Kwok Scholars Associationk - Kwok Scholarships for Graduate Study at the University of Oxford

What the Kwok Scholarship gives you

You will receive a full scholarship to study for a Master’s degree at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. It covers your full tuition fees, a monthly living allowance based on Oxford’s recommended costs for accommodation, meals, personal expenses and study materials, as well as a return economy-class flight. The funding covers the entire standard duration of the programme, regardless of whether this is 1 or 2 years. Up to two scholarships are awarded annually by the Kwok Scholars Association, a non-profit organisation based in Hong Kong that supports future leaders in the public sector for Hong Kong and mainland China.

Who can apply

• Nationality: You are a Chinese national from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region or the Chinese mainland. It does not matter in which country you currently live or study.
• Degree level: You are applying for a Master’s programme at Oxford. PhD places are not funded.
• Admission: You have been offered a place at the University of Oxford on a funded Master’s programme, or have a realistic chance of being offered one.
• Preferred subjects: Priority is given to subjects such as political science, public and administrative studies, international relations, psychology and environmental sciences (climate, nature conservation, water management and nature management). Other Master’s programmes at Oxford may also be considered.
• Study stage: You are not yet in the second year of a Master’s degree programme.
• Financial need: You can prove that you need the money by providing your own tax returns and your parents’ most recent tax returns.
• Grades and drive: You have excellent grades, leadership experience and a clear plan for how you intend to use your degree for the benefit of your community.
• Other funding: As a rule, this scholarship cannot be combined with any other scholarship.

How to apply

First, apply to the University of Oxford for a place on a Master’s programme. You should then submit a separate scholarship application via the Kwok Scholars website by 21 March 2027, 23:59 China Standard Time. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a panel interview in April, and you should hear the final decision by June. We recommend that you specify Exeter College as your preferred college.

How realistic are your chances?

This scholarship is highly selective: only Chinese nationals wishing to undertake specific Master’s programmes at Oxford are eligible to apply, and only two scholarships are awarded each year. The pool of applicants is small, but the standards are high. In addition to academic grades and financial need, the association also assesses leadership qualities and a genuine commitment to public service. A compelling, well-supported personal statement focusing on one of the key subject areas therefore offers you a real chance of success. Applying early and having a clear plan for how you intend to contribute to your community are more important than a polished CV alone.