The Kwok Scholars Association, a Hong Kong–based association founded by Dr Walter Kwok, funds Chinese nationals from Hong Kong SAR or mainland China to take a one- or two-year master’s course at the University of Oxford. It backs students who intend to serve the Hong Kong or mainland China community.
The award is both need-based and merit-based. It covers nine Oxford courses in public policy, politics and international relations, psychology and environmental studies, including the Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government.
The scholarship application is separate from the Oxford course application. Applicants can apply before they hold an Oxford offer.
Benefits & funding
- Full university course fees for the standard length of the course (1 or 2 years).
- A maintenance grant for living costs, set from the University’s recommended living-cost figures; it covers food, accommodation, personal items, social activities and study costs.
- One return economy airfare.
- No cash amounts are published. For reference, the Blavatnik School lists the 2026–27 MPP course fee as £54,650 for both Home and Overseas students.
- Up to two Oxford master’s scholarships are available each year.
Eligibility
- Chinese nationals from Hong Kong SAR or mainland China.
- Exceptional academic merit, plus an Oxford offer (or the potential to receive one) for one of these courses: Master of Public Policy; MSc by Research in Experimental Psychology; MSc in Biodiversity, Conservation and Nature Recovery; MSc in Environmental Change and Management; MSc in Nature, Society and Environmental Governance; MSc in Water Science, Policy and Management; MPhil in International Relations; MPhil in Politics (Comparative Government); MPhil in Politics (Political Theory).
- Demonstrated financial need, backed by the applicant’s and both parents’ latest tax returns.
- Evidence of leadership and a commitment to improving other people’s lives.
- PhD programmes are not eligible, and continuing students (for example, a second-year master’s student) cannot apply.
- A Kwok Scholarship is not normally held alongside other scholarships.
- Applicants may apply from any country.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Eligible nationalities
China · Hong Kong
Education required
Bachelor
Circlebreaker is a free database of global fellowships, scholarships and programs — every one decoded like this.
We only check the criteria we have data for. Always confirm full eligibility on the official page before applying.
Application process
- 1Apply to the University of Oxford for 2027 entry to an eligible course.
- 2Complete the Kwok Scholarship online form at kwokscholars.org between 15 February and 21 March 2027, including household income, assets and any other scholarships applied for.
- 3Submit transcripts (Chinese-language transcripts need no translation), a CV of up to three pages, any Oxford offer letter, tax returns and a Statement of Purpose of up to 800 words.
- 4Ask referees to email signed letters directly to the Association. The pages differ on the count: the scholarship page asks for at least three references, the online form lists two academic referees and one character or activities referee, and the application notes mention one academic and one work referee. Confirm the current requirement with the Association.
- 5Shortlisted applicants are invited in April 2027 to an individual interview with a selection committee of three to four people, at their own travel cost.
- 6Successful applicants are told no later than June 2027. The committee’s decision is final.
Program timeline
Before the scholarship window
Apply to Oxford for 2027 entry by the course’s own deadline
Scholarship applications open
Feb 15, 2027
Application deadline (23:59 China Standard Time)
Mar 21, 2027
Interviews for shortlisted applicants
April 2027
Successful applicants notified
By June 2027
Study at Oxford for the length of the course (1 or 2 years)
2027–28 academic year