Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Scholarships 2027

Scholarship Overview

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) offers a variety of funding opportunities for international students pursuing undergraduate, MPhil, and PhD studies. These include academic admission scholarships for undergraduates, the highly competitive Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS), and standard Postgraduate Studentships for research students. Applicants from Pakistan are eligible to apply for all programmes provided they meet the admission requirements. Funding ranges from partial tuition reductions to fully funded packages including living allowances.

Can Pakistani Students Apply?

Yes, Pakistani students are explicitly eligible. HKUST welcomes international applicants for all degree levels. There is no nationality-based restriction for these scholarships; eligibility is determined by academic performance, research potential, and specific programme requirements.

Funding and Benefits

Funding at HKUST is structured differently depending on the level of study:

• Undergraduate Awards: Range from one-off tuition reductions to full tuition waivers plus a living allowance of up to HK$60,000 per year.
• Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme: Provides an annual stipend of approximately HK$344,400, conference travel support, and a tuition fee waiver.
• Postgraduate Studentship: Provides approximately HK$229,620 per year for MPhil and PhD students.
• RedBird PhD Award: Offers additional financial support to high-performing doctoral students.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility is contingent on the programme:

• Undergraduate: Applicants must hold recognized international qualifications (e.g., A-levels, IB, SAT) and meet specific English proficiency standards.
• Research Postgraduate: Applicants require a relevant bachelor’s degree for MPhil or a bachelor’s/master’s degree for PhD. Outstanding academic records and research potential are prioritized.

Required Documents

General requirements include:

• Academic transcripts and graduation certificates
• Passport or valid identity documents
• English language proficiency test results (IELTS/TOEFL)
• Personal statement and research proposal (for postgraduate applicants)
• Letters of recommendation from academic referees

Application Timeline

For 2027 entry, the cycle generally begins in September 2026. Undergraduate scholarships are largely automatic upon admission. PhD Fellowship applications typically close in early December. Always verify application dates on the official portal.

Selection Process

Undergraduate awards are merit-based and automatic. Research postgraduate funding is determined through a selective review process involving faculty evaluation of the research proposal, academic history, and interview performance.

How to Apply

1. Review programmes at the official HKUST application portal.
2. Prepare all required academic and English language documentation.
3. Submit the online application. For HKPFS, you must also register via the Research Grants Council (RGC) system.
4. Nominate academic referees who can attest to your research and leadership potential.

Pakistan-Specific Application Advice

Ensure your documents are verified in English or provided with certified translations. As the application process is competitive, students from Pakistan should focus on securing strong academic references and, for research positions, contacting potential supervisors early. Use our application resources to refine your personal statement and CV.

Important Terms and Limitations

Scholarships are renewable based on satisfactory academic performance. Tuition fees and stipend amounts are subject to annual revision. Not all expenses, such as visa fees or family insurance, are covered by the provided funding.