Hong Kong Scholars

Hong Kong Scholars exists to increase the number of underprivileged young people at university. We do this by recruiting and training PhD researchers who lead university-style learning experiences to develop the knowledge, skills and ambition of school pupils.

The programme was launched in 2018

In partnership with BEI Capital andis led by HK philanthropist Mr Collin Lau. 

Over 3 pilot cohorts:
24 researchers – university of Witwatersrand and University of Johannesburg
281 young people
Reached township communities in Gauteng and the Western Cape
552 hours delivered of university-style tutorials
The AccessEd ZA programme is designed to give students an authentic experience of university:
Taught by PhD tutors as role models and mentors who they relate to
Courses and unique coursebooks based on real university research, tailored to age level
Studying undergraduate-style topics
Accompanying enrichment workshops (study skills; mental health; critical thinking)
A challenging final assignment, graded in university-style, with 1-1 feedback sessions

Following application to the incubator and interest in AccessEd’s programme model, we co-hosted a workshop with Ednovators, advocators for education innovation in Hong Kong. With over 20 participants representing schools, universities, government bureaus, and education charities, we shared and prioritised the diverse educational needs of Hong Kong’s underprivileged young people before launch of a full programme.

Our Partners

Read more in our impact reports

Pre and post programme student evaluation showed significant increases against key competencies:

Q: I understand why and how people study when they are at university

Q: I know the skills and attributes required to think about career and life planning

Q: I have a good level of knowledge in the subject that this course focuses on:

“I feel so much more confident in my own skills and abilities after taking part. This is the start of a new journey to university for me."

Pupil participant