Overview of scholarships and special schemes
HKUST offers scholarships and special schemes to attract high‑calibre students and reward different kinds of achievement. According to an HKUST admissions information booklet, the university provides academic and non‑academic scholarships that range from one‑time awards to full scholarships with a living allowance and that are renewable[1]. Most entrance scholarships do not require a separate application—eligible students are automatically considered during admissions[2]. Besides these entrance awards, HKUST also offers special schemes and application‑based scholarships, which recognise exceptional non‑academic talents or provide support to students with financial need[3].
HKUST’s financial aid office provides assistance beyond scholarships. A general guide from a Hong‑Kong university notes that HKUST has financial aid options such as government grants and loans, work‑study programs and emergency financial assistance[4]. Government schemes like the Non‑means‑Tested Loan Scheme (NLS) allow eligible students to borrow funds without a means test[5], while work‑study programslet students earn income through campus jobs and build work experience[6]. These options help students manage educational expenses and ensure that no one is deprived of a HKUST education because of financial constraints[4].
Merit‑based entrance scholarships (automatic consideration)
These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence and other achievements; no separate application is required. The levels of award depend on the applicant’s academic performance.
| Scholarship/award | Eligibility/criteria | Award (value/benefits) | Application & renewal | Sources |
| University Admissions Scholarship for International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma | Incoming undergraduate students whose IB Diploma scores and overall profile are very strong (40–45 points)[7]. | Full tuition and living allowance, renewable for the normative duration of the program[7]. | No separate application—students are automatically considered when applying; renewal typically depends on maintaining good academic standing (IB based). | College Access Program article summarising HKUST scholarships[7]. |
| University Admissions Scholarship for GCE A‑Level/International A‑Level | Applicants with excellent A‑Level results (usually 5 or 4 subjects with an A* grade) and a strong overall profile[8]. | Full or partial tuition waiver[9]. | Automatically considered upon admission; renewable for the normative duration if academic performance remains outstanding. | College Access Program article[9]. |
| University Admissions Scholarship for SAT/Advanced Placement (AP) | Applicants with very high standardized test results—SAT ≥ 1,530, strong AP scores (5 in multiple subjects) or ACT ≥ 34[10]. | Full or partial tuition waiver[10]. | Automatic consideration; renewable for normative duration if the student maintains high academic performance. | College Access Program article[10]. |
| University Admissions Scholarship for other qualifications | Applicants with outstanding grades in other recognized qualifications and a strong holistic profile[11]. | Full tuition fee plus living allowance (up to HKD 60,000 per year)[12]. | No separate application required; renewable for normative duration based on continued excellence. | College Access Program article[12]. |
| Global Learners Scholarship | Undergraduate applicants from under‑represented nationalities; selection based on academic record and global exposure[13]. | Full tuition waiver[13]. | Automatic consideration; renewable with continued strong performance. | College Access Program article[13]. |
| Scholarship Scheme for International/Asian Olympiad Medalists | Honors medalists in International or Asia Olympiad competitions (mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology)[14]; the university selects qualified students based on nominations. | Amount not explicitly stated in the accessible sources; scholarships typically cover tuition and may include a living allowance (the university honors these medalists[15]). | Automatic consideration (no separate application)[2]. | College Access Program article and HKUST admissions booklet[14][15]. |
Application‑based scholarships and special schemes (require separate application)
These scholarships recognise exceptional talents beyond academics or provide need‑based support. Students must submit a separate application with supporting documents and by specific deadlines.
| Scholarship/award | Purpose & eligibility | Award (value/benefits) | Application requirements & deadlines | Sources |
| Future Leaders Award | Designed for exceptional non‑local students who demonstrate financial need and academic excellence[16]. | Two levels: either HKD 50,000 (one‑off) or full tuition fee plus living allowance, depending on the applicant’s financial need[17]. | Requires a separate application by 30 Nov 2025for the early round (main round: 8 Jan 2026)[18]. Applicants must submit a Statement of Circumstance, Declaration on Family Finances and a reference letter[16]. | College Access Program article[17]. |
| Beyond Academic Admissions Scholarship (BAAS) | Recognizes students with achievements in non‑academic areas (e.g., arts, sports, leadership)[19]. | Provides scholarships up to HKD 50,000(one‑off payment)[19]. | Separate application is required; applicants can submit up to three achievements for consideration[19]. | College Access Program article[19]. |
| Student Athletes Admissions Scheme (SAAS) | A special scheme for local student athletes; allows talented athletes to pursue their sports careers while receiving a HKUST education[20]. | Specific scholarships and support are provided (details not specified in accessible sources). | Applicants must apply through the SAAS; deadline aligned with the early admission round (20 Nov 2025)[21]. | HKUST admissions booklet[20]. |
Other financial aid and student assistance
| Support program | Description & eligibility | Support/benefits | Sources |
| Government grants and loans (e.g., Non‑means‑Tested Loan Scheme – NLS) | The Hong Kong government provides grants and loans to eligible students. Grants and loans are meant to cover tuition fees and living expenses; students must meet income and residency requirements[22]. The NLSallows students to borrow money for education without a means test[5]. | Provides funds for tuition and living expenses; loans must be repaid after graduation. | A guide on HKUST scholarships & financial aid[5]. |
| Work‑study programs | HKUST offers work‑study positions on campus, including administrative jobs and research assistantships[23]. These positions are available to students who need financial support and want to gain work experience. | Students earn wages to support their living costs while gaining practical experience; flexible to balance with academic commitments[6]. | A guide on HKUST scholarships & financial aid[6]. |
| Emergency financial assistance | HKUST’s financial aid office provides emergency funds for students facing unexpected financial hardships[4]. | Offers short‑term financial assistance to ensure students can continue their studies without interruption[4]. | A guide on HKUST scholarships & financial aid[4]. |
Summary
Because the HKUST Scholarships & Financial Aid Office website is inaccessible due to network restrictions, this report is based on accessible secondary sources. These sources show that HKUST has a layered scholarship structure: merit‑based entrance scholarships automatically awarded based on academic achievements; special schemes for Olympiad medalists and students from under‑represented nationalities; and application‑based scholarships like the Future Leaders Award and Beyond Academic Admissions Scholarship that recognise financial need or non‑academic talents. In addition, HKUST provides financial aid through government grants and loans, work‑study opportunities and emergency funds to ensure students can afford their education[24][17].
[1] [2] [15] [20] [21] HKUST Admissions 2026 – International Qualifications
[3] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [16] [17] [18] [19] Scholarship Opportunities at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) – College Access Program
[4] [5] [6] [22] [23] [24] A Guide to Scholarships & Financial Aid at HKUST
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