HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme 2027 | Hong Kong

The HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme 2027/28 at the University of Hong Kong offers one of the university's most prestigious scholarship packages for outstanding students pursuing full-time PhD studies. The programme is designed to attract exceptional research candidates from around the world and provides financial support together with advanced academic, research and professional development opportunities.

For the 2027/28 admission cycle, each HKU Presidential PhD Scholar can receive a scholarship package worth up to approximately HK$445,800 in the first year and up to approximately HK$428,300 in each subsequent year during the normative study period. The package includes a monthly Postgraduate Scholarship, tuition-fee waiver, research and living support, conference and research travel funding, and a guaranteed hall place in the first year.

Applications for HKU PhD programmes and the HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme are invited throughout the year. For 2027/28 admission, the main application round runs from 1 September 2026 to 1 December 2026, while clearing rounds continue into 2027 subject to available places.

HKU Presidential PhD Scholars receive a comprehensive financial and academic support package.

For 2027/28 admission, the package includes:

• Postgraduate Scholarship of HK$28,700 per month.
• Cash award of HK$40,000 in the first year.
• Cash award of HK$20,000 per year during the remaining normative study period.
• Waiver of composition fees for the whole normative study period.
• 2027/28 composition fee value of HK$49,500 per year.
• Conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$14,400 per year.
• Guaranteed university hall place in the first year, with the possibility of renewal.
• Financial support for selected outstanding students for an additional year beyond the normative study period based on exceptional research output and progress.
• Individualised academic advisory support.
• Teaching training opportunities.
• Opportunities to interact with leading scholars.
• Additional mentorship and academic career development support.

The total package is worth up to approximately HK$445,800 in the first year and up to approximately HK$428,300 in each subsequent year during the normative study period.

The HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme is available for:

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Full-time PhD research programmes
• Three-year and four-year PhD programmes, depending on the applicant's qualifications and programme requirements

The programme is not a Bachelor's or Master's scholarship. Applicants must apply for admission to an eligible full-time PhD programme at the University of Hong Kong.

The HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme is not restricted to one academic discipline. Applicants can apply for eligible full-time PhD programmes offered across HKU's faculties, schools, departments and interdisciplinary research areas.

Depending on the available PhD programmes, fields may include:

• Architecture
• Arts and humanities
• Business and economics
• Dentistry
• Education
• Engineering
• Law
• Medicine
• Science
• Social sciences
• Public health
• Computer science
• Data science
• Artificial intelligence
• Environmental research
• Biomedical sciences
• Engineering and technology
• Interdisciplinary research

Applicants should check the specific PhD programme because individual faculties and departments may impose additional academic, research, language or professional requirements.

The HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme is intended to attract outstanding research candidates from around the world.

HKU does not restrict the Presidential PhD Scholarship to a particular nationality. International and non-local applicants can therefore apply for eligible full-time PhD programmes, provided they satisfy HKU's admission requirements.

Applicants should note that admission requirements may differ by programme and faculty.

Applicants for the HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme should first satisfy the admission requirements of the full-time PhD programme they wish to pursue.

HKU's general PhD regulations provide for three-year and four-year PhD programmes.

Applicants may be considered for a four-year PhD programme if they hold:

• A Bachelor's degree with honours and a taught Master's degree, or an equivalent qualification; or
• A Bachelor's degree with normally first-class honours, or an equivalent qualification.

Applicants may be considered for a three-year PhD programme if they hold:

• A Bachelor's degree with honours and a research Master's degree, or an equivalent qualification.

Additional qualifications may be required by the relevant Faculty.

The Presidential PhD Scholar Programme is highly competitive. HKU describes Presidential Scholars as exceptionally bright candidates who are passionate about research.

Importantly, all applicants applying for a full-time PhD programme at HKU are automatically considered for the HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme. No separate Presidential PhD Scholarship application is required.

PhD Study Duration

HKU offers both three-year and four-year full-time PhD programmes.

The applicable duration depends on the applicant's qualifications and the requirements of the selected programme.

The Presidential PhD Scholarship covers the normative study period. Selected outstanding students may also receive financial support for an additional year beyond the normative study period in recognition of exceptional research output and progress.

Applicants should prepare the documents required for their selected HKU PhD programme.

