Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28: HK$344,400 Annual Stipend for International PhD Students in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 2027/28 is now accepting applications from outstanding prospective doctoral students from around the world who want to pursue full-time PhD studies at participating universities in Hong Kong.

Established by Hong Kong’s Research Grants Council (RGC) in 2009, the scheme was created to attract high-achieving researchers and talented doctoral students from around the world to Hong Kong’s universities. The programme is open to applicants regardless of their country of origin, prior work experience or ethnic background, making it a genuinely international doctoral fellowship opportunity.

For the 2027/28 academic year, the scheme will award 400 PhD fellowships. The current official scheme information lists an annual fellowship stipend of HK$344,400, together with an annual HK$14,400 conference and research-related travel allowance, with fellowship support provided for up to three years.

The application period for the 2027/28 intake runs from 1 September 2026 to 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time. Late initial applications will not be considered.

What Is the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme?

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme is a competitive doctoral fellowship programme established by the Research Grants Council to attract talented researchers to Hong Kong.

The scheme supports students seeking admission as new full-time PhD students at participating Hong Kong universities.

Rather than restricting applications to applicants from a particular country or region, the scheme is designed to attract talented doctoral candidates internationally.

The programme is therefore relevant to prospective PhD students from:

• Africa
• Asia
• Europe
• North America
• South America
• Oceania
• Other regions around the world

The official eligibility information states that applicants are considered irrespective of their country of origin, prior work experience and ethnic background.

What Makes the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Special?

One of the major attractions of the HKPFS is the level of financial support available to successful fellows.

For the current fellowship information published by the Research Grants Council, each awardee receives:

• HK$344,400 per year in fellowship stipend.
• HK$14,400 per year for conference and research-related travel.
• Fellowship support for up to three years.
• Potential additional support from the chosen university if the PhD requires more than three years to complete.

For the 2027/28 academic year, 400 PhD fellowships will be awarded. Hong Kong universities normally begin their academic year in September.

The travel allowance is particularly valuable for doctoral researchers who need to attend academic conferences, present research findings or undertake research-related travel.

Who Can Apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship?

The scheme is open to individuals seeking admission as new full-time PhD students at one of the participating Hong Kong universities.

Applicants can come from any country or region, and the scheme does not restrict eligibility based on ethnic background or previous work experience.

However, applicants must satisfy the admission requirements of the university and specific PhD programme they choose.

In addition to meeting university admission requirements, applicants should demonstrate strong qualities in several areas.

These include:

1. Outstanding academic performance
2. Research ability or potential
3. Strong communication and interpersonal skills
4. Excellent leadership abilities

These characteristics form an important part of the fellowship’s selection process.

Academic Excellence Is a Major Selection Factor

The HKPFS selection process places particular emphasis on academic excellence.

However, academic results are not the only factor considered.

The selection panels also assess:

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

This means that applicants should present themselves as well-rounded researchers rather than relying exclusively on academic grades.

A strong application should demonstrate both academic achievement and evidence that the applicant has the potential to become an independent and impactful researcher.

Research Ability and Potential

Research capability is another major component of the selection process.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate their potential to undertake doctoral-level research successfully.

This may be reflected through:

• Previous research projects.
• Undergraduate or master’s research.
• Research publications.
• Conference presentations.
• Research-related work experience.
• A well-developed proposed research direction.
• Evidence of analytical and problem-solving abilities.

The selection process considers not only what applicants have already achieved but also their potential for future research.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

The fellowship also considers communication and interpersonal skills.

Doctoral researchers frequently work with supervisors, research teams, academic institutions and researchers from different countries.

Applicants should therefore be able to demonstrate that they can:

• Communicate research ideas clearly.
• Work effectively with others.
• Participate in academic discussions.
• Build professional relationships.
• Present ideas to different audiences.

Leadership Abilities

Leadership is also one of the four major criteria used in the HKPFS assessment.

Applicants should consider how their academic, professional, research or community experiences demonstrate leadership potential.

Leadership does not necessarily mean holding a formal leadership position. Evidence of taking initiative, leading projects, contributing to research teams or creating meaningful academic or community impact can help demonstrate leadership potential.

Participating Universities

Applicants can apply for PhD programmes at the following eight participating universities:

1. City University of Hong Kong

City University of Hong Kong is one of the participating institutions where HKPFS applicants can pursue eligible doctoral programmes.

2. Hong Kong Baptist University

Hong Kong Baptist University is another participating university offering doctoral study opportunities under the scheme.

3. Lingnan University

Lingnan University is included among the eight participating institutions.

4. The Chinese University of Hong Kong

The Chinese University of Hong Kong participates in the HKPFS and offers doctoral programmes across a broad range of disciplines.

