HKUST Fully-Funded Postgraduate Scholarships 2026

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) offers a range of scholarships for 2026, including the Postgraduate Studentship (PGS), Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS), and more, to cover tuition, accommodation, and living costs. You can also check Scholarships for Talented International Students in Slovakia

Available Scholarships

1. Postgraduate Studentship (PGS)

The PGS supports full-time MPhil and PhD students with a monthly stipend to cover living expenses, tuition, and more.

• Stipend: HK$225,120 per year (~US$28,790)
• Duration:
  • MPhil: Up to 2 years
  • PhD: Up to 4 years (or 3 years with a relevant research Master’s degree)
• Eligibility:
  • Full-time MPhil or PhD student at HKUST
  • Automatically considered upon program application (no separate application needed)
• Note: Recipients may perform Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) duties, which are part of training and not considered employment.

2. Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)

An internationally recognized award to attract top PhD students globally. HKUST hosts the largest number of HKPFS awardees among Hong Kong institutions.

• Stipend: HK$337,200 (~US$43,120) per year for 4 years
• Conference Travel Allowance: HK$14,000 (~US$1,790) per year for 4 years
• HKUST RedBird PhD Award:
  • Recruitment Award: HK$40,000 (~US$5,110) in the first year
  • Academic Excellence Award: HK$20,000 (~US$2,560) per year (renewable)
• Eligibility:
  • Full-time PhD applicants
  • Strong academic and research potential
• Application Deadline: Typically December 1, 2025, for 2026/27 (check HKUST website for updates).
• Note: Successful candidates will be notified by the Research Grants Council (RGC) by May 2026.

See also: King Abdulaziz University Graduate Scholarships 2025-2026 for International Students 

3. RedBird PhD Award Program

Recognizes outstanding PhD candidates for academic excellence and research capacity.

• Awards:
  • Recruitment Award: HK$40,000 (~US$5,110) + tuition waiver in the first year
  • Academic Excellence Award: HK$20,000 (~US$2,560) per year (renewable)
• Eligibility:
  • Full-time PhD students
  • Local students receive a government tuition waiver instead
• Note: Automatically considered upon PhD program application.

Check Also: King Saud University Graduate Scholarships 2026

4. Asian Future Leaders Scholarship Program (AFLSP)

Supports non-local Asian students pursuing Master’s degrees with cross-cultural enrichment.

• Awards:
  • MPhil: HK$264,000 (~US$33,630) per year for 2 years
  • MA, MPM, MSc: Full tuition + HK$97,188 per year for 2 years
  • MPP: Full tuition + HK$97,188 (~US$12,380) per year for 2 years
• Eligibility:
  • Non-local students from East, Southeast, or South Asia
  • Enrolled in eligible Master’s programs
• Application Deadline: January 24, 2026, for 2026/27 (check HKUST website for updates).

Also Read: Portugal Government Scholarships 2025-2026

5. Tuition Waiver Scheme for Local MPhil/PhD Students

A government initiative to support local research talent.

• Tuition Waiver: HK$44,500 for 2025/26, increasing to HK$47,000 for 2026/27
• Duration:
  • MPhil: 2 years
  • PhD: 3 years (with a research Master’s) or 4 years (without)
• Eligibility:
  • Local students with Hong Kong right of abode, right to land, or “unconditional stay” (check HKSAR Smart ID for “A,” “R,” or “U”)
  • Enrolled in full-time UGC-funded MPhil/PhD programs
• Note: No separate application required.

Read: Seoul National University Undergraduate Scholarships 

6. Hong Kong Future Talents Scholarship Scheme (FTSS)

Supports meritorious local students in taught postgraduate programs of strategic priority for Hong Kong.

• Tuition Waiver: Up to HK$100,000
• Eligibility: Local students in eligible Master’s programs
• Note: Check HKUST website for program-specific details.

7. Overseas & Greater Bay Area Research Awards

Enhances PhD students’ research experience through international or regional exposure.

• Awards:
  • Overseas Attachment: HK$10,000 (~US$1,275) per month
  • Greater Bay Area Attachment: HK$5,000 (~US$640) per month
• Eligibility: Current full-time PhD students

Eligibility Requirements

General Admission

• Master’s or Postgraduate Diploma:
  • Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution or equivalent.
• PhD:
  • Bachelor’s degree with outstanding performance, or
  • Evidence of satisfactory postgraduate work (full-time for 1 year or part-time for 2 years).

Read also: ISTA Scientific Internship in Austria 2025-26

English Language

• Required if your bachelor’s degree was not taught in English:
  • TOEFL (iBT): 80
  • TOEFL (pBT): 550
  • TOEFL (Revised Paper-delivered): 60 (total for Reading, Listening, Writing)
  • IELTS (Academic): Overall 6.5, with 5.5 in each sub-score
• Exempt if your first language is English or your degree was from an English-medium institution.

Program-Specific

• Some programs (e.g., MSc in Accounting, MA in Chinese Culture) require additional documents like GMAT, GRE, or proof of Chinese proficiency. Check program details.

How to Apply

1. Explore Programs: Browse MPhil, PhD, or taught postgraduate programs at HKUST Fok Ying Tung Graduate School.
2. Check Deadlines: Applications open September 1, 2025, for Fall 2026. Deadlines vary by program (typically November 2025–June 2026). Learn more
3. Prepare Documents:
   • Identity document (e.g., passport, HKID)
   • Academic transcripts and degree certificates
   • Institution grading system
   • TOEFL/IELTS scores (if applicable)
   • Public exam scores (e.g., GMAT/GRE, if required)
   • Research proposal (for MPhil/PhD)
   • 2–5 academic references
4. Apply Online: Submit via the HKUST Online Admission System. Pay the application fee and upload documents.
5. Track Status: Check admission offers and updates in the Online Admission System.
6. Accept Offer: Follow instructions to confirm your enrollment.

You can also check: Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Program

Smart Tip: Apply early, as offers are made on a rolling basis. For HKPFS, submit Step 1 to RGC and Step 2 to HKUST by December 1, 2025 (tentative).

For the following programs, please apply via the following links:

• MBA Programs
• HKUST-NYU Stern MSc in Global Finance
• Kellogg-HKUST Executive MBA
• HKUST Executive MBA
• Doctor of Business Administration
• Bilingual Doctor of Business Administration

Ready to apply? Visit the HKUST Fok Ying Tung Graduate School for program details and start your application. For more scholarship opportunities worldwide, keep exploring our website!