Why Hong Kong international school scholarships matter

Hong Kong has some of the most expensive international schools in Asia, with many offering IB and British curricula. A number of schools provide scholarships and bursaries to broaden access and retain top students, especially in IB Diploma and senior secondary years.

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1. Scholarship and bursary types

• Academic scholarships for top performers in internal and external exams.
• IB Diploma scholarships for high predicted or achieved scores.
• Arts/sport scholarships at selected schools.
• Needs‑based bursaries to assist families who cannot afford full fees.

Examples of Hong Kong schools with scholarship programmes

Premium IB/British schools:

• English Schools Foundation (ESF) schools – Various ESF schools offer academic scholarships and bursaries, typically 10–50% fee reduction. Applications usually October–December for the following academic year. Bursaries are means‑tested and highly competitive.
• Canadian International School Hong Kong – Academic excellence scholarships available, typically 10–40% of tuition. Applications often due September–November.
• Hong Kong International School (HKIS) – Merit scholarships, usually 10–30% coverage. Applications typically October–December.
• Chinese International School – Academic scholarships typically 10–35% fee reduction. Applications often September–November.
• German Swiss International School – Academic excellence scholarships, typically 10–40% of fees. Applications usually October–December.

Mid‑tier options:

• American School Hong Kong – Merit scholarships available, usually 10–25% coverage.
• Nord Anglia International School Hong Kong – Academic scholarships typically 10–30% fee reduction.

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2. Typical share of fees covered

Based on the schools listed above, typical coverage ranges are:

• Academic scholarships: 10–50% of tuition, with higher percentages (up to 70%) for exceptional IB Diploma candidates.
• Talent/sporting scholarships: 10–30% depending on level of achievement (e.g. national representation).
• Bursaries: 10–100% based on financial need, with full coverage rare and highly competitive.

Full 100% awards exist but are rare and highly competitive, usually reserved for ESF bursaries or exceptional circumstances.

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3. Eligibility and odds

Schools generally look for:

• Outstanding academic records and strong references.
• Evidence of commitment and contribution to school life.
• For bursaries: clear demonstration of financial need.
• For sporting/talent scholarships: evidence of high‑level performance (competition results, portfolios, graded exams, coach references).

Competition levels:

• Premium schools like ESF schools and Canadian International School receive many applications; typically only a small percentage of applicants receive academic awards (see school examples above for specific requirements).
• Bursaries are extremely competitive, especially full‑fee support.
• Sporting scholarships are limited and often require national‑level representation or equivalent achievement.

Because Hong Kong fees are high and spaces are limited, competition is intense, especially at well‑known schools.

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4. Application process and timing

Typical sequence:

1. Review scholarship/bursary details on each school’s website.
2. Prepare reports, exam certificates, references and financial documents (for bursaries).
3. Submit applications by the published deadlines – often many months before the start of the school year.
4. Sit exams or interviews as required.

Families should begin planning 12–18 months ahead for major scholarship cycles.

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5. Duration and renewal

Typical renewal conditions (see school details above for specific requirements):

• Awards are often annual and depend on maintaining grades, behaviour and contribution.
• Renewal typically depends on maintaining minimum grade averages (often B+ or higher, or mostly A/A* grades), meeting behaviour expectations, and continued financial need (for bursaries).
• Some schools guarantee scholarships for a full key stage (e.g. IB years) as long as conditions are met.

Always verify renewal rules in writing.

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How Tutopiya supports Hong Kong families

Tutopiya helps Hong Kong students by:

• Delivering high‑quality online tutoring for IGCSE, A Levels and IB.
• Helping students reach and maintain the grade profiles scholarships demand.
• Connecting school‑level scholarship planning to future university options in the UK, Australia, Asia and beyond.

If you’re exploring international school scholarships in Hong Kong, Tutopiya can help your child build the academic and exam performance that schools most value.