The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) aims to attract the best and brightest students in the world to pursue their PhD studies in Hong Kong’s universities.
Application Deadline
- 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time
Tell Me About The Fellowship
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS), established by the Research Grants Council (RGC) in 2009, attracts outstanding students worldwide to pursue PhD studies in Hong Kong. It offers generous financial support and emphasizes academic excellence, research potential, communication skills, and leadership abilities.
Which Fields are Eligible
Applicants can apply in all disciplines offered by the eight participating universities, including:
- Sciences & Engineering
- Medicine
- Technology
- Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Business Studies
Type
- PhD Fellowship | Graduate Research | Hong Kong
Who Can Apply
Applicants must:
- Seek admission as new full‑time PhD students at one of the eight participating universities.
- Demonstrate academic excellence, research ability/potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities.
- Be from any country or background (global eligibility).
Participating Universities
- 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
How Are Fellows Selected
Applications are reviewed by two panels:
- Sciences, Medicine, Engineering & Technology
- Humanities, Social Sciences & Business Studies
Selection criteria:
- Academic excellence.
- Research ability and potential.
- Communication and interpersonal skills.
- Leadership abilities.
Which Countries are Eligible
- Global – applicants from all countries are welcome.
Where Will the Fellowship Be Taken
- Hong Kong (at one of the eight participating universities).
How Many Fellows
- 400 PhD Fellowships will be awarded in the 2026/27 academic year.
What is the Benefit of the Fellowship
- Annual stipend: HK$344,400 (~US$44,150).
- Conference and research‑related travel allowance: HK$14,400 (~US$1,840) per year.
- Duration: up to 3 years (additional support may be provided by universities if needed).
How Long Will the Fellowship Last
- Up to 3 years, with possible extension depending on university policies.
Required Documents
- Online application form via RGC portal.
- Academic transcripts.
- Research proposal.
- Proof of academic excellence and leadership.
How to Apply
- Apply directly to the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme via the RGC portal.
- Select your preferred university and programme.
- Submit required documents before the deadline.
- Await shortlisting and panel review.
🌐 Visit the application webpage for details
