Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 2027/28

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme is a fully funded scholarship offered by the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong. Established in 2009, it invites talented students from around the world, regardless of their nationality, prior work experience, or background, to pursue full time PhD studies at eight top universities in Hong Kong. Selected fellows receive a generous annual stipend along with a travel allowance for conferences and research, for up to three years. Applications for the 2027/28 round open on 1 September 2026 and close on 1 December 2026. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here

Key Details:

• Degree Level: PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
• Host Country: Hong Kong
• Host University: Eight UGC funded universities in Hong Kong (full list below)
• Program Duration: Up to three years
• Salary: Annual stipend of HK$344,400, which is about US$44,150
• Funding Type: Fully funded fellowship
• Language of Instruction: English
• Open to All Nationalities: Yes
• Application Deadline: 1 December 2026

Eligibility:

• Must be seeking admission as a new, full time PhD student at one of the eight participating universities
• Open to applicants of any country of origin, prior work experience, or ethnic background
• Should show strong academic performance, research ability and potential, good communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership qualities

Also Check: Charles Darwin University RTP Scholarship for MS & PhD in Australia

Participating Universities:

• City University of Hong Kong
• Hong Kong Baptist University
• Lingnan University
• The Chinese University of Hong Kong
• The Education University of Hong Kong
• The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
• The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
• The University of Hong Kong

Also Check: CeMM PhD Program at Medical University of Vienna

Selection Process:

Shortlisted applications are reviewed by one of two Selection Panels, based on the applicant’s field of study:

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

While academic excellence is the main consideration, panels also look at:

• Research ability and potential
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Leadership abilities

Benefits:

• Annual stipend of HK$344,400, about US$44,150, to cover living expenses
• Conference and research related travel allowance of HK$14,400 per year, about US$1,840
• Funding for up to three years, with universities able to offer extra support if more time is needed to finish the PhD

Also Check: PhD Programs at the University of West London (UWL).

How to Apply:

Applying to HKPFS is a two step process.

Step 1: Submit an Initial Application
Apply online through the HKPFS Electronic System to get an HKPFS Reference Number. This step opens on 1 September 2026 and closes on 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time.

Step 2: Submit a Full Application to Universities
Using your HKPFS Reference Number, apply to your chosen PhD programme at your selected university (you may apply to up to two programmes at one or two universities). Each university sets its own deadline, so check with them early to make sure you have enough time.

For full details, applicants can visit the official Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme website.

Also Check: Biozentrum PhD Fellowships Program 2027, Switzerland