Two levels, decided by financial need. The lower one is a single payment of HKD50,000. The higher one is full tuition plus a living allowance, renewable, and it goes to applicants who demonstrate and document exceptional financial need.
Both sit under one ceiling. Other scholarship offers can top up an award, but the combined total cannot pass full tuition fee plus a HK$60,000 allowance a year.
Two eligibility rules narrow the field sharply. The applicant must be non-local, which at HKUST means holding a student visa or entry permit, a permit under the Immigration Arrangement for Non-local Graduates, or a dependant visa issued at 18 or above. And they must be coming directly from high school: a post-secondary applicant cannot apply, whatever their circumstances.
The Early Round is the only route in. The award is open to applicants recommended for admission in that round, so an application in a later round takes the award off the table.
Selection weighs more than grades. HKUST asks about resilience in overcoming challenges on the way to university and about the potential to contribute to the community, and the Statement of Circumstance is where that case is made alongside the family's financial position. A Declaration on Family Finances and a reference letter complete the file.
For 2026 entry the award application closed on 30 November 2025, results were issued by 23 January 2026, and the admission offer had to be accepted by 30 January 2026. HKUST had not published the next cycle's dates when this page was checked.
The Future Leaders Award page was checked on 16 September 2026.