Hong Kong Academy created a merit-based scholarship programme about 18 months ago. Here they share what that looks like, who is eligible, how to apply and what makes HKA special.
Tell us about HKA scholarships
HKA is able to offer up to five 100% tuition fee merit-based scholarships each year to new students joining Grade 6 - 10 of secondary school. There are also a number of merit-based scholarships valuing from HK$75,000 to HK$150,000 of tuition fees per annum. To be eligible a student must be a strong academic all-rounder, have a good attendance record and be able to demonstrate talent and commitment in a field of excellence such as leadership, service, sport, art or advanced academics. New students joining Grade 11 are not eligible but if a student is awarded a scholarship in a lower grade they will continue to be awarded it through Grades 11 and 12 as long as they keep up their grades, attendance and area of excellence.
And why should students and their parents choose Hong Kong Academy?
Our school is known for its strong community and we intentionally create a culture of belonging because we know that when students feel seen, known, and understood they are happier, more confident, and more successful as learners. Having this at the heart of our Mission sets HKA apart as a school and as a community.
HKA is one of only 8 fully-authorised, 3 programme IB World Schools in Hong Kong. Our students benefit from a highly personalised education due to smaller class sizes, and because we focus on a culture of belonging we create strong home-school partnerships with parents too. This focus and support of each child means they are well positioned to reach their full potential.
We know it is essential for teenagers to take care of their physical and mental health as well as their academics and our counselling team run an advisory and wellbeing curriculum for all students right through until they graduate. We are also unusual because we continue to include PE in the Grade 11 and 12 schedule to ensure that every student is given time to exercise and take care of themselves as they work towards their final projects and exams.
HKA offers a truly international education. Typically we have families representing 35-40 nationalities so our students benefit from studying alongside a highly diverse student body and are well equipped to go out into the world and work effectively alongside peers and colleagues with different backgrounds and experience. Approximately 20% of our students graduate with a bi-lingual IB Diploma each year. Students can opt to study their home language and we also offer Chinese Language & Literature as well as Spanish, French and Mandarin language classes.
We always put our students’ interests first and support them to make choices of classes and study pathways which best suit their interests and talents. All our students graduate with the HKA Diploma and the Global Citizen Diploma, and 95% of them earn the IB Diploma or Diploma certificates. This combination of 3 credentials gives our students a platform to be successful on every continent. We have alumni who are successful lawyers and bankers, we have creatives who are working in the music and media world, we have teachers, climate scientists, vets, physiotherapists, professional sailors and more.
How can interested students apply?
Applicants should apply through the school’s standard application process and also submit: a personal statement related to their area of excellence, copies of awards, certificates or other recognitions, recommendation from a teacher, mentor or other supporting individual, and, a video recording where appropriate or a portfolio where appropriate. Scholarship applications must be submitted by 30th November to be considered for August 2025 start date, applicants may be invited for an interview and will be notified of the scholarship committee’s decision 10th January.
For further information check HKA’s website or contact their Admissions team.
Hong Kong Academy
33 Wai Man Road, Sai Kung, New Territories
Tel: 2655 1118
Email: admissions@hkacademy.edu.hk
Website: www.hkacademy.edu.hk/admissions
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