Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) is a prestigious international fellowship funded by the Research Grants Council (RGC) to attract outstanding students from around the world to pursue full-time PhD studies at leading universities in Hong Kong.

For the 2027/28 academic year, 400 PhD fellowships are expected to be awarded.

Fellowship Overview

FellowshipHong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)Study LevelPhDStudy LocationHong KongNumber of Awards400SponsorResearch Grants Council (RGC)Eligible ApplicantsInternational studentsStudy ModeFull-timeApplication Deadline1 December 2026

Participating Universities

The fellowship is available at eight universities in Hong Kong:

1. City University of Hong Kong

2. Hong Kong Baptist University

3. Lingnan University

4. The Chinese University of Hong Kong

5. The Education University of Hong Kong

6. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

7. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)

8. The University of Hong Kong

Fellowship Benefits

Based on the stated fellowship package, awardees receive:

• Annual stipend of HK$344,400 — approximately US$44,150.

• Conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$14,400 per year — approximately US$1,840.

• Funding for up to three years.

• Potential additional support from the chosen university if more than three years are required to complete the PhD.

Estimated Three-Year Support

If the published annual amounts remain the same, the core fellowship package over three years would amount to approximately:

• HK$1,033,200 in stipends

• HK$43,200 in conference/research travel allowance

Universities may provide additional support beyond the standard three-year fellowship period where applicable.

Eligibility Requirements

The HKPFS is open to candidates seeking admission as new full-time PhD students at one of the eight participating universities.

Applicants are eligible regardless of their country of origin, previous work experience or ethnic background.

Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate outstanding:

• Academic performance

• Research ability and potential

• Communication skills

• Interpersonal skills

• Leadership abilities

Selection Criteria

Academic excellence is the primary consideration during the selection process.

However, selection panels will also assess:

1. Academic Excellence

Applicants should have a strong academic record and demonstrate the ability to succeed in rigorous doctoral-level study.

2. Research Ability and Potential

Applicants should demonstrate strong research capabilities and potential to make meaningful contributions to their field.

3. Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Candidates should be able to communicate their research ideas effectively and work successfully with others.

4. Leadership Abilities

Evidence of leadership potential and the ability to contribute positively to the academic community may strengthen an application.

Selection Panels

Shortlisted applications are reviewed according to their fields of study by one of two broad selection panels:

• Sciences, Medicine, Engineering and Technology

• Humanities, Social Sciences and Business Studies

Application Deadline

1 December 2026

Hong Kong universities normally begin their academic year in September, so successful applicants are expected to commence their doctoral studies around the start of the 2027/28 academic year.

How to Apply

Applicants should:

1. Identify a suitable PhD programme at one of the eight participating Hong Kong universities.

2. Review the university's specific PhD admission requirements and research areas.

3. Prepare a strong research proposal and other required application materials.

4. Apply for admission as a new full-time PhD student.

5. Complete the HKPFS application process according to the RGC and university instructions.

6. Submit all required information before 1 December 2026.