5. The Education University of Hong Kong

The Education University of Hong Kong is also part of the participating university network.

6. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University participates in the scheme and provides PhD opportunities across multiple academic and research areas.

7. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology is another participating institution.

8. The University of Hong Kong

The University of Hong Kong, one of the region’s major research universities, is also included in the scheme.

The Research Grants Council confirms that applicants can seek admission as new full-time PhD students at these eight universities.

How Many Universities Can You Apply To?

Applicants may choose a maximum of two programmes within one or two participating universities for their PhD study.

This means applicants should carefully research their preferred programmes before completing the initial HKPFS application.

Candidates should consider:

• The university’s research strengths.
• The specific PhD programme.
• Potential supervisors.
• Research facilities.
• Programme requirements.
• University-specific application deadlines.
• The suitability of the programme for their proposed research.

HKPFS Application Process

Applying for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme involves more than completing the initial fellowship application.

Applicants must complete the HKPFS initial application and also submit full PhD admission applications to their selected universities.

Step 1: Identify Your Preferred PhD Programme

Applicants should first identify suitable PhD programmes at the participating universities.

Research the programmes carefully and ensure that you meet their specific admission requirements.

Step 2: Submit the HKPFS Initial Application

The initial application is submitted through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Electronic System (HKPFSES).

For the 2027/28 intake, the application system is open from:

1 September 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time

until:

1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time.

Step 3: Obtain Your HKPFS Reference Number

After submitting the initial application, applicants receive an HKPFS Reference Number.

This reference number is important because applicants must use it when communicating with the RGC and when submitting applications to their selected universities.

Applicants should save the confirmation email containing their reference number and login information.

Step 4: Submit Full Applications to the Universities

Completing the HKPFS initial application is not enough.

Applicants must also submit a full PhD admission application to the university or universities selected in their initial application.

The university applications must be submitted before the individual universities’ own deadlines.

The universities may have different application deadlines, so candidates should check each institution carefully.

An initial HKPFS application that is not followed by the required university application will be considered void and will not be processed further by the RGC.

University Admission Requirements Still Apply

Applicants should understand that receiving an HKPFS fellowship is separate from satisfying the admission requirements of the selected university and PhD programme.

Candidates must comply with the relevant university’s:

• PhD admission requirements.
• Application procedures.
• Programme requirements.
• Application deadlines.
• Other applicable university regulations and policies.

Universities will normally conduct interviews as part of their assessment process.

Selection Panels

Shortlisted applications are assessed according to the applicant’s area of study.

The scheme has two major selection panels:

Sciences, Medicine, Engineering and Technology

This panel considers applications relating to scientific, medical, engineering and technological areas.

Humanities, Social Sciences and Business Studies

This panel considers research in humanities, social sciences and business-related areas.

The panels consist of experts in the relevant areas.

How Applicants Are Assessed

The four main selection criteria are:

1. Academic Excellence

The academic record of the applicant is a primary consideration.

Candidates should demonstrate strong academic performance and the ability to succeed at doctoral level.

2. Research Ability and Potential

Applicants should demonstrate their capacity and potential to conduct high-quality research.

3. Communication and Interpersonal Skills

The panels assess whether candidates can communicate effectively and work successfully with others.

4. Leadership Abilities

Applicants should demonstrate leadership potential through their academic, professional, research or other relevant experiences.

The RGC states that academic excellence is the prime consideration, while the other three areas are also taken into account.

What Happens If You Are Not Selected for the Fellowship?

Not being selected for the HKPFS fellowship does not necessarily mean that the applicant cannot pursue a PhD in Hong Kong.

Candidates who are not selected for the fellowship may still be accepted by the university for regular PhD admission.

In some cases, universities may offer successful university applicants a postgraduate studentship or other financial support.

Therefore, applicants should still submit their university applications even though fellowship selection is competitive.

Application Fee

The Research Grants Council does not charge an application fee for the HKPFS.

However, individual universities may charge their own application or processing fees.

Applicants should therefore check the fee requirements of each university to which they apply.

Important Application Rule: Submit Only One Initial HKPFS Application

Applicants should be particularly careful about the number of initial HKPFS applications they submit.

Only one initial application is accepted per applicant.

Submitting multiple initial applications can result in disqualification of all applications, even if a university subsequently nominates the applicant for the fellowship.

Applicants who accidentally submit multiple applications are advised to contact the RGC immediately before the application deadline.

Application Language

The initial HKPFS application must be completed in English, except for the field requiring an applicant’s name in Chinese where applicable.

Applicants should therefore ensure that the information provided in the initial application is clear, accurate and consistent.

Keep Your Information Consistent

The RGC cross-checks information submitted through the HKPFS system with information provided in university applications.

