Areas of Excellence Scheme
The Areas of Excellence Scheme funds Hong Kong universities to conduct collaborative, world-class basic or applied research that advances internationally recognized areas of excellence.
Funder: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2026 (Preliminary proposal submission deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Up to HK$75 million (direct project cost) per project; maximum duration 5 years
Summary: Supports UGC-funded Hong Kong universities in developing internationally recognized research areas through substantial, multi-year funding.
Key Information: Only one application as Project Coordinator allowed per cycle (AoE or Theme-based Research Scheme).
Description
The Areas of Excellence (AoE) Scheme is a major funding initiative by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council (RGC) to support UGC-funded universities in Hong Kong. The scheme aims to help these institutions build on their research strengths and develop internationally competitive areas of excellence. Funding is provided for both basic and applied research projects that demonstrate the potential to achieve world-leading status, foster interdisciplinary or inter-institutional collaboration, and contribute to the long-term social and economic development of Hong Kong. The AoE Scheme is positioned to fund major research projects outside the four themes and grand challenge topics of the Theme-based Research Scheme (TRS), with a focus on originality, impact, and strategic vision.
