The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) in Hong Kong 2026

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) is a prestigious scholarship programme established in 2009 by the Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong to attract the best and brightest students from around the world. The main goal of this scheme is to attract the best and brightest students from around the world to pursue their PhD studies in Hong Kong's top universities, which are consistently ranked among the best in Asia and globally. Over the years, the programme has successfully supported more than 3,800 outstanding students from nearly 100 countries and regions, building a vibrant international research community.

If you want to explore other opportunities alongside this fellowship, you can check fully funded scholarships in Hong Kong for international students for more options in the same region.

Quick Overview

• Programme Name: Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)

• Established: 2009 by the Research Grants Council (RGC)

• Host Country: Hong Kong

• Participating Universities: 8 UGC-funded universities

• Number of Fellowships: 400 for 2026/27 academic year

• Duration: Up to 3 years

• Annual Stipend: HK$340,800 (approximately US$43,690)

• Travel Allowance: HK$14,200 (approximately US$1,820) per year

• Application Period: 1st September to 1st December 2025 (12:00 noon Hong Kong Time)

For students interested in other Asian opportunities, list of all open scholarships in Asia provides additional options to consider.

Participating Universities

The eight UGC-funded universities participating in the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme represent the pinnacle of higher education in this dynamic Asian hub. According to international rankings, five of these universities are consistently ranked among the world's top 100 and Asia's top 20 universities, demonstrating their global standing.

• 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

These universities are well known for their strong research culture and modern facilities that support cutting-edge investigation. Hong Kong has one of the highest numbers of top-ranked universities in the world compared to its population, making it an exceptional destination for doctoral studies.

For students interested in other top Asian universities, fully funded scholarships in Singapore for international students offers another excellent option in the region.

Fields of Study

Hong Kong universities offer PhD programmes in a wide range of disciplines that cater to diverse research interests and academic backgrounds.

Traditional Academic Fields

• Humanities

• Business Studies

• Social Sciences

• Engineering

• Biology

• Medicine

• Physical Sciences

Specialised and Modern Research Areas

• Artificial Intelligence

• Robotics

• Infectious Diseases

• Fintech

• Urban Green Engineering

• Textile Design

• Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Global Challenge Focus Areas

• Data Science

• Clean Energy

• Sustainable Environment

• Nanoscience

• New Materials

• Electronic Design Automation

• Computer Engineering

• Arts Technology

Researchers in Hong Kong are working on important global challenges, making Hong Kong an exciting place for students who want to work on innovative and impactful research that addresses real-world problems.

For students interested in other research-intensive programs, fully funded scholarships in Japan for international students offers another perspective on cutting-edge research.

Who Can Apply

The fellowship is open to students from all countries and regions, with no restriction based on nationality, work experience, or ethnic background, making it truly international in scope.

• Anyone who plans to apply as a new full-time PhD student at one of the eight UGC-funded universities in Hong Kong can apply

• Applicants must be seeking admission as new full-time PhD students, ensuring support for those beginning their doctoral journey

• The scheme welcomes students from different academic backgrounds, including sciences, engineering, medicine, humanities, social sciences, business studies, and many other disciplines

• Applicants should demonstrate outstanding qualities of academic performance, research ability/potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities

This diversity enriches the research environment and fosters interdisciplinary collaboration.

For students interested in other PhD opportunities, fully funded scholarships in UK for international students offers another perspective on doctoral funding.

About the Award

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme offers a competitive annual stipend to successful candidates, providing substantial financial support throughout their doctoral studies.

Financial Benefits

• Annual Stipend: HK$340,800 (approximately US$43,690) per year

• Conference and Research-related Travel Allowance: HK$14,200 (approximately US$1,820) per year

• Duration: Up to three years of the PhD program

Additional Support

• For awardees who need more than three years to complete the PhD degree, additional support may be provided by the chosen universities (contact universities directly for details)

• The travel allowance helps students attend international conferences, workshops, and academic events related to their research field, facilitating professional development and networking

The aim of this financial support is to encourage talented students to carry out high-quality research in Hong Kong and to build strong international academic connections that benefit their future careers.

For students comparing funding packages, fully funded scholarships in Australia for international students provides another perspective on comprehensive doctoral benefits.

Selection Process

After the application deadline, shortlisted candidates will be reviewed by one of two Selection Panels, depending on their field of study and research focus.

