The HSBC Global Scholarship 2027/28 aims to offer academically outstanding and well-rounded local students the invaluable opportunity to broaden their horizons through either a one-year or one-semester study experience outside Hong Kong, such as in academic exchange programmes.
To encourage students to attend academic exchange programmes to renowned universities in Chinese Mainland and other countries around the world for the 2027/28 academic year, the Programme has two streams of applications – (1) Chinese Mainland and (2) Global - to better align with requirements needed for youths to study at institutions across the globe.
Amount per Award
- Global stream: Up to HKD$300,000 per awardee, or based on the total cost of the overseas study, whichever is lower. Upon selection, the scholarship will cover economy-class return airfare, tuition fees, room and board, and a portion of living expenses.
- Chinese Mainland stream: HKD$25,000 per awardee.
Awardees are encouraged to seek additional funding sources to cover expenses not covered by the Scholarship. Meanwhile, awardees will receive additional support through a network of past and current scholarship recipients.
Application Requirements
The following documents will be needed to complete the application:
- CV/resumé
- Official Transcript / Testimonial (certified with university stamp) to verify current student status
- Proof of Enrolment / Offer Letter (from 1st choice Destination University)
- Proof of Government grants (where applicable)
- Two references from academic and/or professional with signature and letterhead and referee contact details (optional but highly recommended)
- Proof of financial need (optional but highly recommended)
Eligibility
Applicants must be non-final year, full-time undergraduate students studying any discipline at HKBU who meet the following criteria:
- Hong Kong permanent residents with the right of abode in Hong Kong.
- Have obtained a cumulative GPA (cGPA) score of 3.40 or above by Semester 2 of the 2025/26 academic year.
- (For the Global stream): minimum total TOEFL score of 90 (internet-based test) with at least 22 in listening, 17 in writing, 21 in reading, and 21 in speaking); or an IELTS overall band score of 6.5 (with no components below 6.0).
- Demonstrating a well-rounded profile, showcasing involvement in extra-curricular and community activities.
- No extensive experience living or studying overseas.
- Be committed to Hong Kong.
- In a financial situation that does not permit overseas study or extensive travel overseas.
- Strong justifications required to support the choice of the destination university.
- Expects to complete a minimum of 16 hours of volunteering or community service during the 2027/28 academic year to positively contribute to the community.
- Has not previously received the HSBC Overseas/Global Scholarship.
Important Notes - Please Read Carefully Before Submitting Your Online Application at the Donor’s platform
- Applicants wishing to apply for both the Chinese Mainland and Global exchange programmes for 2027/28 must submit two separate application forms on the HSBC platform.
- Applicants must have submitted the exchange programme applications to the International Office (IO) for “Semester 1” or “Semester 2” or “both Semester 1 & 2” in 2027/28, according to the IO’s application deadline. When applying for this scholarship, the first and second choice of exchange institutions should be used.
- Applicants must provide a detailed explanation and breakdown of their estimated expenses in the online scholarship application form.
- The application process is comprehensive and requires two reference letters, a detailed budget, and several personal essays. Applicants are advised to proofread their applications carefully to ensure all content is grammatically correct and free of errors.
- Applicants are required to submit a short self-introduction video and to help the panel get to know them better. Please insert the video link in the online scholarship application form.
- Financial need and community service are crucial elements in the selection process.
- Applicants should upload all supporting documents in one submission, as the HSBC online platform does not allow multiple submissions thereafter.
- HSBC does not strictly prohibit nominees concurrently holding other scholarships for the same exchange programme.
- Sufficient time should be allocated to complete and submit the application through the HSBC online platform. Late submissions will not be considered under normal circumstances. The Donor will make the final decisions on any late submissions.
Please click here to view the factsheet for more details.
Application Link
Application Procedures
- Applicants are required to submit an online application directly on the HSBC platform without institution's nomination before the application deadline.
- Completed applications to be received by HSBC on or before HKT 6pm, 8 January 2027.
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to two face-to-face panel interviews with HKBU and HSBC before April 2027, for selection purpose.
- Final offers will be provided upon formal admission by the intended overseas university and other requirements listed in the Student Undertaking Form are fulfilled.
This scholarship is directly administered by the HSBC Scholarship Secretariat. The Office of Student Affairs at HKBU is only responsible for promoting the scholarship and verifying applicants’ current student status. If you have any enquiries, please email to hsbcsholarship@share-impact.com