HKUST Global Learners Scholarship

Overview

The HKUST Global Learners Scholarship is an undergraduate scholarship at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology aimed at increasing the diversity of the student body by supporting non-local students from underrepresented nationalities. The scholarship provides a renewable full tuition waiver for the normal duration of study, and individual HKUST schools or programmes may provide additional top-ups that, combined with the scholarship, can reach a maximum of full tuition fees plus HK$60,000 per year in living allowance.

One of the most student-friendly aspects of this scholarship is that no formal application is required. All undergraduate programme applicants from underrepresented nationalities are automatically considered when they apply to HKUST. Successful recipients are notified of the award alongside or shortly after their admission offer. The scholarship renews annually, subject to satisfactory academic performance throughout the normal study period.

HKUST is consistently ranked among the top universities in Asia and globally, particularly in science, engineering, and business. Its campus sits on the Clear Water Bay peninsula in Hong Kong, offering a distinctive physical environment alongside strong industry connections. The Global Learners Scholarship makes HKUST accessible to talented students from countries that are typically less represented in Hong Kong's university intake, contributing to a more internationally diverse campus community.

Key Facts at a Glance

Eligibility Criteria

Nationality Requirements

The scholarship is for students from nationalities that HKUST considers underrepresented in its undergraduate student population. HKUST does not publish a definitive public list of qualifying nationalities; when you apply to an HKUST undergraduate programme, the university assesses whether your nationality qualifies. Contact HKUST's admissions office to ask whether your nationality currently falls within the underrepresented group before applying.

Academic Requirements

Satisfactory academic performance is required to receive the initial award and to renew it annually. The exact performance threshold is specified in the scholarship terms. HKUST's undergraduate programmes are competitive, and successful applicants typically have strong results in their national qualifications or the IB Diploma.

Programme Requirements

The scholarship is available across all HKUST undergraduate schools and programmes. There are no programme-specific exclusions listed.

Application Route

No separate application is required. All undergraduate programme applicants from underrepresented nationalities are automatically considered upon applying for a place at HKUST.

What the Scholarship Covers

• Renewable full tuition waiver for the normal undergraduate study duration
• School or Programme office top-ups may be available; the combined maximum is full tuition plus HK$60,000 annual allowance
• Renewal is subject to satisfactory academic performance each year

How to Apply

1. Check your nationality's eligibility. Contact HKUST admissions or check the scholarship page to confirm whether your nationality is currently considered underrepresented.
2. Apply to an HKUST undergraduate programme. Submit through HKUST's undergraduate admissions portal for your chosen programme and entry year.
3. Automatic scholarship consideration. HKUST screens all applicants from underrepresented nationalities and considers them for the Global Learners Scholarship without any additional form.
4. Receive your offer. Scholarship recipients are normally notified with their admission offer.
5. Maintain satisfactory performance. Renew the scholarship each year by meeting the academic performance requirements specified in your award letter.

Required Documents

• Completed HKUST undergraduate application with all required academic documents
• Academic transcripts and predicted grades from your current or most recent qualification
• National or international qualification results (IB, A-Levels, national exam, or equivalent)
• English proficiency evidence (IELTS/TOEFL) if applicable; check HKUST's programme-specific requirements
• Passport copy
• Personal statement and other documents required by the standard HKUST undergraduate application

Key Dates & Deadlines

The scholarship is part of HKUST's undergraduate admissions cycle. The university's main undergraduate intake is for September, with applications typically reviewed from November through to April. No separate scholarship deadline exists. Contact HKUST admissions for the current application window, and apply as early as possible to maximise your chances of both admission and scholarship consideration.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Confirm your nationality's eligibility with HKUST admissions before applying, to avoid uncertainty
• Achieve strong results in your pre-university qualification; HKUST is selective and academic strength is the primary admission criterion
• Write a compelling personal statement that explains your research interests and reasons for choosing HKUST specifically
• Enquire with your target school or programme office about additional top-up awards that may supplement the base scholarship

Common mistakes to avoid

• Assuming all non-local students qualify—the scholarship is specifically for underrepresented nationalities; confirm your eligibility first
• Not checking the specific renewal performance threshold in your award letter and then being caught off guard if you fall below it
• Overlooking the top-up possibility from individual school or programme offices; this can add up to HK$60,000 per year to the base award
• Applying too late in the admissions cycle when both place availability and scholarship availability may be reduced

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the HKUST Global Learners Scholarship?

It is an undergraduate scholarship at HKUST for non-local students from underrepresented nationalities, providing a renewable full tuition waiver for the normal study duration. Additional top-ups from individual schools or programmes can raise the combined benefit to full tuition plus HK$60,000 annual allowance. No separate application is required.

Who is eligible for the HKUST Global Learners Scholarship?

Non-local undergraduate programme applicants from nationalities that HKUST considers underrepresented. The specific list is managed internally by HKUST; contact their admissions office to confirm your nationality's eligibility.

Do I need to apply separately for the HKUST Global Learners Scholarship?

No. All undergraduate applicants from underrepresented nationalities are automatically considered when they apply to HKUST.

Does the HKUST Global Learners Scholarship include a living allowance?

The base scholarship is a full tuition waiver. School or Programme top-ups can add up to HK$60,000 per year in allowance, but this is not guaranteed for all recipients. Confirm the total package with your target school or programme office.

Is the HKUST Global Learners Scholarship renewable?

Yes. It renews annually for the normal study duration, subject to satisfactory academic performance.

When will I find out if I received the HKUST Global Learners Scholarship?

Scholarship notification is normally included with or shortly after the admission offer.

Which HKUST programmes are covered by the Global Learners Scholarship?

The scholarship is available across all HKUST undergraduate schools and programmes with no listed programme-specific exclusions.

What happens if my academic performance drops below the renewal threshold?

Failing to meet the annual performance requirement can result in the scholarship not being renewed. Review the specific threshold in your award letter and seek academic advice early if you are struggling.