Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28

Job Description

Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 2027/28 is now open for applications for international students who wish to pursue a full-time PhD degree at leading universities in Hong Kong. The fellowship is offered by the Research Grants Council (RGC) and aims to attract outstanding students from around the world to conduct doctoral research in Hong Kong.

For the 2027/28 academic year, 400 PhD fellowships will be awarded to highly qualified applicants. Successful fellows will receive an annual stipend of HK$344,400 and an annual conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$14,400 for up to three years.

The fellowship is open to applicants from all countries and academic backgrounds, provided they meet the relevant PhD admission requirements of their selected universities and demonstrate strong academic and research potential.

Opportunity Description

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28 was established by the Research Grants Council in 2009 to attract talented students from around the world to pursue PhD studies in Hong Kong.

Applicants can apply for PhD programmes at one or two of the eight participating University Grants Committee-funded universities in Hong Kong. Under the scheme, applicants may select a maximum of two programmes/departments at one or two universities.

The HKPFS selection process considers not only academic performance but also research ability, communication skills, interpersonal skills, and leadership potential.

Applications for the 2027/28 intake are open from 1 September 2026, and the initial application deadline is 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time.

Key Details

The official HKPFS information confirms that 400 fellowships will be awarded for the 2027/28 academic year.

Scholarship Benefits

Successful applicants selected for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme can receive the following financial support:

1. Annual Stipend

Fellows receive an annual stipend of: HK$344,400 per year

This is approximately HK$28,700 per month when calculated across 12 months.

2. Conference and Research Travel Allowance

Awardees also receive: HK$14,400 per year for conference and research-related travel expenses.

3. Fellowship Duration

The fellowship provides support for up to three years. For awardees who require more than three years to complete their PhD, additional support may be available from their chosen university, subject to the university’s arrangements.

4. Study at Leading Hong Kong Universities

Successful applicants can pursue their PhD at one of eight participating UGC-funded universities in Hong Kong.

5. International Research Environment

The fellowship provides international students with an opportunity to conduct advanced doctoral research in Hong Kong and become part of a highly competitive academic and research environment.

Participating Universities

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme supports PhD study at the following eight universities:

1. City University of Hong Kong
2. Hong Kong Baptist University
3. Lingnan University
4. The Chinese University of Hong Kong
5. The Education University of Hong Kong
6. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
7. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
8. The University of Hong Kong

Applicants should check the PhD programmes and individual admission requirements of their selected universities before applying.

Eligibility Criteria

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme is open to applicants from around the world.

Applicants should generally meet the following requirements:

• Be seeking admission as a new full-time PhD student at a participating Hong Kong university.
• Be eligible for admission to the selected PhD programme.
• Demonstrate outstanding academic performance.
• Demonstrate strong research ability and potential.
• Have good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrate leadership abilities.
• Meet the specific admission requirements of the selected university and PhD programme.

Applicants are eligible regardless of their country of origin, previous work experience, or ethnic background, provided that they satisfy the relevant requirements.

Important Note for Applicants

Being eligible for the HKPFS does not automatically mean that an applicant meets the admission requirements of a particular PhD programme.

Applicants must carefully review the requirements of their selected university and programme and submit the required university application separately.

Selection Criteria

The HKPFS selection process evaluates applicants based on several important factors.

The main selection criteria are:

1. Academic Excellence
2. Research Ability and Potential
3. Communication and Interpersonal Skills
4. Leadership Abilities

Academic excellence is the primary consideration. Shortlisted applications are reviewed by selection panels according to the applicant’s research area.

There are two major selection panels:

• Sciences, Medicine, Engineering and Technology
• Humanities, Social Sciences and Business Studies

Individual universities may also conduct interviews as part of their assessment process.

Required Documents

The exact documents required may vary depending on the university and PhD programme.

Applicants should normally prepare documents such as:

• Academic transcripts
• Bachelor’s degree certificate
• Master’s degree certificate, if applicable
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Research proposal or research plan, where required
• Statement of purpose or personal statement, where required
• Recommendation letters
• Proof of English language proficiency, where required
• Passport or identification document
• Other documents requested by the selected university or programme

Important: Applicants should check the official admission requirements of each selected university because document requirements and application procedures can differ between programmes.

Application Procedure

The application process for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme consists of two major steps.

Step 1: Submit the Initial Application to RGC

First, applicants must complete the HKPFS Initial Application through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Electronic System (HKPFSES).

The initial application period for HKPFS 2027/28 is:

• 1 September 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time
• 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time.

After successfully submitting the initial application, the system will generate an HKPFS Reference Number.

Applicants should keep this reference number carefully because it must be quoted in their subsequent university applications.

Step 2: Apply Directly to the Selected University

After obtaining the HKPFS Reference Number, applicants must submit the full PhD admission application directly to their selected university or universities.

Applicants can select a maximum of:

• Two programmes/departments at one or two universities.

The HKPFS Reference Number must be included in the university application.

Applicants should not assume that submitting the initial HKPFS application completes the entire process. The full PhD application to the selected university is also required.

Application Deadline

HKPFS Initial Application Deadline

1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time

The initial application opens on:

1 September 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time.

University Application Deadlines

For the 2027/28 intake, the official HKPFS application page currently lists the following deadlines for the participating universities:

Applicants are strongly advised to start the process early because they need to complete both the initial HKPFS application and the full university application.

Important Application Tips

If you are planning to apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme, consider the following recommendations:

1. Start Early

Do not wait until the deadline to submit your initial application. You also need enough time to prepare and submit your university PhD application.

2. Choose Your Research Area Carefully

Your proposed research area should be relevant to your academic background and research interests.

3. Identify Potential Supervisors

Before applying, research the faculty members and potential supervisors at your selected universities whose research interests match your proposed PhD topic.

4. Prepare a Strong Research Proposal

A clear and well-developed research proposal can help demonstrate your research ability and potential.

5. Check University Requirements

Each university and PhD programme can have different admission requirements. Always check the official programme page before submitting your application.

6. Keep Your HKPFS Reference Number

After submitting the initial application, save the confirmation email containing your HKPFS Reference Number and login information. The official guidance states that the reference number should be quoted in correspondence with RGC and in applications to the selected universities.

Who Should Apply?

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme is particularly suitable for students who:

• Want to pursue a PhD in Hong Kong.
• Have an excellent academic background.
• Have strong research interests.
• Have a clear research proposal.
• Want to study at a leading Hong Kong university.
• Can demonstrate research potential.
• Have strong communication and leadership skills.

Students from engineering, technology, medicine, science, business, social sciences, humanities and other eligible research areas can explore the participating universities and available PhD programmes.

How to Apply

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28 is a highly competitive doctoral funding opportunity for international students who want to pursue a PhD in Hong Kong.

With 400 fellowships, an annual stipend of HK$344,400, an annual research and conference travel allowance of HK$14,400, and access to eight leading UGC-funded universities, the programme provides an excellent opportunity for talented researchers to continue their academic careers in Hong Kong.

Applicants should begin preparing their academic documents, research proposal, CV and university applications early. The initial HKPFS application deadline is 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time.

If you meet the eligibility requirements and plan to pursue a PhD in Hong Kong, this is an opportunity worth considering.

Official Link

• Apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28:
• Official HKPFS Website
• Participating Universities

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