HK to fund youth exchanges with mainland under new scheme
Hong Kong's Bureau of Home and Youth Affairs launches a new round of funding for youth exchange programmes with mainland China, setting annual themes for 2027-28 including the 30th anniversary of Hong Kong's return and the PLA's 100th anniversary. Applications open until 9 December 2026.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's Bureau of Home and Youth Affairs (BHAY) and the Youth Development Council have launched a new round of the BHAY Youth Mainland Exchange Funding Scheme, aimed at supporting non-governmental organisations in organising exchange programmes for young people to travel to mainland China.
According to a government statement on 13 November 2026, the scheme is part of efforts to deepen patriotic education among Hong Kong youth, in line with the city's first five-year plan for economic and social development (2026-2030), which emphasises expanding youth development opportunities and supporting young people's aspirations in education, employment, entrepreneurship and housing.
The 2026 Policy Address proposed new measures to support youth, including using mainland resources to organise diverse exchange and internship activities with annual themes. For the 2027-28 funding cycle, BHAY has set four specific themes: the 30th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China; the 100th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army; national space achievements; and the East River water supply project for Hong Kong.
The statement said the scheme aims to help young people experience the nation's development achievements, deepen their understanding of China's history and culture, and strengthen their sense of national identity. A previously launched pilot scheme providing additional funding for grassroots youth to participate in exchanges will also continue for the 2027-28 cycle.
The 2027-28 funding scheme accepts two rounds of applications. Details of the first round have been posted on the Youth Development Council's website, with a deadline of 9 December 2026 for online submissions. The second round will be launched in mid-2027.