The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme is now open for the 2026-2027 academic year. The program was established in 2009 by the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong. It is designed to attract outstanding students from around the world to pursue PhD studies at Hong Kong’s leading universities.
Why Pursue a PhD In Asia’s World City?
Financial Support: The Fellowship provides an annual stipend of HK$340,800 (approximately US$43,690), enabling fellows to live comfortably in Hong Kong while devoting themselves fully to their research. In addition, it also provides travel expenses for the conference and study of HK$14,200 (approximately US$1,820)
Duration: Each awardee receives this fellowship for a period of up to three years. For awardees who need more than three years to complete the degree, additional support may be provided.
Global Recognition: HKPFS is widely recognized by universities, funding bodies, and employers worldwide. Being selected signals academic excellence, research potential, and leadership capacity.
Access to World-Class Universities: Fellows may enroll in PhD programs at Hong Kong’s publicly funded universities, all of which offer strong research infrastructure, international faculty, and English-taught doctoral programs.
Research Across All Disciplines: The scheme supports PhD study in science, engineering, medicine, business, social sciences, humanities, creative arts, and interdisciplinary fields. Applicants are evaluated based on merit, not discipline.
Program Description – Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme aims to attract the best and brightest doctoral candidates from around the world. Fellows are selected through a highly competitive, merit-based process that emphasizes academic excellence, research ability, communication skills, and leadership potential.
Selected candidates will:
- Conduct advanced research in a globally connected academic system
- Build international research networks through conferences and collaborations
- Receive strong financial support without teaching obligations
- Develop credentials that open doors in academia, industry, policy, and innovation sectors
- Experience life in one of the world’s most international cities
Qualification – Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme
Candidates should be able to apply to any of the following eight universities as new full-time PhD students, regardless of their ethnic background, previous employment history, or place of origin.
- 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
Candidates should have exceptional academic achievement, potential for research, interpersonal and communication skills, and leadership talents.
Application Process
Eligible candidates should first make an Initial Application online through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Electronic System (HKPFSES) to obtain an HKPFS Reference Number before submitting applications for PhD admission to their desired universities.
After completing the initial application, applicants should submit full applications for their selected PhD program to the proposed universities, quoting their HKPFS Reference Number before the respective deadlines of the universities.
Deadline and Contact Information
Application deadline: The deadlines for this application depend on the university. Candidates are encouraged to submit initial applications as early as possible to ensure that they have sufficient time to submit applications to universities.
For full details, eligibility criteria, and application instructions, visit here