The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 2027/28 is now open to outstanding students worldwide who want to pursue a full-time PhD in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong’s Research Grants Council (RGC) funds the fellowship, and it is available to new PhD applicants regardless of country of origin or ethnic background. For the 2027/28 academic year, 400 PhD fellowships will be awarded.
Successful fellows receive a monthly stipend, research and conference travel support and, depending on the university, additional scholarship benefits.
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28: Quick Details
| Scholarship | Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme |
|---|---|
| Host country | Hong Kong |
| Study level | PhD |
| Study mode | Full-time |
| Eligible applicants | International and domestic applicants |
| Fellowships available | 400 for 2027/28 |
| Monthly stipend | HK$28,700 |
| Travel allowance | HK$14,400 per year |
| Funding period | Up to 3 years |
| Application deadline | December 1, 2026 |
| Funding body | Research Grants Council |
About the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme was established by the Research Grants Council (RGC) in 2009 to attract high-achieving researchers from around the world to Hong Kong.
Applicants can apply for full-time PhD programmes at participating University Grants Committee-funded universities in Hong Kong.
The scheme is highly competitive. Academic excellence is important, but applicants are also assessed on their research potential, communication and interpersonal skills and leadership abilities.
Participating universities include:
- City University of Hong Kong
- Hong Kong Baptist University
- Lingnan University
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong
- The Education University of Hong Kong
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
- The University of Hong Kong
Benefits of the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship
For the 2027/28 admission exercise, each HKPFS awardee will receive:
- HK$28,700 per month as a postgraduate scholarship
- HK$14,400 per year as a conference and research-related travel allowance
- Funding for up to three years
Students admitted to four-year PhD programmes may receive additional support from their university for the fourth year.
The exact additional benefits can vary by university.
Additional Benefits at the University of Hong Kong
For applicants who receive the HKPFS and are admitted to HKU, the fellowship package is upgraded to the HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship.
For 2027/28, HKU states that the package includes:
- HK$40,000 cash award in Year 1
- HK$20,000 per year during the remaining normative study period
- Waiver of composition fees during the normative study period
- Guaranteed hall accommodation in Year 1, with the possibility of renewal
- Possible additional support for selected outstanding students who need an extra year beyond the normative study period
The HKU package therefore provides substantially more support than the basic HKPFS award alone.
Who Can Apply?
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme is open to applicants worldwide.
You may apply if you are seeking admission as a new full-time PhD student at a participating UGC-funded university in Hong Kong.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate:
- Outstanding academic performance
- Strong research ability or potential
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Leadership abilities
There is no restriction based on country of origin, work experience or ethnic background.
What Does the Selection Committee Look For?
The HKPFS selection process is highly competitive.
According to the RGC, the main selection factors are:
1. Academic Excellence: Your previous academic performance is one of the most important parts of the application.
2. Research Ability and Potential: Your research proposal, previous research experience and potential contribution to your field can strengthen your application.
3. Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Applicants should be able to communicate their research ideas clearly and demonstrate the ability to work effectively with others.
4. Leadership Abilities: Leadership experience and evidence of initiative can also support your application.
How to Apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship
There are two important application steps.
Step 1: Apply through the RGC
First, submit an initial application through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Electronic System (HKPFSES).
For the 2027/28 admission exercise, the application period runs from September 1, 2026, to December 1, 2026.
The deadline is:
December 1, 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time (GMT+8).
After submitting the initial application, you will receive an HKPFS Reference Number.
Only one initial HKPFS application can be submitted by each applicant. Submitting more than one can result in disqualification.
Step 2: Apply to Your Selected University
After submitting the RGC application, you must also submit a full PhD application to the university or universities you selected.
You can choose up to two PhD programmes/departments at one or two universities during the RGC application.
If you are applying to the University of Hong Kong, HKU advises applicants to place HKU as their first choice if they want to pursue their PhD there.
Applicants should also quote their HKPFS Reference Number in their university application.
For more details, click here.
Important Application Rules
Applicants should carefully choose their preferred universities and programmes because the choices cannot be changed after the RGC application deadline.
If you select two universities, receiving an offer from your first-choice institution does not mean you can later transfer the fellowship to your second choice if you decline the first offer.
This makes it important to research your preferred PhD programme, supervisor and university before submitting the initial HKPFS application.
Application Deadline
The deadline for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28 is:
December 1, 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time (GMT+8).
Late initial applications will not be considered.
Applicants should also remember that university applications have their own requirements and deadlines, so you should not wait until the final day to begin your university application.
FAQs
Is the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship open to international students?
Yes. The HKPFS is open to applicants from around the world. Applicants are eligible regardless of their country of origin or ethnic background, provided they meet the PhD admission and fellowship requirements.
How much does the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship pay?
For 2027/28, HKPFS awardees receive HK$28,700 per month plus HK$14,400 per year for conference and research-related travel.
How many Hong Kong PhD Fellowships are available for 2027/28?
The Research Grants Council states that 400 PhD fellowships will be awarded for the 2027/28 academic year.
What is the deadline for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28?
The initial HKPFS application deadline is December 1, 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time (GMT+8).
Can I apply to more than one university?
Yes. During the RGC initial application, applicants can choose up to two programmes/departments at one or two participating universities. However, only one HKPFS award can be made to a successful applicant.
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