Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28 – Fully Funded PhD Opportunity

Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28 – Fully Funded PhD Opportunity

Applications are open for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 2027/28. This prestigious international fellowship is offered by the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong to attract outstanding students from around the world for full-time PhD studies at leading universities in Hong Kong. Pakistani students and applicants from other countries are eligible to apply. Selected fellows receive an annual stipend of HK$344,400 and an additional annual allowance of HK$14,400 for conference and research-related travel. The initial application deadline is December 1, 2026.

Scholarship Details

About the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme was established in 2009 by the Research Grants Council (RGC) to attract talented students from around the world to pursue doctoral studies in Hong Kong.

For the 2027/28 academic year, the scheme will award 400 fellowships to outstanding candidates admitted to full-time PhD programmes at eight participating universities. The selection process considers academic excellence, research ability, communication skills, interpersonal abilities, and leadership potential.

Applicants can select up to two PhD programmes in one or two participating universities. They must submit an initial application to the Research Grants Council and then complete separate PhD admission applications with their chosen universities.

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

Fellowship Benefits

• ✅ Annual stipend of HK$344,400 (approximately HK$28,700 per month).
• ✅ Annual conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$14,400.
• ✅ Financial support for up to three years under the fellowship scheme.
• ✅ Opportunity to study at one of eight leading universities in Hong Kong.
• ✅ Additional support may be provided by the chosen university if a student needs more than three years to complete the PhD.

Note: Tuition fees and any additional university benefits depend on the selected university’s funding arrangements. Applicants should check the individual university’s official PhD funding information.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following general requirements:

• ✅ Applicants from all countries, including Pakistan, are eligible to apply.
• ✅ Must be seeking admission as a new full-time PhD student at a participating Hong Kong university.
• ✅ Must demonstrate outstanding academic performance.
• ✅ Must demonstrate strong research ability and potential.
• ✅ Must have good communication and interpersonal skills.
• ✅ Must demonstrate leadership abilities and potential.
• ✅ Must meet the admission requirements of the selected university and PhD programme.

There is no single universal GPA requirement published for all participating universities. Each university and department has its own admission criteria, so applicants should review the requirements of their chosen programmes.

Required Documents

The initial application to the Research Grants Council requires personal information and the selection of universities and PhD programmes. Applicants must also prepare documents for the separate university admission applications. These may include:

• Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Research proposal or statement of research interests.
• Personal statement or statement of purpose, if required.
• Recommendation letters from academic referees.
• English language proficiency test results, if required by the university.
• Passport or other identification documents.
• Any additional documents requested by the selected university or department.

How to Apply

The application process has two main steps. Applicants must complete both steps to be considered for the fellowship.

1. Visit the official Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme website.
2. Read the official guidance notes before starting the application.
3. Submit one initial application through the HKPFS Electronic System.
4. Select up to two PhD programmes in one or two participating universities.
5. Submit the initial application and obtain your HKPFS Reference Number.
6. Save your reference number and use it in your university admission applications.
7. Submit separate full PhD admission applications to your selected universities before their deadlines.
8. Complete all university-specific requirements and prepare for interviews if shortlisted.

Important: Only one initial application can be submitted to the Research Grants Council. Submitting multiple initial applications may result in disqualification. An initial application without the required follow-up university admission application will be considered void.

Frequently Asked Questions