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

Overview

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) was set up by Hong Kong's Research Grants Council in 2009 to attract outstanding doctoral students from around the world to universities in Hong Kong. The 2027/28 round will award 400 fellowships to new full-time PhD students at participating institutions. Applicants are considered regardless of country of origin, prior work experience or ethnic background.

What you get

Each fellow receives an annual stipend of HK$344,400 and an annual HK$14,400 allowance for conference and research-related travel. Support lasts for up to three years, and the chosen university may provide additional support if the PhD takes longer. Hong Kong universities normally begin their academic year in September.

Who can apply

Applicants must be seeking admission as new full-time PhD students at one of eight participating universities and must satisfy the admission requirements of the university and programme they choose. Selection panels look at four qualities: outstanding academic performance, research ability or potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities. Research potential can be shown through earlier research projects, publications, conference presentations, research-related work or a developed research direction. Leadership does not require a formal position and can be shown through initiative, leading projects or community impact.

The participating universities include 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 and The University of Hong Kong.

Key dates

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.