The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 2027 offers an opportunity for talented international students to pursue a fully funded PhD at leading universities in Hong Kong.
The fellowship is funded by the Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong and is designed to attract outstanding researchers from around the world. For the 2026/27 academic year, the number of fellowships was increased from 300 to 400 awards.
Applicants from all nationalities are welcome to apply, and there is no application fee for the initial HKPFS application.
Successful fellows can receive an annual stipend and a conference and research-related travel allowance while pursuing their doctoral studies.
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027 Details
- Scholarship: Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)
- Host location: Hong Kong
- Number of fellowships: 400
- Study level: PhD / Doctoral
- Duration: 3 years
- Eligible applicants: International students from all nationalities
- Application fee: None for the HKPFS initial application
- Deadline: 1 December 2026
- Academic year: 2027/28
- Universities: 8 participating Hong Kong universities
Participating Universities
Applicants can apply for doctoral programmes at one of the following participating universities:
- 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
Each university has its own PhD programmes, admission requirements and application procedures. Applicants should carefully review the requirements of their chosen programme before submitting a full admission application.
Fields of Study
The HKPFS covers a wide range of academic disciplines. Depending on the university and available doctoral programmes, applicants may pursue research in areas including:
- Sciences
- Medicine
- Engineering and Technology
- Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Business Studies
Applicants should check the individual university websites to identify available PhD programmes and research areas that match their academic background and research interests.
What Does the Fellowship Cover?
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme provides financial support to successful fellows.
- Annual Stipend: Fellows receive an annual stipend of HK$344,400, which is approximately US$44,150.
- Conference and Research Travel Allowance: Fellows also receive a conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$14,400 per year, approximately US$1,840.
- Fellowship Duration: The standard fellowship period is three years. For students who require more than three years to complete their PhD, the relevant university may provide additional support according to its own policies.
When Does the Programme Start?
The academic year at Hong Kong universities normally begins in September.
Applicants should check the university and individual PhD programme they are applying to for the exact programme start date.
Who Can Apply?
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme is open to applicants from all nationalities.
To be considered, applicants generally need to:
- Be applying as a new full-time PhD student.
- Meet the academic and admission requirements of their selected university and PhD programme.
- Demonstrate strong academic and research potential.
- Select an eligible PhD programme at one of the participating universities.
- Meet the English-language requirements of the university and programme.
Previous work experience is not required for the fellowship.
English Language Requirements
Applicants should check the English-language requirements of their chosen university and programme.
If your previous degree was taught in English, you may be able to provide evidence of English-medium education where the university accepts this as proof of language proficiency.
Applicants whose previous education was not conducted in English may be required to provide an accepted English-language test result, such as IELTS or another test recognised by the university.
Important: English-language requirements can differ between universities and programmes, so applicants should verify the specific requirements before applying.
How to Apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027
The application process involves two main stages.
Step 1: Submit the Initial HKPFS Application
Before applying for admission to the universities, applicants must first submit an initial application through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Electronic System (HKPFSES).
The initial application must be submitted by:
1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time.
After successfully submitting the initial application, you will receive an HKPFS Reference Number.
You will need this reference number when submitting your applications to your selected universities.
Step 2: Apply to Your Selected Universities
After completing the initial HKPFS application, applicants must submit the required PhD admission applications directly to their selected universities.
Applicants may select up to two programmes/departments at one or two participating universities.
When submitting your university applications, make sure you include your HKPFS Reference Number as required.
The universities will assess applicants for admission and the fellowship according to their respective procedures.
Important Application Documents
The exact documents required can vary depending on the university and PhD programme. Applicants should prepare documents such as:
- Academic certificates and transcripts
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Research proposal or statement of research interests
- Academic references/recommendation letters
- English-language proficiency evidence, where required
- Passport or identification document
- Other documents requested by the selected university
Always check the official requirements of your chosen PhD programme before submitting your application.
How to Make Your Application Stronger
Because the HKPFS is highly competitive, applicants should pay particular attention to the quality of their academic and research profile.
Prepare a strong research proposal
Your research proposal should clearly explain:
- The research problem you want to investigate
- Why the topic is important
- Your research objectives
- Proposed methodology
- Expected contribution of the research
- Why the research is suitable for your selected university
Highlight academic achievements
Include relevant academic achievements, awards, publications, research projects and other accomplishments that demonstrate your potential as a doctoral researcher.
Tailor your CV
Your CV should focus on your academic and research experience rather than unrelated employment history.
Highlight:
- Degrees and academic qualifications
- Research experience
- Publications
- Conferences
- Academic awards
- Research projects
- Relevant professional experience
- Technical or research skills
- Academic achievements
If you have published research papers, place them in a clearly labelled Publications section.
Deadline
The deadline for the initial Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme application is:
1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time.
Do not wait until the final day to submit your application. You will also need sufficient time to complete the separate university admission applications after obtaining your HKPFS Reference Number.
Official Application Links
Applicants should use the official Research Grants Council/University Grants Committee resources for the application process.
HKPFS Official Website:
https://cerg1.ugc.edu.hk/hkpfs/index.html
HKPFS Initial Application System:
https://cerg1.ugc.edu.hk/hkpfs/InitApplication.jsp
Application Information:
https://cerg1.ugc.edu.hk/hkpfs/apply.html
Guidance Notes for the Initial Application:
https://cerg1.ugc.edu.hk/hkpfs/GuidanceNote.pdf
Final Thoughts
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027 is a major opportunity for international students seeking fully funded doctoral study in Hong Kong.
With 400 fellowships, competitive financial support and participation from eight leading Hong Kong universities, the programme provides opportunities across sciences, medicine, engineering, humanities, social sciences and business-related disciplines.
If you are interested in applying, start by identifying suitable PhD programmes and potential research areas at the participating universities. You should then prepare your academic documents, research proposal and CV before completing the initial HKPFS application by the 1 December 2026 deadline.
Important: Admission to a PhD programme and selection for the fellowship are competitive. Meeting the basic eligibility requirements does not guarantee an award.