Applicants should therefore ensure that:

• Personal information is accurate.
• Academic information is consistent.
• Research information is consistent.
• University choices match the initial application.
• Programme information is correct.
• Supporting information does not conflict between applications.

Inconsistencies or incomplete information may result in an application not being considered.

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Application Deadline

The application deadline for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28 is:

1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time (HKT).

The application period begins on 1 September 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time.

Late initial applications will not be considered.

Applicants should also remember that the universities have their own application deadlines, which may differ from the HKPFS deadline.

Important Dates

The RGC’s current announcement confirms that the 2027/28 application round opened on 1 September 2026 and closes on 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time.

Fellowship Duration and Additional Support

The fellowship provides the stated annual stipend and research-related travel allowance for up to three years.

If an awardee needs more than three years to complete the PhD, additional support may be available from the university where the student is enrolled.

Applicants requiring additional support should contact their chosen university directly for information about its policies and funding arrangements.

Expected Academic Experience

The HKPFS is intended for students who want to undertake full-time doctoral research in Hong Kong.

Successful fellows will become part of the research communities at their selected universities and pursue doctoral research under the academic supervision and requirements of their chosen programme.

The participating universities cover a wide range of disciplines, allowing applicants from different academic backgrounds to explore doctoral opportunities across areas such as:

• Humanities
• Social sciences
• Business
• Engineering
• Technology
• Medicine
• Science
• Other research disciplines offered by participating institutions

The precise programmes available under the fellowship depend on the participating universities and their individual PhD offerings.

Who Should Consider Applying?

The HKPFS may be particularly suitable for students who:

• Want to pursue a full-time PhD in Hong Kong.
• Have an excellent academic record.
• Have strong research potential.
• Want to develop an international research career.
• Have strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Have demonstrated leadership potential.
• Are prepared to meet university-specific PhD admission requirements.
• Can identify suitable research programmes at participating universities.

The scheme is particularly competitive, so applicants should carefully develop their academic and research profiles before applying.

Preparing a Competitive Application

Although the RGC identifies academic excellence as the primary consideration, applicants should also pay close attention to the other three assessment areas.

A strong candidate should aim to demonstrate:

Strong Academic Performance

Your academic record should show your ability to perform successfully at postgraduate level.

Clear Research Potential

Your research background and proposed doctoral direction should demonstrate your potential to conduct meaningful and high-quality research.

Strong Communication

Your application should communicate your academic interests and research goals clearly.

Leadership Potential

Your academic, professional, community or research experiences should demonstrate initiative and leadership potential where applicable.

What Applicants Should Do Before the Deadline

Prospective applicants should avoid waiting until the final day of the application period.

A practical preparation process would be to:

1. Research the eight participating universities.
2. Identify suitable PhD programmes.
3. Review programme-specific admission requirements.
4. Identify potential supervisors where appropriate.
5. Review university application deadlines.
6. Prepare academic and research information.
7. Complete the HKPFS initial application.
8. Record and save the HKPFS Reference Number.
9. Submit full applications to the selected universities.
10. Check that all information is accurate and consistent.
11. Confirm that applications are submitted before the relevant deadlines.

Official Application Information

Applicants should use the official Research Grants Council information when preparing their applications.

The official HKPFS 2027/28 application system is available through the Research Grants Council’s electronic application platform.

Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme official application information

Applicants should also check the individual university websites for programme-specific admission requirements and deadlines.

Visit HERE to learn more about the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28

Conclusion

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28 is a major international doctoral fellowship opportunity for high-achieving students seeking to pursue full-time PhD studies at participating universities in Hong Kong.

The scheme will provide 400 fellowships for the 2027/28 academic year, while the current official fellowship information lists an annual stipend of HK$344,400 and an additional HK$14,400 annual allowance for conference and research-related travel, for up to three years.

The opportunity is open internationally, with applicants considered regardless of their country of origin, prior work experience or ethnic background. However, candidates must meet the relevant admission requirements of their chosen university and PhD programme.

Applicants should remember that the fellowship application and university admission application are connected but separate steps. Completing the initial HKPFS application alone is not sufficient; applicants must also submit their full PhD applications to their selected universities before the universities’ individual deadlines.

The application window for the 2027/28 intake opened on 1 September 2026, and the deadline is 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time. Late initial applications will not be considered.

For students with strong academic records, research potential, communication skills and leadership abilities, the HKPFS offers an opportunity to pursue advanced doctoral research in Hong Kong while receiving substantial financial fellowship support.

For more global grants, scholarships, fellowships, internships, jobs, conferences, competitions, and other career opportunities for young people, visit the Opportunities for Youth (OFY) website at www.opportunitiesforyouth.org.