Hong Kong / Macau Schools - Reading Comprehension Competition

The University of Birmingham cherishes its historical ties with Hong Kong, a connection that has blossomed since its first Hong Kong graduate over six decades ago. Today, the University's alumni community in Hong Kong, which includes over 3,000 members, continues to contribute significantly across many spectrums to the dynamism of this city.

In honour of this longstanding bond, it gives us great pleasure to announce the University of Birmingham Hong Kong Macau School-Wide Reading Comprehension Competition. This initiative is not merely a contest; it's a reflection of our commitment to fostering academic brilliance across diverse fields such as humanities, sciences, engineering, and business, and to captivate and challenge the bright, curious minds of students in the region.

Central to this initiative is our dedication to cultivating the next generation of leaders and intellectuals. This competition is open to both junior year groups and senior year groups. For the senior year groups, looking to study at the University of Birmingham in 2024, we are pleased to confirm the availability of an exceptional scholarship fund amounting to just under £50,000, aimed at supporting academically outstanding students. This scholarship goes beyond mere financial assistance, it's a recognition of the potential in these young individuals, providing them with an opportunity to enrich their academic journey and attain their highest aspirations. The junior year groups will receive recognition certificates and medals for the highest-achieving candidates.

Eligibility

Region

Students domiciled in Hong Kong & Macau.

Groups

  • Junior Group: Year 10 & Year 11 (Form 3 & Form 4)
  • Senior Group: Year 12 & Year 13 (Form 5 & Form 6)

Test Format and Delivery

Test Format

Duration: 75 minutes

Content: 5 reading passages covering humanities, natural sciences, health sciences, engineering, and business.

Questions:

  • 30 questions for Junior Group
  • 35 questions for Senior Group

Test Delivery

For Independent Participants:

Online tests scheduled:

  • 3 Feb 2024 (14:00 - 15:15 HKT) - Registration Deadline: 31 Jan 2024
  • 17 Feb 2024 (11:00 - 12:15 HKT) - Registration Deadline: 14 Feb 2024
  • 25 Feb 2024 (14:00 - 15:15 HKT) - Registration Deadline: 21 Feb 2024

Proctoring via Zoom/Teams

For Organizational Participants:

  • Flexible in-school administration (1 Feb - 28 Feb 28)
  • Proctored by our organizational partner
  • Paper-based tests (allow three working days for printing and delivery)

Winning Criteria

  • Gold Medal: Top 2% of each year group
  • Certificate of Distinction: Top 10% of each year group
  • Certificate of Merit: Top 25% of each year group
  • Certificate of Participation: Certificates for all other students

Grand Prize - Geoffrey Ma Birmingham Hong Kong Undergraduate Scholarship:

  • Eligibility: Y13 students with Gold or Distinction, who have received an offer from the University of Birmingham before 1 July 2024
  • Subject to interview in July 2024

Scholarship

  • 1st Place: £10,000
  • 2nd Place: £7,500
  • 3rd Place: £5,500
  • Runner Ups: £2,500 x 10 places

Award Announcement

  • Results: Via email on 1 April 2024
  • Ceremony: Live Award Ceremony in August

Fee and Registration

Fee

Free of charge

Registration

Contact

Mark Au-Yeung, East Asia regional officer
Email: m.au-yeung@bham.ac.uk
WhatsApp: 9846 8939