Winning Strategies Behind $2.5M Scholarships

To date, the DHSZ Class of 2025 has been awarded a total of USD 2.5 million in scholarships, of which USD 2 million is for art-related admissions. In this edition of our UCC video series, we invited Ms Rain Xie, our University and College Counsellor, to shed light on the topic of university scholarships. From the true cost of studying abroad and the different types of scholarships, to application processes, student achievements, and practical tips, this video offers a clear and comprehensive guide to maximising value in an era of rising educational expenses.

The Significance of Scholarships

University costs increase by 3% to 5% each year. In popular study destinations, undergraduate tuition fees range from tens to hundreds of thousands of RMB—excluding accommodation, living expenses, and additional material costs. Specialised fields such as medicine, which require longer study periods and greater teaching resources, often incur fees that are 20% to 50% higher. Given such substantial investment, scholarships have become an essential means of easing financial pressure and enriching the study-abroad experience.

Categories of Scholarships

Ms Xie categorises scholarships into four types:

1. Academic Scholarships (Merit-based, non-art): Scholarships are awarded based on GPA, standardised test scores, and holistic applicant profiles. Award amounts range from a few thousand dollars to full tuition coverage, with some institutions also providing living stipends.

2. Skill-based Scholarships: Focus on transferable skills (e.g., leadership, athletics). Additional materials like essays, interviews, or recommendation letters are often required.

3. Artistic Scholarships: Granted to students excelling in visual/performing arts. Art majors are automatically considered, while non-majors must submit portfolios and applications.

4. Need-based Scholarships: Determined by family financial status. Requires submission of income documents and is typically applied for during the university application phase.

The “Tower” and “Pathway” of Scholarships

Universities evaluate scholarships based onamount, criteria, application methods, and regional/institutional coverage:

• US Ivy League full-ride scholarships: Extremely competitive, with limited global quotas.

• Hong Kong universities: Offer generous academic scholarships but demand exceptional academic and interview performance.

• Japanese universities: Provide 50%–100% tuition waivers to attract international students, often automatically awarded based on academic merit.

• Canada/Australia: Fewer scholarships for international students, with smaller amounts.

Application Process & Key Deadlines

•Academic Scholarships 

Often require no separate application; universities assess candidates during the initial review. However, a handful of elite institutions ask for a preliminary scholarship intention form, one to two months before the regular deadline.

•Merit-based Scholarships 

Deadlines can be more flexible than the standard application window. For example, business school leadership awards sometimes accept submissions after the main deadline.

•Arts Scholarships 

Arts programme applicants submit portfolios alongside their application. Non-arts applicants must follow strict portfolio guidelines and artwork descriptions set by each institution.

•Need-based Grants 

Applicants must complete a detailed financial aid questionnaire via each university’s portal, submitted alongside their course application, to ensure consideration at every stage of review.

Ms Xie emphasises: “Timing and strategy are equally crucial. Staying ahead of key deadlines gives you a competitive edge.”

Our Students’ Scholarship Achievements

This year, several of our graduates received academic scholarships from top universities in Hong Kong—some covering full four-year tuition. Scholarships for Japan and the United States can cover up to half of tuition fees. A number of students were also awarded merit-based and arts scholarships, each securing on average over RMB 100,000.DHSZ students earned $42.8M in scholarships via Match by Concourse.

These outcomes highlight how careful planning and early preparation significantly increase both the likelihood and value of awards.

The total value of scholarships awarded to the DHSZ Class of 2025 through Match by Concourse:

Advice for High School Students

Start Early

• Research scholarships as early as Year 10

• Most merit-based scholarships require a high GPA (A/A*s or top 10% of your class).

Take rigorous courses to stand out (IGCSE& A Level)

•Excel in Standardized Tests (If Required)

Aim for top percentile scores on the SAT/ACT 

(if applying to schools that require them).

•Some scholarships have minimum score cutoffs.

Build a Well-Rounded Profile

Extracurriculars: Prioritise depth of involvement over brief participation in numerous clubs.

Write Outstanding Essays

• Show authenticity, passion, and impact—avoid clichés.

• Get feedback from teachers or mentors.

Secure Strong Recommendation Letters

• Ask teachers who know you well.
• Provide them with your resume.

• Highlight unique strengths.

Applying for scholarships is a ‘game of timing and merit’. It requires early planning, precise execution, and continuous personal development. Throughout this journey, our university guidance team is ready to provide comprehensive support — empowering every student to realise their dream of studying at a world-class institution.