22/1/2024
Frequently Asked Questions

Scope of Scholarship
Eligibility
Duration, coverage of scholarship and payment
Application
Audition and Interview
Intended Courses / Institutions
Announcement of results

Scope of Scholarship

Q:  What is the difference between the local and non-local scholarship schemes?
     
  A: The scholarship scheme (local studies) enables applicants to pursue post-graduate studies (including taught or research programmes) in music or dance at degree-awarding tertiary education institutions in Hong Kong. Applications for pursuing music or dance education are continued to be accepted this year, while the scholarship scheme (non-local studies) enables applicants to pursue professional training in music or dance at world-renowned institutions or to undertake less formal studies, projects or creative work outside Hong Kong.
     
Q:  Do the schemes only provide scholarship for applicants to pursue performer training studies?
     
  A: No. Applicants can pursue their studies in:
   
  • performer training programmes, i.e. instrumental music or dance studies; or
  • non-performing studies directly related to music or dance performance, such as composition, choreography, musicology, art criticism and performance-based research relating to music and dance.
  • The scholarship scheme (non-local studies) does not support programmes relating to arts administration, music or dance education, and music or dance therapy.
  • The scholarship scheme (local studies) accepts applications for pursuing music or dance education, but not accept arts administration, and music or dance therapy.

Eligibility

Q:  What are the eligibility criteria of the two scholarship schemes?
     
A: Applicants for the scholarship schemes must fulfill the following criteria:
  (a) Residency requirement in Hong Kong
Applicants must be permanent residents of Hong Kong.
  (b) Age Limit
There is no age requirement. Nonetheless, applicants who are aged under 18 will require a Guarantee from his/her parent/guardian.
  (c) Doctoral programme
For applicants seeking to study doctoral programme in music or dance, only those pursue the last two years of the doctoral programme will be eligible for application. 
  (d) Qualifications (Applicable for the scholarship scheme (local studies) only)
    (i) applicants must be holders of a relevant degree in either music or dance (applicants who are expected to obtain the required qualification at the end of the school year may apply); or
    (ii) applicants who do not obtain the qualifications specified in (i) but have at least three years of relevant performing experience in established professional bodies are eligible to apply.
  (e) Previous scholarship(s)
Applicants who have obtained scholarship(s) from the same scholarship scheme of the Fund before will normally not be considered.  Nonetheless, the past awardees of the scholarship scheme (non-local Studies) of the Fund may apply for the scholarship scheme (local studies) and vice versa.
       
Q:  Can I apply for both scholarship schemes concurrently?
     
  A: Applicants may apply for another scholarship scheme run by the Fund concurrently but they should fill in and submit separate application forms for the two scholarship schemes.  If the applicants are selected for audition/interview, they should confirm the priority of the scholarship schemes applied at the time of audition/interview.  Depending on the courses that the applicants intend to pursue, they may be auditioned separately.  Successful candidates will only be awarded one scholarship.
     
Q:  Can I apply for the scholarship schemes if I am currently studying the first year of the post-graduate programme?
     
  A: For applicants seeking to study doctoral programme in music or dance, only those pursue the last two years of the doctoral programme will be eligible for application.  As regards other post-graduate programmes, such as master programmes, applicants who are currently studying in the first year may apply for the Fund's scholarship schemes to pursue the second year and/or third year of the programme. 
     
Q:  Am I allowed to apply for part-time study at a local institute?
     
  A: Yes.  Applicants are allowed to apply for full-time or part-time courses offered by local degree-awarding tertiary institutions.
     
Q:  Am I allowed to apply for local scholarship if I have a full-time job?
     
  A: Yes.  Applicants who have a full-time job are eligible to apply for the local scholarship scheme.
     
Q:  I am a Hong Kong permanent resident currently studying outside Hong Kong.  Am I eligible to apply for the scholarships?
     
  A: Applicants who are currently studying outside Hong Kong can apply for the scholarships provided that they are permanent Hong Kong residents.
     
Q:  Can I apply for the non-local scholarship scheme if I have overseas studying experience?
     
  A: Yes. Applicants who have overseas studying experience can still apply for the non-local scholarship.

Duration, value of the scholarship award and payment

Q:  What is the coverage of a local studies scholarship?
     
A: Each scholarship is normally tenable up to a maximum of two years subject to the selected candidates' satisfactory progress at regular intervals and the assessment from the candidates' course supervisors. A full scholarship consists of the following two items:
  (i) Tuition fee and part of other study-related fees (e.g. registration fee, enrolment fee, etc.) required by the intended course for the year(s) under application; and
  (ii) Subsistence allowance to subsidise partial costs of living in Hong Kong (e.g. local transportation, academic expenses, etc. but excluding accommodation costs) during the study.
     
Q:  What is the coverage of a non-local studies scholarship?
     
