Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 2026/27

Applications for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 2026/27 will open on 1 September 2025 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time, giving you ample time to prepare and secure an acceptance or invitation letter from professors. Applying early increases your chances, as professors receive fewer emails at the start of the application period.

This prestigious, fully-funded scheme, established by the Research Grants Council (RGC), attracts the world’s brightest students to pursue PhD studies in Hong Kong’s top universities across all academic fields, including Sciences, Medicine, Engineering, Technology, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Business Studies. The HKPFS offers 400 fellowships, each providing an annual stipend of HK$340,800 and a travel allowance of HK$14,200 for up to three years.

Eligible candidates include new full-time PhD applicants from any country, regardless of prior work experience or ethnic background, who demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and leadership skills. The RGC does not charge an application fee for the initial application, though universities may have processing fees. Start early to maximize your chances of securing this fully-funded opportunity! Check more BS, MS and PhD positions

Key Details

• Number of Fellowships: 400 for the 2026/27 academic year
• Fields of Study: Sciences, Medicine, Engineering, Technology, Humanities, Social Sciences, Business Studies
• Funding: Fully-funded
  • Annual stipend: HK$340,800
  • Travel allowance: HK$14,200 per year for conferences/research
  • Duration: Up to 3 years (additional support may be available via universities)
• Application Period: 1 September 2025 (12:00 noon HKT) to 1 December 2025 (12:00 noon HKT)
• University Application Deadline: 1 December 2025 (11:59 pm HKT)
• Application Fee: No fee for initial RGC application; university fees may apply
• Result Announcement: By May 2026
• Nationality: Open to all
• IELTS: Depends on University

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the HKPFS, you must:

• Be seeking admission as a new full-time PhD student at one of the eight participating universities.
• Demonstrate exceptional qualities in:
  • Academic excellence
  • Research ability and potential
  • Communication and interpersonal skills
  • Leadership abilities
• Be from any country, with no restrictions based on prior work experience or ethnic background.

Note: Current PhD students may apply if seeking a new full-time PhD program, but prior PhD experience may be considered by the selection panel to ensure fairness.

Check this: The Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarships at University of West London

Participating Universities

The HKPFS supports PhD studies at the following eight University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded universities:

• City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK)
• Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU)
• Lingnan University (LU)
• The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)
• The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK)
• The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)
• The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)
• The University of Hong Kong (HKU)

Fellowship Benefits

The HKPFS provides generous financial support for up to three years:

• Annual Stipend: HK$340,800
• Travel Allowance: HK$14,200 per year for conferences and research-related activities

If your PhD requires more than three years, additional support may be available from your chosen university. Contact the university directly for details.

Also check: ACU Vice Chancellor’s PhD Excellence Scholarship

Selection Process

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Academic Excellence: Your academic record is the primary focus.
• Research Ability and Potential: Demonstrated through past research or projects.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Assessed via application materials and potential interviews.
• Leadership Abilities: Highlighted through achievements or roles in academic/community settings.

Selection Panels

Shortlisted applications are reviewed by one of two expert panels based on your field of study:

• Sciences, Medicine, Engineering, and Technology
• Humanities, Social Sciences, and Business Studies

Also check: Chatham House Leadership Masterclass Programme 

Result Announcement

Results for the 2026/27 HKPFS will be announced by May 2026.

How to Apply

The application process involves two steps, and early submission is highly recommended due to tight deadlines.

Step 1: Submit Initial Application to RGC

• Opens: 1 September 2025, 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time
• Deadline: 1 December 2025, 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time
• Apply online via the HKPFS Electronic System to obtain an HKPFS Reference Number.
• Guidance: Refer to the Guidance Note for Initial Application.
• Only one initial application is allowed per applicant. Changes to university/program choices must be made before the deadline.

Also check: DAAD PhD Scholarship

Step 2: Submit Full Applications to Universities

• After receiving your HKPFS Reference Number, apply to up to two PhD programs/departments at one or two of the participating universities.
• Quote your HKPFS Reference Number in your university applications.
• Check individual university websites for specific admission requirements, as they may vary.
• Application Deadline for All Universities: 1 December 2025, 11:59 pm Hong Kong Time