HKUST Annual Report 2024-2025

21 L E A R N I N G F O R L I F E The University also attracted the most awardees in the prestigious Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) among UGC-funded institutions. More than 100 top PhD students from 13 different countries and regions will join HKUST in 2025-26. Our HKUST Enhanced RedBird PhD Award Program continued to successfully recruit and recognize outstanding PhD talents, granting 500 awards annually to new and current PhD candidates. Furthermore, we consolidated the Overseas Research Award and Greater Bay Area Research Award into the Global Research Award, launching in 2025-26. The revamped award will enable PhD students to conduct research at leading universities worldwide—such as Stanford University, University of Cambridge, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and University of California, Berkeley—fostering cross-cultural understanding. A total of HK$8.7 million in bursaries and loans was distributed to over 220 students facing financial challenges or unexpected emergencies. This support helps recipients navigate difficulties while continuing their studies. The University has also expanded financial assistance for students seeking mental healthcare, with funding continuing to rise as part of broader efforts to strengthen student wellbeing. Now in its third year, the dollar-for-dollar Work-Study On-Campus Internship Program provided over HK$500,000 in subsidies to financially challenged students throughout 2024-25. 17.7% year-on-year Total Scholarship Recipients 3,200+ 25.7% year-on-year Total Scholarship Funding HK$ 154.4M