Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 2027/28 is a fully funded postgraduate opportunity for outstanding students from around the world who wish to pursue a PhD at one of Hong Kong’s participating universities.
Established by the Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong, the fellowship aims to attract high-achieving international students with strong academic performance, research potential, communication skills and leadership abilities. For the 2027/28 academic year, the scheme offers up to 400 PhD fellowships, with financial support available for up to three years.
Scholarship Overview
| Scholarship | Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28 |
|---|---|
| Host Country | 🇭🇰 Hong Kong |
| Degree Level | PhD / Doctoral |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| Eligible Countries | All Countries |
| Annual Stipend | HK$344,800 (approximately US$44,150) |
| Travel Allowance | HK$14,400 per year (approximately US$1,840) |
| Fellowship Duration | Up to 3 years |
| Number of Fellowships | 400 |
| Deadline | December 1, 2026 |
About the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme was established by the Research Grants Council in 2009 to attract outstanding students from around the world to pursue doctoral studies in Hong Kong.
The programme is open to new full-time PhD students seeking admission to any of the eight participating HKPFS universities, regardless of their country of origin, previous work experience or ethnic background. Applicants are expected to demonstrate outstanding academic performance, research ability or potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities.
Scholarship Benefits
- Annual stipend of HK$344,800 (approximately US$44,150).
- Conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$14,400 per year (approximately US$1,840).
- Funding for a period of up to three years.
- Up to 400 fellowships available for the 2027/28 academic year.
- Additional support may be provided by the chosen university if a PhD requires more than three years to complete.
Eligibility Requirements
- Be seeking admission as a new full-time PhD student at one of the eight participating HKPFS universities.
- Be eligible regardless of country of origin, prior work experience or ethnic background.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university.
- Meet the admission requirements of the selected university and PhD programme.
- Demonstrate outstanding academic performance.
- Demonstrate research ability or potential.
- Demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrate leadership abilities.
Eligible Study Areas
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme supports doctoral study across a wide range of disciplines offered by the participating universities.
Applicants should check the available PhD programmes and specific admission requirements of their preferred university before applying.
Required Documents
- Completed application form
- Academic transcripts
- Evidence of research achievements, such as a published thesis or award certificates
- Study plan or research proposal
- Recommendation letters
- Photocopy of passport photo page
Additional documents may be required by the individual university or PhD programme.
How to Apply
- Press the Apply Now button below to access the official scholarship page.
- Review the eligibility requirements of the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme and identify suitable PhD programmes at the participating universities.
- Prepare your academic records, research proposal or study plan, recommendation letters and other required documents.
- Submit an Initial Application online through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Electronic System (HKPFSES).
- Obtain your HKPFS Reference Number before the deadline of December 1, 2026 at Hong Kong Time 12:00:00.
- Apply for PhD admission to your selected university or universities and comply with their individual admission requirements.
- Applicants may choose up to two programmes/departments at one or two universities for PhD study under the 2027/28 scheme.
- Submit applications as early as possible because some university application deadlines may follow shortly after the HKPFS Initial Application deadline.
Application Deadline
December 1, 2026
Applicants should submit their initial HKPFS application by Hong Kong Time 12:00:00 on the deadline date.
