Hong Kong PhD Fellowship

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) was established by Hong Kong’s Research Grants Council in 2009 to attract high-calibre researchers from around the world to undertake PhD studies at Hong Kong universities.

For the 2027/28 academic year, 400 fellowships will be awarded. Applicants may pursue eligible full-time PhD programmes at any of the eight universities funded by the University Grants Committee.

The participating universities are:

• 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

Applicants may select a maximum of two programmes or departments at one or two participating universities. The application has two distinct stages: applicants first submit an initial HKPFS application to the RGC and obtain an HKPFS Reference Number, then submit complete PhD admission applications directly to their chosen university or universities.

Individual universities are responsible for their own PhD admission requirements, programme requirements, document requirements and interviews. Universities nominate selected candidates to the RGC, after which shortlisted nominations are assessed by specialist HKPFS selection panels.

Applicants who are not ultimately selected for HKPFS may still be considered by their chosen university for normal PhD admission and may potentially receive a university postgraduate studentship or other institutional funding.

• Applicants must seek admission as new full-time PhD students at one of the eight participating UGC-funded universities in Hong Kong.
• Applicants may apply regardless of country of origin.
• Applicants from all ethnic backgrounds are eligible.
• Previous work experience is not a universal eligibility requirement.
• Applicants should demonstrate strong academic performance.
• Applicants should demonstrate research ability and/or research potential.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills are expected.
• Leadership ability is considered during selection.
• Applicants must satisfy the specific PhD admission requirements of their chosen university and programme.
• Applicants may choose up to two programmes/departments at one or two participating universities.

Successful HKPFS awardees currently receive:

• HK$344,400 annual stipend, approximately US$44,150 at the figure published by RGC.
• HK$14,400 conference and research-related travel allowance per year, approximately US$1,840.
• Fellowship support for up to three years.
• Access to PhD study and research opportunities at participating Hong Kong universities.
• Potential additional university support if more than three years are required to complete the PhD.

Initial HKPFS Application to RGC

The central initial application primarily requires applicants to provide:

• Personal information.
• Nationality and contact information.
• Choice of university/universities.
• Choice of PhD department/programme.
• Proposed research field.
• Research keywords.
• Required declarations and authorisations.
• Disclosure regarding the use of AI tools where applicable.

Full PhD Application to University

Supporting-document requirements are determined by the individual university and PhD programme and are not standardised centrally by RGC. Depending on the institution, applicants may be asked for academic records, degree evidence, research materials, references and language-proficiency evidence.

Applicants should check the official application requirements of each selected university before applying.

The RGC states that academic excellence is the primary consideration. Selection panels also assess:

• Academic excellence.
• Research ability and potential.
• Communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Leadership abilities.

Shortlisted applications are considered by one of two specialist panels:

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

Individual universities also assess PhD applicants and normally conduct interviews before nominating candidates for the fellowship.

• Study for a PhD at one of Hong Kong’s leading research universities.
• Receive substantial financial support for up to three years.
• Access research opportunities across a broad range of academic disciplines.
• Build international academic and professional networks.
• Develop advanced research, communication and leadership capabilities.
• Gain research exposure in a major international higher-education and innovation hub.
• Compete for one of 400 fellowships available for 2027/28.