Did you know that many international schools offer scholarships and bursaries to help talented and disadvantaged students access an international education?

On Thursday 24 September, the SEA Charitable Foundation, in partnership with Harrow International School Hong Kong, hosted an open evening explaining the difference between scholarships and bursaries and how families can explore these opportunities.

The event offered families a different experience from a traditional school tour. Held in the evening, it allowed parents and students to visit Harrow’s specialist facilities, including Art, Drama, Music, English, Chemistry, Biology and Physics. Guests also toured the boarding facilities at Keller House, Harrow’s girls’ boarding house.

Understanding scholarships and bursaries

The evening gave parents an opportunity to learn more about Harrow’s scholarship and bursary programmes.

Harrow explains that a scholarship is awarded for excellence and is generally equivalent to 10% of school tuition fees. In exceptional circumstances, a student may receive more than one scholarship. A scholarship may also be supported by bursary funding where a family requires additional financial assistance.

A bursary, by contrast, is means-tested. It is designed for families who may not otherwise be able to afford the fees. Depending on the family’s circumstances, bursary assistance may provide substantial support and, in some cases, virtually full remission of tuition fees. Families are assessed according to factors such as income, assets and individual family circumstances.

The important message for parents is that a child may potentially be considered for both forms of support. A student may receive a scholarship based on achievement or talent, while the family may separately apply for bursary assistance based on financial need.

Parents should always check the latest requirements, assessment process and deadlines directly with the school. For families considering Harrow’s current scholarship application, the advertised deadline is 10 October 2026.

Hearing from the Harrow community

Parents and students heard from Ms Jenny Mitchell, who explained how scholarships and bursaries may work together and the application process. 

The audience also heard from Ms Rosie McColl, Head of School, who shared her personal experience as a bursary student. She spoke about Harrow’s history, traditions and the opportunities that can develop when students are supported by the right school community.

Hearing directly from school leaders, and a current bursary student and his Dad helped make the discussion practical and personal. Financial assistance is not only about reducing fees; it can also help a student become part of a community, access opportunities and develop confidence.

Finding the right school

One of the most important messages of the evening was that the school must be the right fit for the child.

A scholarship or bursary opportunity should not be the only reason a family chooses a school. Parents should also consider:

• The school’s curriculum and teaching approach.
• The child’s interests, strengths and learning needs.
• The school’s culture and pastoral support.
• The admissions and assessment process.
• The total cost of attendance.
• Transport and daily travel arrangements.
• The transition to secondary school.
• Future examination and university pathways.

As SEA founder Jessica Yuen reminded parents, finding the right school requires careful consideration. The SEA Charitable Foundation, the charitable arm of Specialist Education Advisory, is here to help families understand their options and make informed education decisions.

What can bursary support include?

The extent of financial support varies between schools. Some scholarships provide a percentage reduction in tuition fees, while bursaries may offer broader assistance depending on the family’s financial circumstances and the school’s policy.

Parents should ask whether support covers:

• Tuition fees.
• Registration or application fees.
• Deposits.
• Uniforms.
• School lunch
• Transport.
• Trips and school camps.
• Laptops or required technology
• Examination fees.
• Boarding costs.
• Extracurricular activities.

Never assume that a bursary covers every expense. Families should request a written explanation of what is included, how long the award lasts and whether it must be reassessed annually.

International School Bursary Fair

Following the successful Harrow open evening, the SEA Charitable Foundation will host its International School Bursary Fair on Saturday 3 October 2026.

The fair will give parents the opportunity to:

• Meet admissions and marketing representatives.
• Learn about participating schools’ scholarship and bursary programs.
• Understand bursary and financial-assistance options.
• Speak with current parents and students.
• Hear performances from scholarship students.
• Compare different international-school pathways.
• Ask questions about applications and assessments.

Children will also be able to take part in activities at participating school booths. Once they complete the International School Bursary Passport, they will be eligible to collect a prize, subject to the events terms and availability, which will be explained when families sign in. 

Join us

We look forward to welcoming families to the International School Bursary Fair:

Date: Saturday 3 October 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Venue: Jubilee Ministry Room 406, Hub 8, 239 Temple Street, Kowloon, Hong Kong

If you are exploring scholarships, bursaries or international-school options for your child, this is an opportunity to gather information directly from schools and education professionals in one place.

To register for the fair, RSVP here!