Selection Panels

• Sciences, Medicine, Engineering and Technology Panel – evaluates applicants in quantitative and laboratory-based disciplines

• Humanities, Social Sciences and Business Studies Panel – assesses candidates in qualitative and social science fields

Selection Criteria

While candidates' academic excellence is of primary consideration, the Selection Panels will take into account factors as follows:

• Academic excellence – strong grades and academic achievements are essential

• Research ability and potential – demonstrated through previous work

• Communication and interpersonal skills – shown in application materials

• Leadership abilities – evident in extracurricular activities

Students who show strong motivation and the ability to contribute to their field have a better chance of being selected for this competitive award.

How to Apply

The application process has two main steps that applicants must complete carefully to be considered for the fellowship.

Step 1: Initial Application to RGC

• Eligible candidates must submit an initial application to the Research Grants Council through the official online system during the application period (1st September to 1st December 2025)

• After completing this step, applicants will receive an HKPFS Reference Number that serves as their unique identifier throughout the process

Step 2: Apply to Chosen Universities

• This reference number is very important – applicants must use it when submitting full applications to their chosen universities

• Without this number, the university applications will not be considered under the fellowship scheme

• After receiving the reference number, candidates must apply directly to the selected universities for their PhD programmes, following each institution's specific requirements

• Each university has its own admission requirements and deadlines, which may differ from the fellowship deadline

Important: In many cases, the university application deadline comes soon after the initial fellowship deadline, so careful planning is essential. Applicants should carefully check the deadlines of their chosen universities to make sure they have enough time to submit complete applications for both the fellowship and admission.

For students interested in other application processes, fully funded scholarships in China for international students provides another example of multi-step applications.

Important Dates

• Application Period Opens: 1st September 2025

• Application Deadline: 1st December 2025 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time (GMT +8)

• University Application Deadlines: Vary by institution – check each university's website for specific dates

Note: Hong Kong universities normally start their academic year in September. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted, so timely submission is essential. Applicants should begin preparing their materials well in advance and submit early to avoid any technical issues.

For students seeking opportunities with different timelines, fully funded latest scholarships in 2026 South Korea might have deadlines worth exploring alongside this program.

Why Choose Hong Kong for PhD Studies

Hong Kong is known as Asia's World City, a global financial and education hub with a strong international atmosphere that welcomes students from around the globe.

• World-Class Universities: Five universities consistently ranked among world's top 100

• English Medium of Instruction: English is widely used in universities, making it easier for international students to adjust

• Strategic Location: Part of China and located in the fast-growing Greater Bay Area, providing excellent research and career opportunities

• Modern Lifestyle: Strong infrastructure and a unique mix of Eastern and Western cultures

• Beautiful Environment: Famous for its beautiful harbour, vibrant city life, and easy access to other Asian destinations

• Research Excellence: Strong focus on innovative and impactful research addressing global challenges

For students interested in other Asian destinations, fully funded scholarships in Malaysia for international students offers another excellent option in Southeast Asia.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Start Early: Begin preparing your materials well before the 1st September opening date

• Complete Both Steps: Remember to submit both the RGC initial application and university applications

• Get Reference Number First: The HKPFS Reference Number is essential for university applications

• Check University Deadlines: Each university has its own deadlines – verify them carefully

• Demonstrate Excellence: Highlight academic achievements, research potential, and leadership qualities

• Prepare Strong Research Proposal: Clearly outline your research interests and goals

• Secure Strong Recommendations: Ask professors who know your research potential well

• Submit Before Deadline: Apply well before 1st December 2025 to avoid technical issues

Final Thoughts

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme is an excellent opportunity for talented students who wish to pursue world-class research in a dynamic international environment with comprehensive financial support. With 400 fellowships awarded annually, an annual stipend of HK$340,800, and a travel allowance of HK$14,200, the scheme attracts some of the best young researchers from around the world to this Asian hub of innovation.

The fellowship is open to students from all countries seeking admission as new full-time PhD students at eight top Hong Kong universities, covering all disciplines from humanities to engineering and medicine. Selection is based on academic excellence, research ability, communication skills, and leadership potential.

The application period runs from 1st September to 1st December 2025, with a two-step process requiring both an initial RGC application and separate university applications. Applicants must obtain an HKPFS Reference Number first, then use it when applying to their chosen universities.

Students who are passionate about research and want to build a strong academic career should consider applying for this prestigious fellowship. By carefully following the application process and meeting all deadlines, applicants can take a major step toward studying and conducting research in one of Asia's leading education hubs.

Good luck with your application

Apply Now

For complete and official information and to submit your initial application, visit the official RGC HKPFS portal:

Apply for Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 2026/27