Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 2026

Who can apply

Seeking admission as a new full-time PhD student at one of the 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, or The University of Hong Kong
Open to applicants of any nationality, prior work experience, or ethnic background
Must demonstrate outstanding academic performance, research ability or potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities
Two-step application: first submit an Initial Application online through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Electronic System (HKPFSES) to obtain an HKPFS Reference Number, then submit a full PhD admission application, quoting that reference number, directly to up to two chosen programmes/departments at one or two of the participating universities before each university's own deadline

An annual stipend, travel allowance, and 400 places for 2027/28

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme funds new, full-time PhD students at any of eight Hong Kong universities, open to applicants of any nationality, prior work background, or ethnicity. For the 2027/28 academic year, it pays an annual stipend of HK$344,400 (roughly US$44,150) plus a HK$14,400 (roughly US$1,840) yearly allowance for conference and research travel, for up to three years, with 400 fellowships available. If your PhD takes longer than three years, your university may provide additional support directly, separate from the RGC’s award. Tuition is not listed as covered on the RGC’s own pages, so confirm that detail with your specific university and programme rather than assuming it is included.

Established 2009, built to attract talent from anywhere

The scheme was established by the Research Grants Council in 2009, aimed explicitly at attracting what the RGC’s own page calls “the best and brightest students in the world” to Hong Kong’s universities, with no restriction by country of origin, prior work experience, or ethnicity built into that goal from the start.

A two-step application, both steps due the same day this cycle

Applying is a two-step process. First, submit an Initial Application online through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Electronic System to get an HKPFS Reference Number. Then use that reference number to submit full PhD admission applications, directly to up to two programmes or departments at one or two of the eight participating universities, before each university’s own deadline. For the 2027/28 cycle, the Initial Application and every university’s own deadline fall on the same date, 1 December 2026, so treat the two steps as running on a tight, overlapping timeline rather than one after the other, and submit the Initial Application as early as possible.

How selection actually works

Shortlisted applications go to one of two Selection Panels depending on field, Sciences/Medicine/Engineering/Technology or Humanities/Social Sciences/Business Studies, and both panels weigh the same four factors: academic excellence, research ability and potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities. Academic excellence is described as the primary consideration, but the RGC is explicit that the other three factors are genuinely weighed too, not just tie-breakers.

If you choose the University of Hong Kong

HKU states on its own HKPFS page that for 2027/28 “all HKPFS holders will be awarded the HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship”, which adds a fee waiver for the normative study period, a cash award and a guaranteed first-year hall place on top of the RGC package. HKU also invites full-time PhD applicants to be considered for that award directly, without a fellowship. Read the HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme entry before deciding which university to list first, since the RGC does not let you change your choices after its 1 December deadline.

Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)