The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) is now open for the 2027/2028 academic year. This is the prestigious program that brings top PhD students from around the world to Hong Kong’s eight UGC(University Grants Committee)-funded universities. The application window runs from 1 September 2026 to 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time. If you are seeking admission as a new full-time PhD student, irrespective of your country of origin, you are eligible to apply.
The Fellowship provides an annual stipend and a conference and research-related travel allowance per year for up to three years. 400 PhD fellowships will be awarded in the 2027/28 academic year. This is a significant increase from previous years. The RGC has expanded the number of awards to attract more of the world’s best and brightest.
Hong Kong is a world-class research hub. Five of the eight UGC-funded universities are consistently ranked among the world’s top 100 and Asia’s top 20. Fields of study span from the humanities, business studies, and social sciences to engineering, biology, medicine, and physical sciences—including specializations like AI and robotics, infectious diseases, fintech, and more. The application process has two steps: an initial application to the Research Grants Council, followed by full applications to your chosen universities.
Program Details
- Host Institutions: Eight UGC-funded universities in Hong Kong (see full list below).
- Research Areas: All areas across sciences, Medicine, engineering and technology, humanities, social sciences, and business studies.
- Number of awards: 400.
- Duration: Up to 3 years.
- Target group: Open to all nationalities (seeking admission as new full-time PhD students).
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Benefits
The Fellowship provides each awardee with:
- Annual stipend: HK$344,400 (approximately US$44,150) per year.
- Conference and research-related travel allowance: HK$14,400 (approximately US$1,840) per year.
- Duration: Up to three years. For awardees who need more than three years to complete their PhD, additional support may be provided by the chosen universities.
Universities in Hong Kong normally start their academic year in September.
Participating Universities and Application Deadlines
Applicants may choose up to two programs/departments at one or two universities. The full application deadlines for all eight universities are listed below. All deadlines are 1 December 2026 at 11:59pm Hong Kong Time.
Note: As the deadlines for applications to some universities may immediately follow that of the initial application, candidates should submit initial applications as early as possible to ensure they have sufficient time to submit full applications to universities.
| University | Application Deadline | Contact / Website |
|---|---|---|
| City University of Hong Kong | 1 December 2026 (11:59pm HKT) | CityU HKPFS |
| Hong Kong Baptist University | 1 December 2026 (11:59pm HKT) | HKBU HKPFS |
| Lingnan University | 1 December 2026 (11:59pm HKT) | LU HKPFS |
| The Chinese University of Hong Kong | 1 December 2026 (11:59pm HKT) | CUHK HKPFS |
| The Education University of Hong Kong | 1 December 2026 (11:59pm HKT) | EdUHK HKPFS |
| The Hong Kong Polytechnic University | 1 December 2026 (11:59pm HKT) | PolyU HKPFS |
| The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology | 1 December 2026 (11:59pm HKT) | HKUST HKPFS |
| The University of Hong Kong | 1 December 2026 (11:59pm HKT) | HKU HKPFS |
Other Opportunities
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Eligibility
Candidates who are seeking admission as new full-time PhD students in the eight UGC-funded universities, irrespective of their country of origin, prior work experience, and ethnic background, are welcomed to apply. Applicants should demonstrate outstanding qualities of:
- Academic performance
- Research ability and potential
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Leadership abilities
Selection Criteria
While candidates’ academic excellence is the primary consideration, the selection panels will take into account:
- Academic excellence
- Research ability and potential
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Leadership abilities
Shortlisted applications, subject to their areas of study, will be reviewed by one of the following two selection panels:
- Sciences, Medicine, Engineering, and Technology
- Humanities, Social Sciences, and Business Studies
How to Apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme
Eligible candidates who would like to apply for this government scholarship must follows the steps below to submit a complete application.
Step 1: Submit Initial Application to the Research Grants Council
Eligible candidates should first make an initial application online through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Electronic System (HKPFSES) to obtain an HKPFS Reference Number. The deadline for the initial application is 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time.
