Hong Kong Scholarship for Excellence Scheme (HKSES) 2027/28 – HK$500,000 Fully Funded | Apply Now

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Hong Kong Scholarship for Excellence Scheme (HKSES) 2027/28 – Fully Funded Opportunity for Hong Kong Students to Study at World-Renowned Universities Outside Hong Kong

📅 October 13, 2026 ✍️ By Admin 🏷️ Hong Kong Government Scholarship

Breaking News: The Education Bureau (EDB) today (October 13) announced that the Hong Kong Scholarship for Excellence Scheme (HKSES) will, from today until December 31, be open for applications from eligible Hong Kong students who intend to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies at world-renowned universities outside Hong Kong starting from the 2027/28 academic year. Applications must be submitted via hkses.edb.gov.hk by 6pm HKT.

The Hong Kong Scholarship for Excellence Scheme (HKSES) was launched in 2014 by the Hong Kong Government to support outstanding local students to pursue studies at world-renowned universities outside Hong Kong. Since its implementation, around 970 students have been awarded in the first ten cohorts. It is a merit-based scheme targeting the most outstanding Hong Kong students, aiming to cultivate brilliant young achievers with social responsibility, national identity, affection for Hong Kong and international perspective, who will return home after world-class education to enrich Hong Kong's talent pool and competitiveness.

HKSES 2027/28 Overview

Host Countries	Any country outside Hong Kong (USA, UK, Canada, Australia, etc) – World-renowned universities
Degree Level	Undergraduate & Postgraduate (Master’s, PhD)
Eligible Nationality	Hong Kong students with Right of Abode / Right to Land / One-way Permit
Scholarship Type	Merit-Based + Means-tested Bursary
Financial Coverage	Fully Funded – Up to HK$300,000 tuition + Up to HK$200,000 living bursary per year (Total HK$500,000/year)
Number of Awards	Multiple (Merit-based, no fixed quota)
Application Period	October 13, 2026 – December 31, 2026 (6:00 PM HKT)
Study Commencement	August 2027 – July 2028 (First year of new programme)
Official Website	hkses.edb.gov.hk

Financial Benefits of HKSES

Awardees will receive a non-means-tested scholarship to cover tuition fees, subject to a ceiling of $300,000 per annum. In addition, the HKSES will provide additional support to financially needy awardees. Awardees who have passed the means test will receive a bursary of up to $200,000 per student per annum to cover living and study-related expenses. The value will be reduced if awardee also receives other awards for same studies.

💰 What You Get:
✔️ Tuition Fee: HK$300,000 per year (non-means-tested)
✔️ Living Bursary: HK$200,000 per year (means-tested)
✔️ Mentorship from Hong Kong leaders and experts
✔️ Government networking & career support
✔️ Prestigious title – HKSES Scholar

Eligibility Criteria for HKSES 2027/28

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Residency Status

• Have right of abode or right to land in Hong Kong, or have entered Hong Kong on One-way Permits.
• Students on student visa or dependant visa are NOT eligible.

2. Continuous Residence in Hong Kong

• Have resided in Hong Kong continuously for three complete years immediately prior to commencement of overseas programme.
• If applicant is engaged in full-time education or employment outside Hong Kong anytime during three-year period, he/she will NOT be considered as meeting residency requirement.

3. Academic Requirements

• For Undergraduate: Only students receiving/received formal school education in Hong Kong are eligible. This includes HKDSE and non-local curricula like IB, A-Level studied in Hong Kong.
• For Postgraduate: Students who have obtained undergraduate qualifications either in or outside Hong Kong are eligible, provided they meet residency criteria.
• All disciplines are eligible – Any field of study.
• Selection based on academic achievements, leadership qualities, potential, contributions and commitment to society.

Required Documents

• Written confirmation of receipt of applications by relevant universities/institutions
• Reference letter by school principal or referee
• Completed assessment by school principal (for undergraduate programmes only)
• Research proposal (for research postgraduate programmes only)
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Hong Kong Identity Card and proof of residence
• Personal statement (leadership & societal contribution)

All supporting documents have to be uploaded to the online application system by same deadline (Dec 31, 6pm). Late applications will not be accepted.

How to Apply for HKSES 2027/28? – Step by Step

1. Visit official website: hkses.edb.gov.hk
2. Create account on HKSES online application system.
3. Fill online application form with personal, academic and university details.
4. Upload all required documents before Dec 31, 2026 6pm HKT.
5. Submit application – keep acknowledgement.
6. Shortlisted applicants will be invited by EDB to attend interviews from April 2027 onwards after receiving unconditional offers.
7. Final results will be notified in due course after interviews.

📌 Important Note: Awardees are required to complete their specific study programmes and undertake to return to Hong Kong upon graduation to work for at least two years or a period equivalent to duration of scholarship received, whichever is longer.

Why You Should Apply for HKSES?

Apart from monetary support, the value of HKSES also lies in its prestige and recognition as well as other non-monetary benefits. Awardees receive a series of support and mentorship services rendered by Government and other sectors. It is Hong Kong's most elite overseas scholarship, opening doors to top employers, government connections and lifelong alumni network.

APPLY NOW – OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Application Deadline

The last date to apply for Hong Kong Scholarship for Excellence Scheme (HKSES) 2027/28 is 31 December 2026 by 6:00 PM Hong Kong Time. No extension.

FAQs – HKSES 2027/28

Q1: Is HKSES fully funded?
Yes – Up to HK$500,000 per year (300k tuition + 200k bursary) is considered fully funded for most universities.

Q2: Can I apply for both undergraduate and postgraduate?
You apply for the level you will start in 2027/28 – first year of new UG or PG programme outside HK.

Q3: Do I need unconditional offer before applying?
No – You need confirmation that university received your application. Unconditional offer is needed before interview stage (April 2027 onwards).

Q4: Will other scholarships affect HKSES?
Yes – Value will be correspondingly reduced if you receive other awards for same studies overseas.

HKSES Hong Kong Scholarship 2027 HKSES 2027/28 Study Abroad Scholarship Education Bureau Hong Kong

Disclaimer: This article is based on official EDB press release dated Oct 13, 2026 and HKSES website hkses.edb.gov.hk. For latest updates, always refer to official website. This content is original and for informational purpose.