Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme is one of Hong Kong's flagship routes for outstanding international doctoral candidates. It is designed to attract strong researchers from around the world into full-time PhD study at the University Grants Committee funded universities in Hong Kong. The official scheme page says the award is open for application now, with the 2027/28 round accepting initial applications from 2026-09-01 to 2026-12-01 at noon Hong Kong Time. Applicants may choose up to two PhD programmes, and they must also complete the relevant university admission steps before each university's deadline. Use the scholarship finder to compare more opportunities, and if you are shortlisting programmes, pair this with the course finder to identify suitable research areas.

Official overview

According to the Research Grants Council, HKPFS was established in 2009 and aims to bring the world's best and brightest minds to Hong Kong universities. The 2027/28 cycle plans to grant 400 fellowships. The scheme is competitive and merit based, with selection panels covering sciences, medicine, engineering, technology, humanities, social sciences, and business studies. The award is for new full-time PhD students only, so it is not a funded route for master's or undergraduate study. The official guidance also notes that shortlisted applicants must satisfy the admission requirements of the universities and departments they choose.

Funding and benefits

The official scheme page states that in the 2026/27 academic year each awardee receives an annual stipend of HK$344,400 and an annual conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$14,400 for up to three years. If a scholar needs more than three years to complete the PhD, additional support may be provided by the chosen university. Because award values can be updated from cycle to cycle, applicants should treat the 2026/27 figures as the latest confirmed public reference unless the 2027/28 call circular states otherwise. The scheme is generally regarded as fully funded for the stipend and research travel component, but candidates should read the university's own admission and top-up rules carefully.

Eligibility and fields of study

HKPFS is open to applicants from all over the world who are seeking admission as new full-time PhD students in a Hong Kong university. The official criteria emphasize academic excellence, research ability and potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership. The scheme does not restrict applicants to a single discipline, but the university and programme choice determines the actual field. Broadly, the eligible areas are grouped into sciences, medicine, engineering, technology, humanities, social sciences, and business studies. If you are unsure whether your intended topic fits, you should confirm with the target university before submitting the fellowship application.

Documents and application process

The official process has two parts. First, complete the initial online application through the HKPFS electronic system and obtain an HKPFS reference number. Second, submit full PhD admission applications to the selected university or universities, quoting that reference number. The official guidance allows up to two programme choices across one or two universities. Commonly required items include academic transcripts, degree certificates or proof of study, research proposal or statement of purpose, referees' reports, passport identity details, and any university-specific supplemental documents. The exact document list is governed by the universities and the call circular, so applicants should treat the university's instructions as controlling.

Timeline and important conditions

The initial application window for 2027/28 runs from 2026-09-01 to 2026-12-01 at noon Hong Kong Time. The universities listed by the Research Grants Council also have full application deadlines on or before 2026-12-01 at 11:59 p.m. Hong Kong Time, but applicants should always verify the precise deadline for the specific institution and programme they choose. The official page advises candidates to apply early because the university deadline may follow closely after the initial RGC submission. A practical preparation note: treat the research statement as the core of the application, and make sure your referees know the deadline well in advance.

How to prepare well

Confirmed requirements should always come first. Beyond that, strong preparation usually means matching your proposal to a supervisor or research group, presenting a concise and technically credible research question, and ensuring your transcript shows readiness for doctoral work. If your academic record needs context, consider adding an explanation in the parts of the form that allow it. You can also use the CGPA calculator to understand how your grades may look in a familiar format while you review university minimums. For writing and funding strategy, keep the application focused on research fit rather than broad personal claims.

Official resources

Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme overview

How to apply and university deadlines

Initial application system

Participating universities

Applicants should rely on the Research Grants Council page and the target university's own admissions page for any final instructions. If your preferred programme is not yet ready, watch the official site closely and submit early once your materials are complete.

Related scholarships and planning resources

Use the Scholarship Finder to compare your profile with the current catalog. You can also explore programmes with the Course Finder , review your academic standing with the CGPA Calculator , and read current application advice in the NGScholars article library .

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