The University Grants Committee (UGC) has launched the Student-Athlete Learning Support and Admission Scheme (SALSA Scheme) to support outstanding athletes who aspire to pursue dual-track career developments in the eight UGC-funded universities in the 2022/23 to 2024/25 triennium, with a commitment of up to $100 million for allocation among the eight UGC-funded universities.
Student athletes admitted via the Top Athletes Direct Admission Scheme and have fulfilled the criteria of the SALSA scheme will be entitled to the funding and support offered in the scheme. Please click here for details of the SALSA scheme.
Sports Scholarship Scheme (SSS)
HKU launched the “Sports Scholarship Scheme” in 1995 to facilitate outstanding athletes to pursue both academic and sports aspirations in parallel. Over the past 20 years, it has supported more than 600 young athletes. Students in the programme will receive support in various aspects of sports pursuit and academic development, targeting their personal development needs and allowing them to fully develop their potential. Please click here for details of the scheme.
Selection Criteria
Nominations will be reviewed and the eligibility of admissions will be determined in terms of:
- Evidence of sports ranking
- Sports competition level (local, national, or/ and international)
- Coaches references or letters of recommendation
- HKU interview performance
- Personal statement to HKU
Programmes Available
The selected top athletes will be considered for admissions to ALL programmes in the University of Hong Kong. In the past, the programmes below provided offers to the Top Athletes.
| Programme Code | Programme | Majors |
|---|---|---|
|
6054 |
Bachelor of Arts (Offered by the Faculty of Arts) |
|
| Programme Code | Programme | Majors |
|---|---|---|
|
6755 |
Bachelor of Business and Administration (Offered by HKU Business School) |
|
| Programme Code | Programme | Majors |
|---|---|---|
|
6901 |
Bachelor of Science (Offered by the Faculty of Science) |
|
| Programme Code | Programme | Majors |
|---|---|---|
|
6717 |
Bachelor of Social Sciences (Offered by the Faculty of Social Sciences) |
|
| Programme Code | Programme | Majors |
|---|---|---|
|
6456 |
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (Offered by the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine) |
N/A |
NOTE Athletes who wish to be admitted by other programmes will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Submission of Nomination
Nominations shall be made via the form below with the following supporting documents:
- Results of sports achievements; and
- Sports CV; and
- Reference letter or/ and Nomination letter; and
- Personal statement
NOTE Applicants will be evaluated through a holistic assessment, where academic merits may not be the major consideration. All shortlisted applicants will be interviewed.
HKU Sports Scholar Sharing
Receiving an offer from HKU is a huge honor
which has motivated me to work even harder in the future. Through my studies in psychology, I aim to understand emotional management and stress coping strategies, aspiring to become a more resilient athlete.
I hope to become an Olympian in the near future
while at the same time paving the way for my future career down the road. I feel grateful for the opportunity to study at HKU amongst the best, and I look forward to achieving more in both academics and sports with the unwavering support of the TADAS scheme.
I am beyond excited to join HKU
not only because it is a world-leading university but also because it provides me with great support in balancing my academic and athletic pursuits. I am looking forward to engaging in research opportunities within the Faculty of Science!
Fencing has changed my life completely
and I am proud to compete in games representing Hong Kong. I am very grateful for the opportunity to study at HKU which is one of the best icons to represent Hong Kong with its long history. The reason I chose Bachelor of Arts is that it offers me options to study in areas that I am interested in, for example the social media and the fashion industry.
Strive for excellence to win glory for Hong Kong
It is my honour to study in the HKU. With my gratitude to the TADAS, it allows me to have dual career development in sports and study. Owing to its flexible learning arrangement and support, I can continue my intensive training and overseas competitions. More importantly, I can strive for excellence to win glory for Hong Kong.
Accomplish both sports dreams and university dreams
HKU’s Top Athletes Direct Admission Scheme provides me a platform to accomplish both sports dreams and university dreams. With the 100% support from HKU, it allows me to continue with my sports career and have a good balance between studies and training. I am sure that college life in HKU will be a meaningful and memorable one.
I am passionate about rugby
I am a big believer of sport is not forever, I am passionate about rugby and want to have the opportunity to strive towards completing my goals, while still being able to plan my future. HKU has created this amazing program where they prioritise my sporting career whilst giving me the tools to create a life after sport. With their unwavering support, I can embark on an incredible journey of personal growth and success, both on and off the field.
Pursue both my sporting and academic goals simultaneously
With the amount of time and dedication sport requires, I have always found it difficult to balance my training and competition with my studies. Thanks to the great the support from HKU and their TADAS scheme, I now have the opportunity to Pursue both my sporting and academic goals simultaneously.
I am passionate about sports
because of the sense of achievement one gets from training. With the support from HKU’s Top Athletes Direct Admission Scheme and the HKU Lee Shau Kee Top Athletes Scholarship, I have the chance to study nutrition and environmental science at one of the best universities in the world. The supportive environment here allows me to continue with my training and competition, which is valued by me and many other aspiring athletes.
Winning a medal in the upcoming Asian Games
is my short-term goal. I also have a long-term goal of starting up a business. HKU’s Top Athletes Direct Admission Scheme provides me with the chance to achieve both – it offers me direct financial support and a platform to strike a balance between my business studies and sports training.
Sport has changed my life
Thank you, HKU, for your support all these years, allowing me to realise my Olympic dreams. Although I did not get any medals at the two Olympic Games I participated in, I am proud that I gave my best. Sport has changed my life and I am grateful for the encouragement from the University. With the comprehensive support from HKU, I look forward to witnessing more fellow students strive for excellence in the world stadiums, to experience the Olympic spirit, and to enjoy the fun of sports.
*Quote from HKU Press Release
Heading towards 2024 Paris Olympics
Representing Hong Kong and HKU at the Tokyo Olympics was such an amazing experience and honour for me. I’m sure many young people were inspired by Hong Kong’s most successful Olympics. The funding I receive will help me continue my studies and qualify for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
*Quote from HKU Press Release