Hong Kong Scholarship for Excellence Scheme opens for applications
The Education Bureau (EDB) today (October 21) announced that the Hong Kong Scholarship for Excellence Scheme (HKSES) will, from today until December 31, be open for applications from eligible Hong Kong students who intend to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies at world-renowned universities outside Hong Kong starting from the 2026/27 academic year.
A spokesman for the EDB said, "As a merit-based scheme targeting the most outstanding Hong Kong students, the HKSES seeks to cultivate a cadre of brilliant young achievers with a sense of social responsibility and national identity, an affection for Hong Kong and an international perspective, who will return home after receiving a world-class education supported by the scholarship to enrich Hong Kong's talent pool and competitiveness in the long run. Selection will be based on candidates' academic achievements and other attributes such as leadership qualities and potential as well as their contributions and commitment to society. Awardees are required to complete their specific study programmes and undertake to return to Hong Kong upon graduation to work for at least two years or a period equivalent to the duration of the scholarship received, whichever is longer."
Awardees will receive a non-means-tested scholarship to cover their tuition fees, subject to a ceiling of $300,000 per annum. In addition, the HKSES will provide additional support to financially needy awardees during their studies. Awardees who have passed the means test will receive a bursary of up to $200,000 per student per annum to cover their living and study-related expenses. The value of the award will be correspondingly reduced if an awardee also receives other awards, both locally and abroad, or assistance to finance his or her same studies overseas.
Apart from the monetary scholarship, the value of the HKSES also lies in its prestige and recognition as well as other non-monetary benefits. Awardees will receive a series of support and mentorship services to be rendered by the Government and other sectors of the community.
More details on the HKSES are available on the HKSES website (hkses.edb.gov.hk). Eligible students who intend to pursue their first year of undergraduate or postgraduate studies at world-renowned universities outside Hong Kong in the 2026/27 academic year (i.e. during the period from August 2026 to July 2027) may submit their applications for the scholarship online via the application system on the HKSES website on or before December 31, 2025, by 6pm. Late applications will not be accepted.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited by the EDB to attend interviews for the scholarship from April 2026 onwards after receiving unconditional offers from their chosen programmes. They will be notified of the results in due course after the interviews.
Source: AI-found images
Revisiting the Golden Age of Hong Kong Cinema with Director Stanley Kwan in London
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO) supported Plus One Films in presenting the Hong Kong Golden Age 1985-1997 Film Season at the Garden Cinema in London from July 9 to August 27(London time).
The Film Season presented 16 iconic Hong Kong films across 29 screenings, showcasing works by some of Hong Kong's most celebrated filmmakers and the rich diversity of stories and filmmaking styles that emerged during that remarkable era when Hong Kong established itself as one of the world's most prolific, dynamic and influential centres of film production. A themed panel discussion was arranged during the season, and selected screenings were complemented by expert introductions and Q&As, offering audiences an opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation of Hong Kong cinema and its creative legacy.
A highlight of the season was the Masterclass: In Conversation with Stanley Kwan, held on August 26 (London time) at King's College London. Director Kwan, the season's guest of honour, joined Professor Victor Fan of King's College London for a lively and insightful conversation, engaging with film critics, students and members of the audience. He shared his filmmaking journey, creative insights, and reflections on the evolution of the Hong Kong film industry. The season also featured a selection of Director Kwan's acclaimed works, including Center Stage, Full Moon in New York and Red Rose White Rose.
The Director-General of the London ETO, Miss Fiona Chau, addressed the audience at the masterclass. She highlighted the enduring appeal of Hong Kong cinema and the important role of film in fostering cultural connections between Hong Kong and audiences around the world.
"Hong Kong films are rooted in the city and its experiences, but the emotions and questions they explore can resonate across cultures and generations. It is particularly encouraging to see these films being discovered, and rediscovered, by audiences in London," Miss Chau said.
She added that the London ETO was keen to foster cultural connections through film. "Film has a wonderful ability to bring people closer to a place and its culture, allowing audiences to experience another city and another culture through its characters and stories. And when we have a filmmaker here with us, as we do tonight, that exchange becomes even more meaningful and enriching."
Plus One Films is dedicated to promoting the work of Chinese filmmakers in the United Kingdom through regular screenings and cultural programme including the Chinese Cinema Project and curated film seasons. The Hong Kong Golden Age 1985-1997 film season ran from July 9to August 27, 2026 (London time). It featured 29 screenings of 16 films, as well as a panel discussion and a masterclass, offering London audiences an opportunity to discover and experience the creativity, diversity and enduring appeal of Hong Kong cinema.
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO) supported the Hong Kong Golden Age 1985-1997 Film Season presented at The Garden Cinema from July 9 to August 27 (London time) in London. Photo shows the Director-General of London ETO, Miss Fiona Chau (right), and Director Stanley Kwan (left) after the masterclass. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London supported the Hong Kong Golden Age 1985-1997 Film Season presented at The Garden Cinema from July 9 to August 27 (London time) in London. Photo shows Director Stanley Kwan (left) engaging in a lively exchange with film critics, students and members of the audience at the masterclass. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO) supported the Hong Kong Golden Age 1985-1997 Film Season presented at The Garden Cinema from July 9 to August 27 (London time) in London. Photo shows the Director-General of London ETO, Miss Fiona Chau, addressing the audience at the special masterclass titled "Masterclass: In Conversation with Stanley Kwan". Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Revisiting the Golden Age of Hong Kong Cinema with Director Stanley Kwan in London Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Revisiting the Golden Age of Hong Kong Cinema with Director Stanley Kwan in London Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Revisiting the Golden Age of Hong Kong Cinema with Director Stanley Kwan in London Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Revisiting the Golden Age of Hong Kong Cinema with Director Stanley Kwan in London Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
