The Zubin Foundation Scholarships
5 years of Impact (2020
- 2024 Cohort)
July 2026
Vinee Kapoor, Shalini Mahtani, The Zubin Foundation
Launched in 2020, The Zubin Foundation Scholarships provide vital financial support to ethnically diverse (ED) students to access tertiary education in Hong Kong, removing financial barriers that often limit opportunity By doing so, we empower youth to break cycles of intergenerational poverty and expand their life choices.
Education not only delays early marriage and reduces poverty, but also opens pathways to meaningful, sustainable careers Investing in ED youth strengthens Hong Kong’s future workforce and builds a more inclusive society.
APPLICATION TRENDS & NUMBER OF SCOLARSHIPS
SCHOLARSHIPS IMPROVE LIVES1
85% of scholars report an increase in their earning potential
86% say their self-esteem has significantly improved
6,600 hours of community service have been contributed by sscholars
190
Scholarships awarded between 2020 and 2024
316%
Increase in scholarship applicants over the last 5 years - from 89 in 2020 to 370 in 2024
Surge in applications highlight both the urgent financial need and the rising educational aspirations of low income ED students.
94% have experienced growth in their social and professional networks
72% feel they have gained greater respect from their families
82% report improved career readiness and opportunities after receiving the scholarship +
PROFILE OF SCHOLARS
Ethnicity
UGC universities are the top choice: The majority of scholars are studying at UGC funded universities at the undergraduate degree level.
Sub-degrees provide a pathway: Most students studying sub-degrees wish to study further at an undergraduate degree level.
Non-UGC funded universities: Are a popular option for students unable to meet the grades required for UGC funded universities
SUBJECTS PURSUED BY THE SCHOLARS COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES ATTENDED BY THE SCHOLARS
Remarkable Growth in STEM: The percentage of ED students pursuing STEM degrees has surged from 6.8% in 2020 to an impressive 22.4% in 2024.
New Academic Interests: Students in recent years are opting for a broader range of fields, such as degrees in Social Work, Psychology, and Counselling.
Increase in Law Students: More students are pursuing law, reflecting a growing interest in legal education.
Caritas Medical Centre, Hospital Authority
The City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK)3
Community College of City University/ UOW College, Hong Kong
Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU)3
The HKBU College of International Education (HKBU CIE)
Hong Kong Chu Hai College (HKCHC)
Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU)
Hong Kong Shue Yan University (HKSYU)
Lingnan Institute of Further Education (LIFE)
Lingnan University (LingU)3
Saint Francis University (SFU)
The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)3
The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK)3
The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK)
The HKU School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPACE)
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)3
The PolyU School of Professional Education and Executive Development (PolyU SPEED)
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)3
The University of Hong Kong (HKU)3
Tung Wah College (TWC)
VTC - Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi)
VTC - Institute of Vocational Education (IVE)
VTC - Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI)
Yew Chung College of Early Childhood Education (YCCECE)