  A: Each scholarship is normally tenable up to a maximum of two years subject to the selected candidates' satisfactory progress at regular intervals and the assessment from the candidates' course supervisors. A full scholarship consists of the following three items:
    (i) Tuition fee and part of other study-related fees (e.g. registration fee, enrolment fee, etc.) required by the intended course for the year(s) under application;
    (ii) Subsistence allowance to subsidise partial costs of living expenses outside Hong Kong (e.g. accommodation, health insurance premiums, transportation, academic expenses, etc.) during the study; and
    (iii) Return flight tickets to the intended city of study.
     
Q: What is a partial scholarship and how much is the amount?
     
  A: Selected candidates may be granted a partial scholarship at the discretion of the Fund. The partial scholarship, if granted, may cover partial items, viz. (a) tuition fee, (b) subsistence allowance, and/or (c) return flight tickets (for non-local scholarship scheme only), or partial amount of the item(s).
     
Q:  What is the disbursement arrangement if I am awarded a scholarship?
     
  A: The scholarship will be settled by the following means:
   
  • If you are awarded partial or full scholarship on tuition fee, you should submit the tuition invoice/debit note issued by the institution to the Secretariat at least three weeks before the tuition payment is due.
  • If you are awarded partial or full grants on subsistence allowance, the Secretariat will arrange payment on a half-yearly basis at the beginning of each semester.
  • For non-local scholarship, if you are awarded partial or full grants on return flight tickets, you should submit three quotations with the same departure date for price comparison. The lowest quoted price will be reimbursed afterwards.
     
Q: Can I apply for other scholarships or grants for my studies?
     
  A: Yes. Apart from the Fund's scholarships, applicants are encouraged to apply other financial aids/scholarships. Applicants are required to provide details of other financial aids/scholarships that they have applied and received. The amount received from other financial aids will be deducted from the scholarship granted.

Application

Q:  What is the schedule/timeline of the two scholarship schemes?
     
  A: The timeline for the 2024-25 scholarship schemes is as follows:
Main stage Timeframe
Deadline for application 22 January 2024, 3 p.m.
Pre-audition / interview Assessment February – March 2024
Audition and interview April – May 2024
Announcement of result and Awarding Ceremony June – July 2024
    (Scholarship applications are closed on 22 January 2024 3:00 p.m.)
Q:  What kinds of supporting materials that I need to submit together with the application?
     
  A:

Applicants should submit:
(a) the duly completed application form which should be typewritten; and
(b) a USB Flash Drive containing the electronic copy of the application form and the required materials for the Pre-audition/interview Assessment. Applicants must ensure that the recordings submitted are of high quality. Otherwise, the Fund reserves the absolute right to disqualify the application.

Applicants should vet carefully their works and/or files to ensure that names or an introduction of themselves is not contained in whatever forms before submission. If an applicant is found to have included his/her name or his/her self-introduction in the works and/or files submitted for whatever reasons, the application will be disqualified and will not be considered any further. The Fund will strictly enforce this requirement.
   

For Music Applicants

Discipline of studies Submission requirement
Performer training courses
  • Audio recordings of three complete music pieces (not excerpts) of their own choice, each should be saved in a separate file and submitted in formats supported by "Windows Media Player", such as WAV, MP3.
  • An electronic copy of the scores of the three music pieces, each to be saved in a separate file in Portable Document Format (PDF), is also required.
  • The three music pieces are preferably of contrasting styles and varying period.
  • All works, if with accompaniment, must be performed with accompaniment of piano or musical instrument as specified by the music piece.
  • Recordings of music pieces must be genuinely performed by the applicants and they should neither be edited nor added with any effects.
Composition courses
  • Three pieces of their original composition in the form of (1) scores (with a short note in around 100 words for each work, on the creative concept) and (2) separate audio recordings of these compositions should be submitted.
  • For scores, four hard copies and an electronic copy of the three scores each to be saved in a separate file in Portable Document Format (PDF) are required.
  • The audio recordings must be in three separate files and submitted in formats supported by "Windows Media Player", such as WAV, MP3.
Conducting courses
  • Three pieces of their work in three separate video recordings in MP4 format should be submitted.
  • An electronic copy of the scores of the three conducting pieces, each to be saved in a separate file in Portable Document Format (PDF), is also required.
Non-performing studies
  • Two pieces of written work in the form of study reports, essays or dissertations should be submitted.
  • Four hard copies and an electronic copy of the two written works to be saved in separate files in PDF are required.

 

For Dance Applicants

Discipline of studies Submission requirement
Performer training courses
  • Video recordings of two dance performances of their own choice, with a total duration of not less than seven minutes, each should be saved in a separate file and submitted in MP4 format.
  • The two dance performances are preferably of contrasting dynamics and varying styles. Solo dance performances, either ballet or modern, could be original choreography or from standard repertory but should show the artistic level and performance ability of the applicants.
Choreography courses
  • Video recordings of two pieces of their work (using different dynamics and tempi) in two separate files should be submitted in MP4 format.
  • A short note in around 100 words for each work, on the creative concept. Four hard copies and an electronic copy of the short notes each to be saved in a separate file in PDF are required.
Non-performing studies
  • Two pieces of written work in the form of study reports, essays or dissertations should be submitted.
  • Four hard copies and an electronic copy of the two written works to be saved in separate files in PDF are required.
     