Applicants may choose up to two programs/departments at one or two universities for PhD study under HKPFS 2027/28.
Download the Guidance Note for completing the Initial Application.
Step 2: Submit Full Applications to Proposed Universities
After completing an initial application, applicants should submit full applications for their selected PhD programs to the proposed universities, quoting their HKPFS Reference Number, before the universities’ respective deadlines (all 1 December 2026).
For program information, requirements for PhD admission, application methods, regulations, and policy of individual universities, please refer to the individual universities.
Important : Each applicant can only submit ONE initial application. If no HKPFS Reference Number is presented to a university in an application for PhD admission, the university will process it as a regular application without any consideration under the HKPFS. Applicants should ensure accuracy and consistency in data submitted to both the RGC and universities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please find below some of the most asked questions about the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme.
Those who are seeking admission as new full-time PhD students in UGC-funded universities of Hong Kong, irrespective of their country of origin, prior work experience, and ethnic background, should be eligible to apply. Applicants should demonstrate outstanding qualities of academic performance, research ability/potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities.
You are eligible to apply if you apply for another PhD program as a new full-time PhD student. However, it is up to the Selection Panel to decide whether the previous PhD study experience should be discounted to ensure a level playing field for those without any PhD background.
An initial application is the first step in making an application under the HKPFS. The initial application must be submitted through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Electronic System. The system will assign an HKPFS Reference Number, which you need to quote in your application for admission to selected universities.
Yes. Please ensure you have attained an HKPFS Reference Number and quote it when applying to your proposed universities.
No. If no HKPFS reference number is presented, the university will process it as a regular application without HKPFS consideration.
No. Each applicant can only submit ONE initial application.
You may choose up to two programs in total in one or two universities with priority indicated. In the event that an applicant is nominated by two universities, the RGC will only process the nomination for which the applicant has indicated priority.
Individual universities may conduct interviews. Shortlisted applications will be reviewed by one of two selection panels. One for sciences, medicine, engineering, and technology, and another for humanities, social sciences, and business studies.
While academic excellence is the primary consideration, the selection panels also take into account research ability and potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities.
No. Universities may admit candidates not selected for the HKPFS and offer them regular postgraduate studentship if they are considered qualified.
The fellowship is based on the nomination of the university. The fellowship shall be discontinued/terminated if the awardee leaves the university.
For further inquiries about the HKPFS, email [email protected]. For inquiries about PhD programs and admission requirements, contact the respective universities directly.
Note : The RGC does not charge any application fee for the HKPFS. However, universities may charge application or other processing fees. The result of the HKPFS 2027/28 will be announced by May 2027.
The initial application deadline is . For more details on the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme, please visit the official HKPFS website.
That is good opportunity for international community and hope I can get the chance.
Thank You
Hello, am an African and In have tried applying for this PhD fellow ship scheme but unfortunately I have not been successful.
Is there an age limit for this fellowship?
Wish to apply but the site not opening who can help me.([email protected])
Good opportunity for global wealth capitalization on knowledge.
I’m Masroni come from Indonesia as a lecturer at Banyuwangi Institute of Health Sciences since 2013 and I’m looking for full scholarship like this to pursue my DNP, my question is, are there university at Hongkong provide DNP? Thank you…
This scholarship opportunity is great for those who are interested in pursuing PhD, with financial need. I applied this scholarship last year, but unfortunately I was not selected. I am now wavering whether or not I apply for it this year. I kindly suggest that there should include any support or adjustment or provision for applicant with disabilities in announcement or advertisement of the scholarship. As I myself is a totally blind, I am concerned that your scholarship encourages persons with disabilities like me to apply your scholarship.
The age over 40s could eligible for this program.
Very interesting
I t is my pleasure to seek the opportunity to pursue my PHD in leadership. I kindly request the way to apply for full fund scholarship in this field
I am glad to see the opportunity offered by Hong Kong government for international students