Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28 – Fully Funded PhD Scholarship
Details
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28 – Fully Funded PhD Scholarship
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 2027/28 is a prestigious international scholarship opportunity for outstanding students who want to pursue a full-time PhD in Hong Kong. Established by the Research Grants Council (RGC) in 2009, the programme aims to attract talented researchers from around the world to Hong Kong’s leading universities.
For the 2027/28 academic year, 400 PhD fellowships will be awarded. The fellowship provides an annual stipend of HK$344,400 and a HK$14,400 annual conference and research-related travel allowance for up to three years.
Applications for the 2027/28 intake are open from 1 September 2026, with the initial application deadline on 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time.
Quick Facts
- Scholarship: Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)
- Academic Year: 2027/28
- Degree: PhD
- Study Mode: Full-time
- Location: Hong Kong
- Number of Fellowships: 400
- Annual Stipend: HK$344,400
- Travel & Research Allowance: HK$14,400 per year
- Funding Duration: Up to 3 years
- Eligible Applicants: International applicants from all countries
- Participating Universities: 8
- Application Opens: 1 September 2026
- Initial Application Deadline: 1 December 2026, 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time
- Application Fee: No RGC application fee
What is the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme?
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme is a competitive doctoral scholarship established by Hong Kong’s Research Grants Council to attract outstanding researchers to pursue PhD studies at participating universities.
The scheme is open to applicants regardless of country of origin, previous work experience or ethnic background. Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong academic performance, research ability or potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership ability.
The programme covers a wide range of disciplines through two broad selection panels:
- Sciences, Medicine, Engineering and Technology
- Humanities, Social Sciences and Business Studies
Fellowship Benefits
HK$344,400 Annual Stipend
Each HKPFS awardee receives an annual stipend of HK$344,400, which is approximately US$44,150 based on the RGC’s published estimate for the current award amount.
Research and Conference Travel Allowance
Fellows also receive HK$14,400 per year for conference and research-related travel expenses.
Up to Three Years of Support
The fellowship provides financial support for a period of up to three years. If an awardee requires more than three years to complete the PhD, the selected university may provide additional support according to its own policies.
Study at Leading Hong Kong Universities
Successful applicants can pursue their PhD at one of eight 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
Who Can Apply?
The HKPFS is open to candidates seeking admission as new full-time PhD students at one of the participating Hong Kong universities.
Applicants from all countries are eligible. There is no restriction based on nationality or previous work experience. However, applicants should demonstrate:
- Outstanding academic performance
- Strong research ability or potential
- Good communication skills
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Leadership abilities
Applicants must also satisfy the individual admission requirements of their selected university and PhD programme.
How Many Universities Can You Choose?
Applicants can select up to two PhD programmes, which may be at one or two participating universities.
This provides applicants with the opportunity to identify two suitable doctoral programmes while competing for the HKPFS award.
Application Process
The HKPFS application process involves two important stages.
Step 1: Submit the Initial HKPFS Application
Applicants must first submit an online initial application through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Electronic System (HKPFSES).
The initial application is open from:
1 September 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time
The deadline is:
1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time
After submission, applicants receive an HKPFS Reference Number.
Step 2: Apply Directly to the Universities
After receiving the HKPFS Reference Number, applicants must submit their full PhD admission applications directly to their selected university or universities.
Applicants must quote their HKPFS Reference Number in the university applications and meet the admission requirements of the selected programmes.
Importantly, completing only the initial HKPFS application is not sufficient. If an applicant does not submit the required university application, the initial HKPFS application will be considered void.
Application Deadline
The main HKPFS initial application deadline is:
1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time
For the 2027/28 intake, the participating universities currently list their full PhD application deadlines as 1 December 2026 at 11:59 PM Hong Kong Time, but applicants should still verify the requirements and deadlines for their specific programme.
Because the university applications must follow the initial HKPFS application, applicants are strongly advised to start early.
How Are Applicants Selected?
The HKPFS selection process considers four major areas:
- Academic excellence
- Research ability and potential
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Leadership abilities
Academic excellence is the primary consideration, but applicants are assessed holistically based on their research potential and broader qualities.
Shortlisted candidates are assessed by one of two expert selection panels depending on their academic field.
Individual universities may also conduct interviews as part of their admission and selection processes.
Is There an Application Fee?
The Research Grants Council does not charge an application fee for the HKPFS initial application.
However, individual universities may charge their own application or processing fees, so applicants should check the requirements of their selected universities.
Important Tips for Applicants
Because the HKPFS is highly competitive, applicants should prepare their applications well in advance.
Some important steps include:
- Identify suitable PhD programmes early.
- Research potential supervisors and research groups.
- Prepare a strong research proposal.
- Review each university’s admission requirements.
- Prepare academic documents and supporting materials.
- Submit the HKPFS initial application before the deadline.
- Use the HKPFS Reference Number when submitting university applications.
- Check university-specific deadlines and requirements carefully.
Applicants should also avoid waiting until the final day because the HKPFS electronic system can automatically time out after 30 minutes of inactivity, and unsaved information may be lost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme fully funded?
The HKPFS provides a substantial annual stipend of HK$344,400 and HK$14,400 per year for conference and research-related travel for up to three years. Additional support beyond three years may be provided by the university where applicable.
How many fellowships are available?
400 PhD fellowships are available for the 2027/28 academic year.
Who is eligible for HKPFS?
Applicants seeking admission as new full-time PhD students at participating Hong Kong universities can apply, regardless of their country of origin. They must demonstrate excellent academic and research potential along with strong communication and leadership qualities.
How many universities can I apply to?
You can select up to two PhD programmes at one or two participating universities through the HKPFS application.
Do I need to apply separately to the university?
Yes. After submitting the initial HKPFS application, you must submit the full PhD admission application directly to your selected university or universities using your HKPFS Reference Number.
What is the deadline for HKPFS 2027/28?
The initial HKPFS application deadline is 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time.
When will the results be announced?
The RGC states that successful applicants for the 2027/28 fellowship will be notified, with results expected to be announced in May 2027.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should first complete the online HKPFS Initial Application and obtain their reference number. They should then submit the required full PhD applications directly to their selected universities before the relevant deadlines.
Official HKPFS Application Page: Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme – How to Apply
Official Initial Application System: HKPFS Electronic System – Initial Application
Specifications
| Type of Opportunity | Scholarships and Fellowships |
|---|---|
| Country | Hong kong |