top 10-20 universities in the world. In this article, we will be looking at the University of Hong Kong scholarships for international students.

HKU is academically comprised of over 10 different faculties and departments of study; these include sciences, biomedicine, dentistry, education, law, humanities, business, and political studies among a range of others. The majority of these departments are exclusively run and teach in English while the university also offers specific courses that are taught in Cantonese as well. Additionally, the university has a large population of international students and is known for its diverse student population. In this article, we describe some of the numerous scholarship opportunities that are offered by the university.

The admission guides for undergraduate and postgraduate students are also given in the attached links. We encourage students to go through these in order to get more information regarding admission and enrolment into HKU.

University of Hong Kong Scholarships

Undergraduate Scholarships

The University of Hong Kong offers a wide variety of funding opportunities for undergraduate students which are not necessarily exclusive to local students. International students qualify for hundreds of different University of Hong Kong scholarships that are offered across a university-wide, departmental-specific or private level. Furthermore, most of these scholarships are offered on a merit-based level while there are certain scholarships that are considered based on requirement for financial assistance.

 

1. HKU Foundation Entrance Scholarships

The university offers a variety of merit-based scholarships for students demonstrate high academic potential and outstanding academic track records. These University of Hong Kong entrance scholarships are part of the university’s biggest funding program and confer numerous scholarships on an annual basis to international students. Further information regarding this program can be found on this link.

Scholarship value:
 These are determined on an individual basis and also depend on the type of entrance scholarship received but on average, it can go up to a value equivalent to a full tuition fee waiver as well as expenses covering accommodation and total living costs per year.

Eligibility criteria:
 These scholarships are offered to students who are admitted to study at an undergraduate program at HKU. Other requirements and criteria largely depend on the type of entrance scholarship that is applied for by the student. Students are generally expected to show high standards of academia.

Application process:
No separate application is required and prospective undergraduates are automatically considered for most scholarships but students are recommended to check the scholarship for further information.

 

2. HeForShe IMPACT Champion Scholarships

The University of Hong Kong first established the HeForShe campaign in 2015 as means of aiding the UN’s initiative for improving gender equality. This scholarship program thereby aims to improve and promote the education of students from particularly disadvantaged backgrounds on the basis of gender equality. Students are typically nominated for this scholarship and are required to show a strong academic track record. Further information can be found on this link.

Scholarship value:

The exact value will be determined by the HeForShe initiative but this University of Hong Kong scholarship is expected to at least cover the full tuition fees of the undergraduate student. It also includes travel allowances for the student to travel between their home country and the university.

Eligibility criteria:

Scholarships are awarded annually to first year-undergraduates on the basis of high academic achievements, rigor of studies, interview performance and other key personal experiences that would improve the student’s background.

Application process:

Application requires submitting an online form as well as the addition of a 300-word essay detailing the student’s experience and commitment towards creating an ‘impact’. Further information can be found on the scholarship web page.

 

3. Laidlaw Undergraduate Research & Leadership Scholarship

This scholarship program was initiated by a donor to the university, Lord Laidlaw of Rothiemay and is offered in partnership with other global universities. The programme aims to improve the leadership and research skills of undergraduate students.

Scholarship value:

Students receive a complex funding package including stipends for research expenses, travel, living expenses, accommodation and health insurance. Further information regarding this package is detailed in the scholarship page.

Eligible criteria:

Full-time undergraduate students in their second or third year of study are eligible to apply. Selection is based on academic merit (50%), leadership potential (40%) and the performance at the interview.

Application process:

Applications are submitted via an online portal on the scholarship page which opens during the application window. Further details can be enquired by mailing the administrative committee of the scholarship.

 

Postgraduate Scholarships

Postgraduate students at the University of Hong Kong have the option of applying for a variety of scholarship and funding programs, which further include research fellowships, financial grants at other types of graduate-exclusive awards. Let’s take a look at postgraduate University of Hong Kong scholarships.

 

1. HKU Foundation Postgraduate Fellowships

The University of Hong Kong Foundation for Educational Development & Research was founded in 1995 as means of supporting the university’s advancement as well as assisting students with the development of their studies. Their fellowship program aims to attract and groom students of a high calibre to pursue their research studies and improve their research capabilities as well.

Scholarship value:

This University of Hong Kong scholarship is around HK $70,000

Eligible degree:

All postgraduate students are eligible to apply.

Eligibility criteria:

Eligible students include first year research postgraduate students who are to be considered across a range of academic fields under the university’s postgraduate fellowship scheme. Students are further required to show outstanding academic progress as well.

Application process:

There is no separate application process; students are considered for the fellowships alongside their admission and enrolment.

 

2. HKU Presidential PhD Scholarships

The HKU Presidential PhD scholarships were founded in 2019 with the aim of encouraging applications from more talented prospective doctoral students into the university. The scholarship includes a large financial award for doctoral students demonstrating high standards of academic potential.

Scholarship value:

The value of the award includes research and living expenses starting from HK$20,000, expenses for travel related to research purposes, healthcare funding as well as a monthly postgraduate scholarship stipend.

Eligible degree:

Doctoral students due to start a PhD.

Eligibility criteria:

Prospective PhD students are eligible to apply, subject to demonstrating a strong academic track record.

Application process:

Candidates should be nominated by the University to compete for the Fellowship Scheme. Separate application for HKU-PS is not required. Further information can be found on this link.

 

3. Arthur & Louise May Memorial Fund Scholarships

The university also operates many departmental scholarships and fellowship programs, which can be linked to private donors such as the Arthur & Louise May Memorial Fund. This program aims to provide opportunities for prospective young engineers who are willing to change the world with their knowledge and skills.

Scholarship value:

The financial award is estimated to be HK $50,000.

Eligible degree:
 Prospective postgraduates studying at the School of Engineering

Eligibility criteria:
Applicants are required to be enrolled onto a program in the HKU School of Engineering and can apply at any level of study. Scholars are also encouraged to reapply in subsequent years to sustain and strengthen their skills and training in robotics.

Application process:
An open application is required to be submitted. Further information can be found by directly contacting the School of Engineering.

 

I hope that this article was helpful. If you are interested, visit the Scholarships Page.