Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 2027/28 – 400 Fully Funded PhD Fellowships

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 2027/28 is a fully funded PhD award from the Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong, offered at host universities such as the Chinese University of Hong Kong and other UGC-funded institutions in Hong Kong. It supports full-time doctoral study across all disciplines for international students of every nationality.

Each fellowship gives an annual stipend of HK$344,400 plus a yearly travel allowance of HK$14,400 for up to three years, with possible university top-ups. The initial application deadline is 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time. Read the sections below for eligibility, benefits and how to apply.

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship is a fully funded award. Each fellow receives:

• Annual stipend of HK$344,400 (approximately US$44,150) for up to three years
• Conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$14,400 (approximately US$1,840) per year for up to three years
• Funding for a period of up to three years; awardees whose normative study period exceeds three years may receive additional support from their university
• Additional university top-ups (vary by institution), which may include tuition fee waivers, guaranteed hall accommodation in the first year, and extra scholarships or research allowances for HKPFS awardees

The HKPFS 2027/28 supports full-time PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) study only. Applicants must be seeking admission as new PhD students at one of the eight participating universities in the 2027/28 academic year. Students already enrolled in a PhD programme in Hong Kong are not eligible.

The fellowship is open to all subjects and disciplines offered as PhD programmes at the participating universities, including:

• Science, Mathematics and Data Science
• Engineering, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
• Medicine, Public Health, Nursing and Biomedical Sciences
• Business, Economics, Finance and Management
• Social Sciences, Psychology and Education
• Arts, Humanities, Languages and Law
• Architecture, Design and Environmental Studies

The HKPFS is open to students of all nationalities. There are no restrictions on country of origin, prior work experience or ethnic background. International students as well as local Hong Kong and Mainland Chinese students may apply.

To be considered for the HKPFS 2027/28, applicants must:

• Be seeking admission as a new full-time PhD student at one of the eight participating universities in the 2027/28 academic year
• Meet the PhD admission requirements of the chosen university and department (typically a bachelor's degree with first-class or second-class upper honours, or a master's degree)
• Satisfy the English language requirements of the chosen university (e.g. IELTS/TOEFL) unless exempted
• Demonstrate outstanding academic performance, research ability and potential, good communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities

Selection Criteria

Selection is highly competitive and is conducted by the universities on behalf of the RGC. Academic excellence is the primary consideration, followed by research ability and potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an interview.

Applying for the HKPFS is a two-step process:

Step 1 – Initial Application to the RGC

• Submit an online Initial Application through the HKPFS Electronic System at cerg1.ugc.edu.hk/hkpfs
• The system is open from 1 September 2026 (12:00 noon HKT) to 1 December 2026 (12:00 noon HKT)
• Select up to two programmes/departments at one or two universities
• On submission you will receive an HKPFS Reference Number

Step 2 – Full Application to the University

• Using your HKPFS Reference Number, submit a full PhD admission application directly to each chosen university by 1 December 2026 (11:59 pm HKT)
• Typical documents: academic transcripts and degree certificates, CV, research proposal/statement of purpose, two or three reference letters, English test scores, passport copy and any publications
• Some universities charge their own application fee; the RGC initial application is free

Timeline

• 1 September 2026: Applications open
• 1 December 2026, 12:00 noon HKT: Initial application deadline (RGC)
• 1 December 2026, 11:59 pm HKT: Full application deadline (universities)
• Early 2027: Selection and interviews by universities
• Around March–April 2027: Results announced
• September 2027: Fellowship commences

Official website: https://cerg1.ugc.edu.hk/hkpfs/