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Scholars Spotlight

At a Glance

Laidlaw Scholars Programme at HKU – Cultivating next-generation leaders!

Become a global leader through immersive research and real-world impact. With support from the Laidlaw Foundation, this prestigious two-year scholarship empowers high-achieving undergraduates to drive independent research, develop ethical leadership skills, and create positive change in communities worldwide. 

What You Gain

  • Research Funding: Stipend of HK$2,000/week (local) or HK$5,000/week (abroad) for up to 6 weeks.
  • Leadership-in-Action Project Funding: Up to HK$15,000 to fund your travel and stipend of HK$2,000/week (local) or HK$5,000/week (abroad) for up to 6 weeks.
  • Oxford Character Leadership Programme: Exclusive enrollment in the online Ethical Leadership Masterclass delivered by the Oxford Character Leadership Project.
  • Annual Student Conference: Fully funded to participate in the Annual Laidlaw Student Conference either in Europe or the North America to present your research/leadership-in-action experience.
  • Exclusive Global Network: Direct connection to an international network of scholars at leading Laidlaw Network Universities including Oxford, UCL, Harvard, MIT, Toronto, among others.

Your Two-Year Journey (2026-27 and 2027-28)

  • 1st Year Summer Research (6 Weeks, June–August): Lead a self-initiated or existing research project at HKU or approved partner university under expert faculty supervision.
  • 2nd Year Leadership-in-Action (6 Weeks, June–August): Apply your leadership skills in the field—participating in Laidlaw Foundation projects, working with disadvantaged communities, or translating your research into real-world impact.
  • Annual Laidlaw Student Conference in Europe/North America: Present your research or leadership-in-action poster to your global peers within the Laidlaw Scholars Network, while exchanging insights and building lifelong interdisciplinary connections.
  • Year-Round Workshops: Engage in 6 structured days of leadership development held across the academic year.
  • Social Events, HKU Annual Poster Session and more!

Research Project Options

In your first year, you will define, execute, and present an original research project under the mentorship of an academic supervisor. The programme offers full flexibility in choosing your research pathway:

  • Self-Initiated Research: Propose your own research topic and partner with an HKU faculty member who agrees to supervise your work.
  • Existing HKU Projects: Join an ongoing research project led by an HKU academic supervisor.
  • Global Partner Projects: Apply for selected research projects offered at leading overseas partner institutions, including University College London (UCL) and the University of Leeds. The project list will be available in November 2026.

Eligibility

  • Status: Full-time 1st or 2nd-year undergraduates (graduating in/after 2028–29). Visiting students are not eligible.
  • Academic Requirement: Normally a Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above.
  • Profile: Self-motivated, committed to independent inquiry, and passionate about community impact.

Selection Criteria

  • Academic Assessment (50%)
    • Research proposal
    • Why the project is important
    • Outputs and outcomes
    • Impact i.e. benefits beyond the immediate academic community
    • Interdisciplinary aspects of the initiative and International dimension
  • Leadership Potential and Ambition (50%)
    • Motivations for applying
    • Career aspirations beyond their studies
    • Evidence of leadership/potential
    • Suitability as a scholar

How to Apply

  1. Identify a Home Supervisor: Contact an HKU academic (who are at the rank of assistant professor or above) to support your proposal and obtain a signed Letter of Support. (Note: For UCL or University of Leeds projects, do NOT contact host supervisors directly; HKU Horizons Office handles host confirmations upon selection).
  2. Complete the Application Form: Fill out the general application (and the UCL-specific form if applying for a UCL project).
  3. Submit Before Deadline: Submit all required materials by January 22, 2027 (23:59).

Learn more about scholar experiences across the Laidlaw Scholars Network. For questions, contact laidlaw@hku.hk.

Apply now