Important
💰 Costs & scholarships
StudentsParents
Entry scholarships: the three tiers, how they are awarded and renewed
Three tiers based on your Gaokao ranking, and the top tier comes with a living allowance. But it is not a one-off: your CGPA is reviewed every year.
First, the precondition: Mainland Gaokao students only
CityU states clearly that:
- The "Entry Scholarship" is awarded only to Mainland Chinese students admitted through the Gaokao route.
- There is no separate application. All Mainland Chinese students admitted through the Gaokao route are automatically considered.
- Selection is based mainly on Gaokao results, interview performance and overall qualities.
- Applicants learn the scholarship outcome at the same time as the offer.
Three tiers, divided by Gaokao ranking
| Tier | Gaokao condition | Award |
|---|---|---|
| Full scholarship | Ranked in the top 0.1% of your province, municipality or region, with a strong English score | A renewable full tuition waiver plus a living allowance of up to HK$60,000 |
| Full tuition waiver | Ranked below the top 0.1% but within the top 1% of your province, municipality or region | A renewable full tuition waiver |
| Half tuition waiver | Ranked below the top 1% but within the top 1.5% of your province, municipality or region | A renewable half tuition waiver |
💡
Tip: this uses your Gaokao ranking as a percentile within your own province or municipality, not an absolute score. The same score can land in different tiers in different provinces, so judge by your position in your province's score-distribution table.
How long it is paid: it follows the programme
| Programme type | Scholarship duration |
|---|---|
| Ordinary bachelor's degree programmes | four years |
| Double degree programmes | five years |
| Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine | six years |
Not a one-off: it is renewed every year
This is the point parents most often miss.
- Students holding a full scholarship, full tuition waiver or half tuition waiver must reach the cumulative grade point average (CGPA) specified by the University in the end-of-year examination for the scholarship to renew automatically.
- Individual degree programmes (double degree programmes, for example) run for different lengths, and the scholarship calculation differs accordingly.
⚠️
The phrase "renewable" is the key. The scholarship is reviewed annually, not locked in for four years. Winning it in year one does not mean it is automatically yours for the next three.
The other award: the Outstanding Athletes Scholarship Scheme
CityU separately runs a Non-local Student – Outstanding Athletes Scholarship Scheme:
- This one requires a separate application. Applicants must first complete their application in the University's online application system, then follow the stated instructions to apply for this scholarship.
- The award covers up to tuition and hall fees.
- Renewal requires a CGPA of 2.5, reviewed annually.
💡
Tip: unlike the three entry scholarship tiers, this one has to be applied for — it is not automatic. Students with a sporting record should not miss it.
Frequently asked questions
Do Mainland Gaokao applicants need a separate application for CityU entry scholarships?
The guide explains that the listed entry-scholarship tiers are assessed through the admission process. Read the current scholarship rules for exceptions and award criteria.
Can a CityU entry scholarship be renewed?
Renewal depends on the conditions set by the University, including academic performance. Check the current terms before relying on a future-year award.
Official sources
Five ways to find this page
🗂 Category
🔤 Alphabet
⭐ Priority
Important Preparing early makes it far easier