Applications are now accepted for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowships Scheme (HKPFS) for the academic year 2026/2027.
Hong Kong’s Research Grants Council (RGC) created the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) in 2009 to attract top research talent from around the globe. For the upcoming 2026/27 academic year, the programme will award 400 fellowships to support high-calibre doctoral candidates across a broad range of disciplines. Awardees receive an exceptionally generous package – including a stipend, travel support and, in many cases, extra benefits from host universities – making HKPFS one of the most competitive PhD funding schemes in Asia.
Why consider the HKPFS?
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship targets outstanding researchers who wish to conduct full-time doctoral studies in Hong Kong. Candidates from any country and disciplinary background may apply, provided they meet the admission requirements of the participating universities and demonstrate excellence in academic performance, research potential, communication skills and leadership. Selection is based on merit and is overseen by two panels – one for science/medicine/engineering/technology and another for humanities/social sciences/business. Apart from the attractive funding, Hong Kong’s universities offer access to world-class laboratories, a dynamic research community and proximity to mainland China’s innovation ecosystem.
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship benefits
Each Hong Kong PhD Fellowship awardee receives an annual stipend of HK$340,800 (≈ US$43,690) and a conference and research travel allowance of HK$14,200 (≈ US$1,820) per year for up to three years. A total of 400 fellowships will be awarded for 2026/27. When a doctoral project requires more than three years to complete, the host university may provide additional funding, and several institutions already commit to support fellows for four years.
Examples of university-specific enhancements
Different universities top up the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship package to make their offers even more attractive. Here are examples based on information from university websites:
| University | Additional funding/benefits (beyond HKPFS) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) | – Stipend & fee waiver: HK$340,800 per year for four years plus a full tuition waiver; – RedBird PhD Award: HK$40,000 recruitment award in the first year and HK$20,000 per year for subsequent years; – Travel allowance: HK$14,200 per year for four years; – Accommodation: guaranteed university housing in the first year. |
HKUST Graduate School |
| The University of Hong Kong (HKU) | – Presidential PhD Scholarship: HK$40,000 cash award in year 1 and HK$20,000 per year thereafter; – Fee waiver: composition fees waived for the entire normative period; – Extended support: same stipend and travel allowance provided in the fourth year for candidates admitted to four-year PhD programmes; – Extra year funding: possibility of financial support for an additional year for outstanding students; – Accommodation: guaranteed hall place for the first year. |
HKU Graduate School |
| Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) | – Elite Scholar Award: HK$40,000 in the first year; – Stipend: HK$28,400 per month (HK$340,800 per year) for four years; – Tuition waiver: HK$47,000–49,500 per year; – Travel allowance: HK$14,200 per year for up to three years plus an extra HK$20,000 from the university for the fourth year; – Accommodation: shared-room accommodation in the first year (subject to availability). |
HKBU Graduate School |
Note: The examples above illustrate how some institutions extend support beyond the standard three-year HKPFS package. Applicants should verify details with their chosen university, as incentives can change and may be subject to performance or funding availability.
Eligibility and participating universities
The HKPFS is open to applicants of any nationality who are seeking admission as new full-time PhD students. Candidates may apply to any of the following eight 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)
Applicants may choose up to two programmes/departments at one or two universities. They must meet the admission requirements of the chosen programmes and demonstrate outstanding academic performance, strong research potential, excellent communication skills and leadership qualities.
How to apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship
The application process for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship involves two stages and is strictly time-bound. Prospective candidates should plan ahead to meet both the RGC and university deadlines.
1 – Initial application (RGC)
- Opening date: The HKPFS electronic system opens on 1 September 2025 at 12:00 noon (Hong Kong Time).
- Deadline: Candidates must complete their initial application and obtain an HKPFS Reference Number by 1 December 2025 at 12:00 noon (Hong Kong Time). Only one initial application can be submitted; duplicate submissions lead to disqualification.
- Purpose: The initial application registers the applicant with the RGC. You will need the reference number to complete university applications.
2 – Full application (universities)
After obtaining the HKPFS reference number, applicants must submit full applications to their chosen university or universities before 11:59 pm on 1 December 2025. Each university requires a separate application, and the reference number must be quoted. As some universities start reviewing applications immediately after the initial deadline, candidates are advised to complete their initial application as early as possible. Interviews may follow, and final fellowship results are typically announced in May 2026.
Selection process and criteria
Once applications are received, the RGC shortlists candidates and assigns them to one of two expert panels based on their research area. Selection is highly competitive; academic excellence is the primary yardstick, but the panels also evaluate research ability and potential, communication and interpersonal skills and leadership abilities. Applicants may be invited to university-level interviews before final decisions are made.
Tips for prospective applicants
- Start early: The initial application opens three months before the deadline. Submitting early allows time to prepare university applications and gather supporting documents.
- Prepare a strong research proposal: Your project description should align with the expertise of potential supervisors at your chosen universities. Review faculty profiles and research centres in advance.
- Secure references promptly: Universities often require referee reports to be submitted shortly after your full application. Inform your referees early to ensure timely submission.
- Highlight leadership and impact: Beyond grades and publications, selection panels look for candidates who can demonstrate leadership, collaboration and potential to contribute to Hong Kong’s research ecosystem.
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Key dates
| Milestone | Date/time (Hong Kong Time) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial application opens | 1 Sep 2025, 12:00 noon | Submit via the RGC’s electronic system. |
| Initial application deadline | 1 Dec 2025, 12:00 noon | Obtain HKPFS reference number. |
| Full application deadline (universities) | 1 Dec 2025, 11:59 pm | Apply to chosen university/ies; separate application needed for each. |
| Outcome notification | May 2026 | RGC emails successful candidates; results announced on the RGC website. |
| 2026/27 academic year begins | September 2026 (approx.) | Most Hong Kong universities start in September. |
For full details, official guidance notes, and the application portal, visit the RGC’s HKPFS website and the webpages of your target universities.
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