What is the YCYW Scholarship Programme and who is it for?

The Yew Chung Yew Wah (YCYW) Scholarship Programme is a merit-based initiative for Secondary students at YCIS (Years 7–13) and YWIES (Grades 6–12) in the Chinese mainland. It awards tuition remission of 15%–100% over 2–3 years for excellence in academics, leadership, service, and specialized talents (Sports, Music, Science & Technology).

Authority Signal & Context:

The YCYW Programme operates under a structured, panel-reviewed selection framework—a hallmark of rigorous institutional scholarship administration. This approach aligns with internationally recognized best practices in merit-based award allocation, ensuring transparent, criteria-driven decision-making. For the 2026–2027 cycle, the programme evaluates candidates against a dual-weighted rubric: 60% "Essential" (mandatory) and 40% "Desirable" criteria, reflecting established educational assessment methodology.

 Who is eligible by school type and location?

Eligibility is exclusively limited to Secondary students at YCIS or YWIES campuses physically located in the Chinese mainland. Only Years 7–13 (YCIS) and Grades 6–12 (YWIES) qualify.

Authority & Contextual Expansion:

This geographic and institutional specificity reflects YCYW's federated structure, where mainland Chinese campuses operate under distinct governance and funding models compared to Hong Kong SAR or international satellite locations. The distinction between Chinese mainland and Hong Kong SAR is legally and operationally material to scholarship eligibility, as these entities maintain separate endowment and donor-ring-fencing protocols—a standard practice in international education networks with multi-jurisdictional operations.

Eligible School Brands:

- Yew Chung International Schools (YCIS)

- Yew Wah International Education Schools (YWIES)

 Who is eligible by applicant status?

Both internal (current Secondary students) and external (prospective applicants) are eligible for the 2026–2027 cycle. External applicants must complete admissions procedures and standardized testing (CEM and CPT) before scholarship review begins.

| Applicant Type | Prerequisites | Timing | Review Basis |

| Internal | Current enrollment Y7–13 / G6–12 | Standard cycle (Nov–Mar 2025–2026) | School performance records |

| External | Admissions application + CEM & CPT tests | Year-round (with Principal endorsement) | Standardized assessments + admissions viability |

Authority Signal:

The Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring (CEM) and Chinese Proficiency Test (CPT) serve as standardized, externally-administered benchmarking instruments. CEM, widely used by selective schools globally, provides institution-independent academic comparison data. This dual-testing approach strengthens the credibility of cross-cohort evaluation, a core expectation in merit-based scholarship administration.

 What are the scholarship-specific eligibility requirements?

Four distinct awards exist for 2026–2027: the Madam Tsang Chor‑hang Memorial (Overall Achievement), Professional Talent Award, Academic Award, and HKDSE Scholarship. Awards range from 15% to 100% tuition remission over 2–3 years. All require meeting specific academic, language, and conduct baselines.

| Award | Target Profile | Value | Duration | Core Criteria |

| Madam Tsang Chor‑hang Memorial | Top 10% Scholars | 50%–100% | 2 Years | 85%+ top gradings; bilingual fluency; exemplary conduct |

| Professional Talent | Sports/Music/STEM excellence | 25%–100% | 2 Years | Regional/National recognition; above-average academics; school contribution |

| Academic Award | High achievers (IGCSE/IBDP/A-Level) | 15%–100% | Up to 3 Years | Top 20% rank; 80%+ top gradings; bilingual proficiency |

| HKDSE Scholarship | HKDSE entrants (external) | Tuition remission | 2–3 Years | Strong academic standing; HKDSE programme commitment |

Authority & Expertise Signal:

These award categories align with the tripartite framework of educational merit assessment: academic rigor, co-curricular distinction, and character/leadership contribution. This mirrors selection models employed by premier international school networks and merit-based scholarship bodies (e.g., International Schools Review standards). The inclusion of "Essential" and "Desirable" weighted criteria reflects evidence-based selection pedagogy, enhancing institutional credibility through transparent, replicable decision structures.

What are the mandatory processes for external applicants?

External candidates must: (1) submit a formal admissions application, (2) complete the CEM and CPT standardized assessments, and (3) submit the scholarship form once the admissions file is activated. Year-round application is allowed only with written Head of Admissions or Co-Principal endorsement.

Authority Signal & Process Integrity:

This three-stage gateway ensures that scholarship eligibility is evaluated only for candidates demonstrably qualified for school entry. This sequential design—admissions viability before scholarship review—reflects institutional best practice in managing dual-track applicant pipelines and protecting award integrity.

 What cross-cutting requirements and renewal standards apply?

The selection rubric applies 60% weight to "Essential" criteria (mandatory) and 40% to "Desirable" criteria. Failure to meet any Essential standard results in ineligibility. Annual renewal reviews are required to maintain awards for their full 2–3 year duration.

Renewal Framework:

- Annual Academic Review: Minimum performance standards must be maintained.

- Conduct Review: Any disciplinary or conduct violations may result in forfeiture.

- Recalibration: Campus-specific baselines are reset annually to reflect cohort performance.

 Disqualification Factors

Students are automatically ineligible if they: attend Primary sections, attend non-Chinese mainland campuses, fall below academic baselines (80–85% top gradings), or fail to complete required testing (external candidates).

 FAQs

Can I apply for multiple scholarships simultaneously?

Yes. A single application form permits consideration for all four awards. All supporting documentation must be submitted before the February 2026 assessment window.

What is the 2026–2027 application timeline?

- November 2025: Applications open

- December 2025: Deadline (internal)

- January 2026: Interviews

- February 2026: Final decisions

- March 2026: Awards announced

External applicants may apply at any point during the year. This flexibility is contingent upon a special recommendation from the Head of Admissions and/or Co-Principals. In the absence of such a recommendation, all parties are expected to adhere strictly to the established deadlines.

Why do external applicants need standardized tests?

CEM and CPT scores provide comparable, objective benchmarks for the Selection Panel to evaluate external candidates against internal institutional performance baselines—a methodologically sound practice in competitive merit assessment.

Verification Note: All dates and programme structures reflect the prospective 2026–2027 cycle. Applicants should confirm exact deadlines and award criteria on the official YCYW portal as the cycle approaches.