September 29, 2025 
In recent times, Hong Kong has become one of the most attractive places to pursue higher education in Asia. It’s universities are globally recognized, it has top-tier research opportunities, and it has an exciting cultural environment; all of these factors make it a more competitive alternative to study destinations in the West. If you do visit Hong Kong for your study, the first thing you will quickly notice, is that it merges academic prestige with international exposure, but as an international aspirant, the cost of living is high – and tuition fees just as high – thus economic viability is usually an issue. This is one of the reasons academic scholarships to study in Hong Kong are an important path for deserving students.
Why Study in Hong Kong?
When students ask the question “Should I study in Hong Kong,” this is usually a question of the unique advantages. Hong Kong hosts several of Asia’s best ranked universities, including University of Hong Kong (HKU), Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), and the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). Each of these universities have a reputation for the best global universities for engineering, social sciences, natural sciences, and management.
Other reasons to study in Hong Kong include:
- International exposure: We have students studying from over 80 countries across a multicultural academic environment.
- Research assets: Good funding and opportunity to collaborate with international institutions.
- Location: Gateway to Mainland China and the world.
- Employability: Graduates from Hong Kong universities are often highly sought after by international employers.
For students coming to Hong Kong from abroad, particularly those from India, there are scholarships, safe living conditions, and world quality places to study in Hong Kong in all disciplines.
Is It Safe to Study in Hong Kong?
Safety is frequently among the chief concerns for parents and students alike. So, is it safe to study in Hong Kong? The answer is yes. Hong Kong is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in Asia among international students. The Hong Kong government maintains strict law enforcement, and universities have safe housing and student support services on campuses. If students consider and study in Hong Kong from India, there will be strong Indian Communities and student associations, which will help ease the transition.
How Much Does It Cost to Study in Hong Kong?
The expense of studying in Hong Kong can be considerably more when compared to other Asian destinations. For an undergraduate program, tuition costs between HKD 100,000 – 180,000 per year (USD 13,000 – 23,000). Tuition for master’s and doctoral programs may cost more depending on the university and discipline. Living expenses average HKD 80,000 – 120,000 per year (USD 10,000 – 15,000). This covers accommodation, food, transportation, and any personal expenses.
International students are only asking “How much does it cost to study in Hong Kong?”, can use scholarships to reduce these costs to make education a bit more affordable.
Top Scholarships in Hong Kong for International Students 2025
1. HKSAR Government Scholarship Fund
The Hong Kong Scholarship for Academic Excellence is one of the most reputable scholarships in Hong Kong. Funded by the Government of Hong Kong, the scholarship supports undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. students studying full-time in publicly funded institutions. The award amount for international students can be up to HKD 624,000 for the entire course of study.
Students need to show:
- A strong academic record.
- Leadership experience and contributions to co-curricular or service activities.
- Communication skills.
This is an appealing scholarship for scholarships for Indian students to study in Hong Kong, as it covers tuition and living expenses.
2. Hong Kong Ph.D. Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)
The HKPFS is one of the most prestigious academic scholarships for advanced study in Hong Kong, especially for doctoral study, with an annual stipend of HKD 331,200 (or about USD 41,400), plus conference and research funding.
The following universities in Hong Kong follow the scheme:
- City University of Hong Kong
- Hong Kong Baptist University
- Lingnan University
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
- The University of Hong Kong
This scheme is a great opportunity for higher study for international students in Hong Kong.
3. City University of Hong Kong Entrance Scholarship Scheme
CityU provides one of the most extensive packages, covering tuition fees, living fees, and accommodation for outstanding undergraduates. The value of the awards can be as much as HKD 180,000 per year (USD 23,000). The best part is that students are also automatically considered for one, so there is no need for them to apply separately.
4. Student Athletes Admission Scheme (SAAS)
Originally launched to recruit the best athletes from around the world, we created SAAS to nurture the sporting talents of sports students. Students can expect awards from HKD 20,000 to HKD 160,000 per annum, depending on whether they represent at a regional or international level.
5. HKSAR Government Talent Development Scholarship (TDS)
This scholarship rewards accomplishments outside of academics—sports, the arts, music, innovation, etc. The award is HKD 10,000 per year, granted to students who apply for study in Hong Kong for International students with talents in non-academic areas. Students find this scheme very appealing.
6. Undergraduate Admission Scholarships – CUHK
The admission scholarships at CUHK are from HKD 5,000 up to free tuition. There are some HKD 15,000 scholarships and allowances of up to HKD 45,000 per year. Students who have high achievements will be automatically selected for these scholarships.