Q:  How many recommendation letters am I required to submit?
     
  A:

Applicants are required to name at least two referees for their applications. At least one of the referees should be a professional in the corresponding music/dance field (e.g. a current/retired faculty member of a tertiary institution, a current/retired player in an established music/dance professional body, etc.); and the other one should be from an appropriate person who could help the Fund to assess the applicants' individual characteristics and potential to succeed in the field (e.g. a teacher of the current school, the current employer, etc.).

The recommendation letters should be completed and returned by the applicants' referees to the Fund direct (by post or by email) on or before the application deadline. Applicants should remind the referees to submit the recommendation letters timely.
     
Q:  Will late application be considered?
     
  A: Completed application form, together with all the required document and materials, must reach the Secretariat of the Fund by hand or by post by the application deadline, failing which the application will not be considered.

Audition and Interview

Q:  Will all applicants be invited for audition/interview?
     
  A: All applications will be shortlisted based on the supporting materials submitted with the application forms. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend the auditions/interviews in April/May 2024 in person.
     
Q:  Is it a must for the music pieces / dance performances prepared for the audition to be identical to the recordings submitted with the application?
     
  A: No. It is not necessary that the music pieces/dance performed at the audition be identical to the pre-audition submissions. Applicants will be required to provide details of the audition pieces when they are invited to attend the audition/interview.
     
Q:  Can I change the pieces for audition?
     
  A: If you wish to change the pieces for audition, you have to inform the Secretariat and provide the titles and composers of the pieces before the audition. The total duration should be no more than 10 minutes for applicants of music scholarship and 7 minutes for applicants of dance scholarship.
     
Q:  Do I have to prepare copies of the scores for the music audition?
  A: If you are applying for performer training course, you will be required to play three music pieces at the time of audition, it is not necessary to submit the scores for the audition session. If you are applying for music composition courses, three pieces of original composition in the form of scores and other relevant supporting materials, such as audio recordings of those compositions should have already been submitted with the application form for assessment.
     
Q:  Do I have to bring my own accompanist?
  A: Applicants are required to bring their own accompanist and ensure the accompanist to arrive at the audition venue on time.
     
Q:  Will I be disqualified if I could not attend the audition session?
     
  A:

Applicants who are currently studying outside Hong Kong and due to the institution's compulsory academic requirement (such as examination, graduation recital, etc.), are unable to attend the audition/interview in person may be allowed to conduct the audition/interview through video conferencing, upon submission of a documentary proof from their institutions seven days before the scheduled audition/interview to the satisfaction of the Secretariat. For quality assurance, they must arrange the audition in a proper studio and employ high-quality audio and visual as well as connection facilities for tele-conferencing at their end. Failing which, the Fund reserves the absolute right to disqualify the application. Due to the keen competition among applicants, overseas applicants are strongly recommended to attend the auditions/interviews in person to facilitate the Audition Panel to have a better assessment of the applicants' performance standard.

For applicants who are unable to perform at the audition or attend the interview due to sickness/injury, they are required to inform the Secretariat before the scheduled audition/interview and submit within seven days a medical certificate for the Audition Panel's consideration.
     
Q:  Can I apply for changing the date and time of the audition?
     
  A: If you cannot attend the audition/interview at the assigned time slot, please inform the Secretariat with justification as soon as possible for consideration.

Intended Courses/Institutions

Q:  What should I do if I cannot fulfil the language requirement for the intended programme of study?
     
  A: Some institutions may require students to meet particular language requirement before they are admitted to the programme. Applicants are advised to confirm with the intended institutions of their arrangement and take the relevant language examination as required early. In any case, at the time when the Fund offers scholarships to the selected applicants, they should provide documentary proof of unconditional admission from at least one intended institution.
     
Q:  What should I do after the institutions have announced the results of application?
     
  A: You should inform the Secretariat in writing the application results whether it is successful or unsuccessful. In case you receive any financial aid or scholarship from that institution, you should also inform the Secretariat and provide relevant documentary proofs.
     
Q:  Do I need to fill in all the five choices of the intended courses and institutions?
     
  A: No. Applicants are required to put down at least one but not more than five choices of intended courses and institutions in the application.

Announcement of results

Q:  When will the result be announced and what should I prepare for if I am offered the scholarship?
     
  A: Applicants will be informed of the result of their applications in writing in June/July 2024 at the earliest. If you are granted a scholarship, you will be required to provide documentary proof of unconditional offer from one of the intended institutions before the date as specified in the approval letter.
     
Q:  Can I change to receive overseas scholarship if I am awarded a local scholarship, or vice versa?
     
  A: No. Since you have indicated your priority of the scholarship schemes at the time of audition/interview, no change is allowed. If you decline the local scholarship, you will not be reconsidered for other scholarship at the same academic year.