Are you a bright, ambitious student dreaming of pursuing a fully funded PhD in a vibrant international research hub? The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS), established by the Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong in 2009, is your gateway to an exceptional academic journey. This prestigious scheme is designed to attract the world’s best and brightest minds to Hong Kong’s leading universities.
What Makes HKPFS an Unmissable Opportunity?
The HKPFS offers a comprehensive support package for its awardees, ensuring you can focus entirely on your research and academic growth:
• Generous Annual Stipend: Each awardee receives an annual stipend of HK$340,800 (approximately US$43,690).
• Conference & Travel Allowance: An annual allowance of HK$14,200 (approximately US$1,820) is provided for conference attendance and research-related travel.
• Duration: The fellowship supports you for a period of up to three years.
• Additional University Support: For PhD degrees requiring more than three years to complete, your chosen university may offer additional support.
• Numerous Opportunities: A substantial 400 PhD Fellowships will be awarded in the 2026/27 academic year, making this a highly competitive yet accessible opportunity.
Are You Eligible? Outstanding Qualities Sought!
The HKPFS welcomes candidates from around the globe, irrespective of their country of origin, prior work experience, or ethnic background. To be eligible, you must be seeking admission as a new, full-time PhD student at one of the eight participating Hong Kong universities.
Applicants should demonstrate outstanding qualities in several key areas:
• Academic excellence (primary consideration)
• Research ability and potential
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Leadership abilities
Important Notes on Eligibility:
• If you are currently a PhD student, you are still eligible to apply if you are seeking admission to another PhD program as a new full-time student. However, the Selection Panel may discount previous PhD study experience.
• Universities set their own specific admission requirements for PhD programs. You should consult individual universities for details.
• Applicants from non-English speaking universities generally need to provide TOEFL or IELTS scores, unless English was the medium of instruction for all their courses, or their proposed PhD studies are specifically in a non-English medium (e.g., Chinese language). Good results from internationally recognized examinations are highly valued.
Your Gateway to World-Class Research: Participating Universities
The HKPFS supports PhD studies at eight esteemed University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded universities in Hong Kong:
• City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK)
• Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU)
• Lingnan University (LU)
• The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)
• The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK)
• The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)
• The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)
• The University of Hong Kong (HKU)
The Application Journey: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Applying for the HKPFS involves a two-step process, so pay close attention to the details and deadlines! Universities in Hong Kong typically start their academic year in September.
Step 1: Submit Your Initial Application to the RGC
• Online System: You must make an Initial Application online through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Electronic System (HKPFSES).
• Opening Date: Applications open on 1 September 2025, at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time.
• Crucial Deadline: The initial application must be submitted by 1 December 2025, at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time.
• HKPFS Reference Number: Upon successful submission, you will receive an HKPFS Reference Number, which is essential for the next step.
• University Choices: You can select up to two programmes in one or two universities, indicating your priority.
• No Application Fee: The RGC does not charge any fee for the HKPFS initial application.
• Review Guidance: Always refer to the “Guidance Note for Applicants”.
• Changes to Application: You can make changes to your university/programme choices before the initial application deadline by logging back into the HKPFSES.
• One Application Rule: Each applicant is allowed to submit only ONE initial application.
Step 2: Submit Full Applications to Your Proposed Universities
• Direct to Universities: After completing your initial application, you must submit full applications directly to your selected universities.
• Quote Your Reference Number: Crucially, you must quote your HKPFS Reference Number in your university application. Failure to do so will result in your application being processed as a regular one, without HKPFS consideration.
• University-Specific Requirements: Each university has its own PhD programme information, admission requirements, application methods, and regulations. Please consult their individual websites.
• University Application Deadlines: For the 2026/27 academic year, the deadline for submitting full applications to all eight participating universities is 1 December 2025, at 11:59pm Hong Kong Time.
• Application Fees: Universities may charge their own application or processing fees. The RGC is not involved in these payments.
• Early Submission Recommended: It is highly advised to complete both your initial application and full university applications as early as possible to avoid last-minute issues.
The Selection Process: How Fellowships are Awarded
• University Interviews: Individual universities may conduct interviews with applicants as part of their assessment.
• Expert Review Panels: Shortlisted applications are reviewed by one of two Selection Panels, composed of experts in broad academic areas:
◦ Sciences, Medicine, Engineering and Technology
◦ Humanities, Social Sciences and Business Studies
• Key Selection Criteria: While academic excellence is paramount, the panels also consider your research ability/potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities.
• Result Announcement: The results for HKPFS 2026/27 will be announced by May 2026.
• Alternative Admission: If you are not awarded the fellowship, universities may still admit you for PhD studies and offer a regular postgraduate studentship if you meet their qualifications.
What Happens After You’re Awarded?
• Registration: Successful HKPFS candidates are typically required to register with their respective university between July and September 2026. Deferral until 31 January 2027 may be possible with justified reasons and RGC approval.
• Student Visa/Entry Permit: For details on obtaining a student visa or entry permit for Hong Kong, refer to the Guidebook for Entry for Study in Hong Kong issued by the Immigration Department.
• No University Changes: The fellowship is tied to the university specified in the RGC offer letter. Leaving the registered university will result in the discontinuation or termination of the fellowship.
Special Note for Local Research Postgraduate Students
For local students enrolled in UGC-funded Research Postgraduate (RPg) programmes, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has provided a tuition waiver since the 2018/19 academic year. Eligible local students do not need to apply, as the university will automatically waive their tuition fees. For further details and eligibility, you can consult the scheme website or contact your chosen university directly.
Have More Questions?
• General HKPFS Enquiries: For questions specifically about the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme, please email HKPF@ugc.edu.hk.
• University-Specific Enquiries: For information on PhD programmes, admission requirements, or other university-related queries, please contact the individual universities directly. Their contact details are available on the RGC website.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to advance your research career in one of Asia’s most dynamic cities! Start preparing your application today and take the first step towards your PhD in Hong Kong!