7. Targeted Scholarship Scheme
This program is catered for students from India, Korea and ASEAN countries, and provides funding for full tuition at publicly funded universities. If you looking for scholarships for Indian students to study in Hong Kong, this is one of the strongest scholarships available.
8. University Admission Scholarship Scheme for IB Diploma Holders – HKUST
HKUST’s IB-based scholarships range from HKD 10,000 to full tuition and allowances of HKD 55,000 a year. Scholarships are awarded based on total IB score, with higher scores attracting higher amounts of support.
9. Scholarship Scheme for Olympiad Gold Medalists – HKUST
Gold Medalists in the International and Asian Olympiads in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and informatics may be awarded full tuition along with living allowances. This is one of the highest honors for academic merit in Hong Kong.
Scholarships in Hong Kong for Indian Students
For Indian students, Hong Kong is located not only physically closer as compared to United States or Europe, it is also due to the scholarships available, affordably. Both government and university level initiatives aimed at attracting talent from India, e.g. the Targeted Scholarship Scheme or HKSAR Government Fund. Hence, for Indian students, studies in Hong Kong become achievable with financial assistance or sponsorship available.
Where to Study in Hong Kong?
If you are thinking where to study in Hong Kong, you can select from the nine publicly funded universities that have all proved themselves in specific areas:
- University of Hong Kong (HKU): Good for medicine, law, and the humanities.
- Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST): Highly reputable for engineering, technology, and business.
- Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK): Emphasis on social sciences, arts, and most research in Hong Kong.
- Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU): Highly regarded for applied sciences and design.
- City University of Hong Kong: Good reputation for creative media and business studies.
These four places to study in Hong Kong also have a generous range of scholarships available for qualified international applicants.
How to Study in Hong Kong?
If you’re curious about studying in Hong Kong, this is the process you should follow:
- Find and decide on a program and university relevant to your interest and ranking.
- Check admission requirements you must meet (standardized test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, GRE or GMAT where applicable).
- Apply directly to the university through their portals.
- Find scholarships to study in Hong Kong at the university of your interest.
- Apply for your student visa through the Hong Kong Immigration Department.
This step-by-step process was specifically developed to help international students have a seamless transition to their academic journey.
Conclusion
Why should you study in Hong Kong in 2025? Because of its unparalleled academic prestige, multicultural experience, and scholarships that can help to ease the financial pressure of studying abroad. With an excellent safety record and employability, along with multiple options for scholarships to study in Hong Kong, the city has established itself as a leading destination for international students.
With scholarships offered by the government or the university, particularly for undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral studies, as an international student, you won’t let finances limit your ambition. For Indian students, or any students coming from around the world, Hong Kong represents an exciting and competitive option for your next step in higher education.
FAQs
Ques. 1. What types of scholarships are available to study in Hong Kong for international students?
Ans. Hong Kong offers a wide range of scholarships, including government-funded schemes like the HKSAR Government Scholarship Fund, prestigious fellowships such as the Hong Kong Ph.D. Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS), university-level entrance scholarships, and subject-specific awards like the Olympiad Gold Medalist Scholarship. These scholarships cover tuition, living allowances, and sometimes research or travel grants.
Ques. 2. Are there scholarships for Indian students to study in Hong Kong?
Ans. Yes. Several programs are specifically designed for Indian students, including the Targeted Scholarship Scheme, which covers full tuition for students from India, ASEAN countries, and Korea. Additionally, Indian students are also eligible for the HKSAR Government Scholarship Fund, CUHK Admission Scholarships, and IB-based awards at HKUST.
Ques. 3. Do I need to apply separately for scholarships in Hong Kong?
Ans. It depends on the scholarship. Some schemes, such as the City University Entrance Scholarship or CUHK Admission Scholarships, automatically consider students at the time of admission. Others, like the HKPFS or Government Talent Development Scholarship, require a separate application with supporting documents. Always check the university website for specific requirements.
Ques. 4. How much financial support can I expect from scholarships to study in Hong Kong?
Ans. Scholarship amounts vary widely. Undergraduate scholarships can range from HKD 5,000 to full tuition plus HKD 55,000 per year. Postgraduate scholarships such as the Ph.D. Fellowship Scheme can provide stipends of HKD 331,200 (USD 41,400) annually. Many schemes also include accommodation or additional allowances for research and conferences.
Ques. 5. What are the eligibility criteria for scholarships in Hong Kong?
Ans. Eligibility usually depends on:
- Academic performance (excellent grades and test scores).
- English proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL scores for non-English speaking students).
- Leadership skills and extracurricular achievements.
- For talent-based schemes, proven excellence in areas like sports, arts, or science competitions.
