HKSAR Government Scholarship Fund
The HKSAR Government Scholarship Fund was established in 2008 with an initial endowment of HK$1 billion, supplemented by additional injections such as HK$800 million in 2018 and HK$1 billion in 2024, to support outstanding local and non-local students pursuing full-time publicly-funded programmes at sub-degree or above levels across ten Hong Kong institutions (eight UGC-funded universities, HKAPA, and VTC). The Fund finances various sub-schemes including Scholarships for Outstanding Performance (SOP: HK$40,000/year for local and HK$80,000/year for non-local students at degree level; HK$20,000–30,000 for sub-degree), Talent Development Scholarship (TDS: HK$10,000 for non-academic talents), Reaching Out Award (ROA: HK$10,000 for overseas activities), Endeavour Merit Award (EMA: HK$15,000 for students with special educational needs), and Belt and Road Scholarships (full tuition waiver for eligible non-local undergraduates and postgraduates from Belt and Road countries). Awards are tenable for the normal duration of the programme and renewable annually subject to satisfactory academic performance. In 2023/24, over 1,300 SOP recipients received approximately HK$58 million.
The Education Bureau allocates funds annually to institutions, which handle nominations, selections, and awards based on criteria emphasizing academic excellence, leadership, community contributions, and commitment to Hong Kong. This decentralized approach ensures tailored recognition while promoting Hong Kong as an education hub, with recent expansions increasing Belt and Road quotas by 50% from 2024/25.
Eligibility Requirements
- Full-time students in publicly-funded sub-degree, undergraduate, or postgraduate programmes at designated Hong Kong institutions
- Excellent academic performance (primary criterion)
- Demonstrated leadership and good communication skills
- Recognized contributions to the institution, community, or society
- Strong commitment to the Hong Kong community
- Sub-scheme specifics: e.g., TDS requires talents in sports, arts, technology; ROA requires overseas/international activities; EMA for students with special educational needs (e.g., ADHD, autism, physical impairments); Belt and Road for non-local students from eligible countries admitted to programmes
- Institutions adapt criteria and conduct selections; open to both local and non-local students.
For thorough eligibility and selection information, visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.