These generally include:

• Passport or relevant identity document.
• Certificates and complete official transcripts of undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
• Latest transcript for applicants who are still studying.
• Cumulative GPA or average marks.
• Research proposal or statement of research interest.
• Two academic referees' reports.
• Official English-language proficiency test results where required.
• GMAT or GRE results where required by the relevant programme.
• Curriculum vitae or résumé.
• Publication list, where applicable.
• Evidence of academic awards or professional qualifications, where applicable.
• Other documents requested by the relevant Faculty or programme.

Documents that are not in English should be accompanied by a formally translated English version.

HKU also requires applicants to disclose their use of AI in preparing application materials, including uses involving research ideas, literature review, language editing, citation management or data analysis. Applicants remain responsible for the accuracy, originality and academic integrity of their submitted materials.

English Language Requirements

Applicants from institutions outside Hong Kong where the language of instruction and examination is not entirely in English may be required to provide evidence of English proficiency.

Accepted evidence can include:

• TOEFL
• IELTS Academic
• GCE
• IGCSE
• Cambridge Test of Proficiency in English Language

TOEFL and IELTS results generally need to be within the applicable validity period. HKU states that TOEFL iBT Home Edition and IELTS One Skill Retake are not accepted.

The exact English-language requirements can vary by programme, so applicants should check the requirements of their intended PhD programme.

Applicants interested in the HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme should follow the standard HKU PhD admission process.

Step 1: Choose a PhD Programme

Select a full-time PhD programme, faculty, department or interdisciplinary research area that matches your academic background and research interests.

Step 2: Check the Admission Requirements

Review the specific academic, research, English-language and other requirements of the selected programme.

Step 3: Identify a Research Area and Supervisor

Applicants may search for a potential supervisor and, where appropriate, contact prospective supervisors before submitting an application.

Step 4: Prepare the Supporting Documents

Prepare your transcripts, certificates, research proposal or statement of research interest, CV, referee information, language-test results and other required documents.

Step 5: Submit the Online PhD Application

Create an account through HKU's Online Application System and complete the PhD application.

Step 6: Apply for the Presidential PhD Scholarship

Applicants do not normally need to submit a separate application for the HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme. All applicants applying for a full-time PhD programme are automatically considered.

Step 7: Consider Applying for HKPFS

Because competition for the Presidential PhD Scholarship is intense, HKU strongly encourages applicants applying during the Main Round to also apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme.

Step 8: Complete the Application Before the Deadline

Upload the required documents, nominate two academic referees and submit the application before the relevant round closes.

Application Deadlines

For 2027/28 admission, HKU currently lists three application rounds.

Main Round

1 September 2026 – 1 December 2026

Deadline: 1 December 2026 at 23:59 Hong Kong Time (GMT+8).

HKU strongly encourages applicants to apply during this round because admission places are limited.

First Clearing Round

2 December 2026 – 30 April 2027

Applications during this period are considered only if vacancies remain after the Main Round.

Second Clearing Round

1 May 2027 – 31 August 2027

Applications may continue during this period subject to remaining admission places.

Some faculties, schools, departments and interdisciplinary research areas may begin reviewing applications before the stated round deadline.

Important Points

Applicants should remember:

• The programme is for full-time PhD study.
• Applicants from around the world can be considered.
• All full-time PhD applicants are automatically considered for the Presidential PhD Scholar Programme.
• The programme provides a major scholarship package covering tuition and providing a monthly stipend and additional allowances.
• The 2027/28 monthly Postgraduate Scholarship is HK$28,700.
• The first-year cash award is HK$40,000.
• The cash award is HK$20,000 per year during the remaining normative study period.
• The conference and research-related travel allowance is HK$14,400 per year.
• Composition fees are waived during the normative study period.
• A hall place is guaranteed in the first year.
• Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview.
• The Main Round deadline is 1 December 2026 at 23:59 HKT.
• HKU strongly encourages Main Round applicants to also apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme.
• Clearing rounds may be considered only if places remain after earlier rounds.
• Faculty-specific requirements may apply.
• Applicants must submit accurate and original research materials and disclose relevant AI use.

The HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme is highly competitive and intended for outstanding research candidates.

HKU states that Presidential PhD Scholars are selected from among the brightest candidates who are passionate about research.

The selection process can include:

• Assessment of academic qualifications.
• Evaluation of research ability and potential.
• Review of the research proposal or statement of research interest.
• Assessment of the applicant's academic and research achievements.
• Review of academic referee reports.
• Faculty or departmental assessment.
• Interview for shortlisted candidates.

Shortlisted candidates may be invited to attend an interview.

Applicants should therefore demonstrate not only strong academic results but also clear research potential, intellectual ability and a well-developed research direction.