Hong Kong PhD Fellowship 2027/28: HK$344,400

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

Apply for Hong Kong PhD Fellowship 2027/28. Check HK$344,400 stipend, eligibility, benefits, documents, deadlines and application process.

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 2027/28 is a prestigious opportunity for outstanding international students who want to pursue a full-time PhD in Hong Kong. Established by Hong Kong’s Research Grants Council (RGC) in 2009, the scheme aims to attract high-achieving researchers from around the world to Hong Kong’s leading universities.

For the 2027/28 academic year, 400 PhD fellowships will be awarded. The current fellowship package provides an annual stipend of HK$344,400, plus HK$14,400 per year for conference and research-related travel expenses, for up to three years. Universities may provide additional support when a PhD requires more than three years to complete.

Applications for the 2027/28 intake opened on 1 September 2026 and the initial application deadline is 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong time.

Scholarship Overview

The HKPFS is designed for applicants seeking admission as new full-time PhD students at one of eight participating Hong Kong universities. Applicants from all countries are eligible to apply, provided they satisfy the relevant university and programme admission requirements.

At a Glance

Feature	Details
Scholarship	Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme
Academic Year	2027/28
Study Level	PhD
Location	Hong Kong
Fellowships	400
Annual Stipend	HK$344,400
Travel Allowance	HK$14,400/year
Funding Duration	Up to 3 years
Eligible Applicants	Applicants from all countries
Universities	8 participating universities
Study Mode	Full-time PhD
Application Opens	1 September 2026
Initial Deadline	1 December 2026, 12:00 noon HKT
Application Fee to RGC	Free
University Application	Required separately
Academic Year Begins	Usually September

The stipend for 2026/27 is officially listed as HK$344,400 per year, while the 2027/28 scheme will provide 400 awards. Applicants should check the latest official award terms when the final university offers are issued.

University Overview

The HKPFS is offered through eight UGC-funded universities in Hong Kong:

• 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

These institutions offer PhD programmes across science, technology, medicine, engineering, business, social sciences, education, humanities and other research areas.

Because the fellowship is linked to university admission, applicants should select programmes based not only on university reputation but also on research fit, available supervisors and programme requirements.

Why Study in Hong Kong?

International Research Environment

Hong Kong provides an international academic environment connecting researchers from Asia and around the world.

Leading Universities

The eight participating universities include some of Hong Kong’s major research institutions, giving scholars access to established research communities and facilities.

Strong Financial Support

The annual HK$344,400 stipend provides substantial financial assistance during the funded period, while an additional HK$14,400 is available each year for conference and research-related travel.

International Networking

PhD scholars can develop academic networks with researchers, professors and fellow students from different countries and disciplines.

Career & Research Development

The fellowship is particularly attractive to applicants planning careers in research, academia, higher education, industry R&D or other research-intensive fields.

Degree Level

PhD

The HKPFS is specifically designed for full-time PhD study. It is not a Bachelor’s or general Master’s scholarship.

Applicants must seek admission as new full-time PhD students at one of the participating universities.

The fellowship normally provides support for up to three years. If a scholar needs more than three years to complete the PhD, the selected university may provide additional support according to its own arrangements.

Available Fields of Study

The scheme covers a broad range of disciplines through its participating universities.

Popular areas include:

• Engineering & Technology
• Computer Science & AI
• Business & Economics
• Social Sciences
• Education
• Medicine & Health
• Natural Sciences
• Environmental Studies
• Humanities
• Communication & Media
• Architecture & Design
• Mathematics & Statistics

Applicants should check the individual university’s PhD programmes and identify a research area that closely matches their academic background and proposed research.

Scholarship Benefits

The HKPFS provides a strong financial package for selected PhD fellows.

Annual Stipend

Each awardee receives an annual stipend of HK$344,400, equivalent to approximately HK$28,700 per month based on the annual figure.

Conference & Research Travel Allowance

Awardees receive HK$14,400 per year for conference and research-related travel expenses.

Funding Duration

The fellowship is provided for a period of up to three years. Additional university support may be available if the PhD takes longer.

400 Fellowships

A total of 400 PhD fellowships will be awarded for the 2027/28 academic year.

Hidden Costs

Although the HKPFS provides substantial financial support, applicants should not assume that every expense will automatically be covered.

Cost	What Applicants Should Know
Tuition/University Fees	Check the selected university’s specific arrangements
Accommodation	Budget depends on university housing and personal choice
Food	Usually paid from the stipend
Local Transportation	Personal living expense
Visa/Immigration Costs	Check university and Hong Kong immigration requirements
Airfare	Check the university’s offer and funding terms
Personal Expenses	Not separately covered
Study Materials	Some expenses may be the student’s responsibility
Additional Research Costs	Check supervisor/programme funding
Extra Travel	Beyond eligible conference/research allowance may require personal funding

The RGC fellowship provides the stated stipend and research-related travel allowance, but applicants should carefully review their chosen university’s financial and admission arrangements before accepting an offer.

Eligibility Criteria

The HKPFS is open to applicants from all countries, regardless of country of origin, prior work experience or ethnic background.

Applicants should be seeking admission as new full-time PhD students at one of the participating universities.

The RGC particularly looks for candidates with:

• Outstanding academic performance
• Strong research ability or potential
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Leadership abilities

There is no single universal GPA or age requirement stated by the RGC on the scheme overview. However, individual universities and PhD programmes can have their own admission requirements.

Required Documents

The exact documents vary according to the university and PhD programme, but applicants should normally prepare the following:

✓	Document	Purpose
☐	Academic Certificates	Verify educational qualifications
☐	Academic Transcripts	Demonstrate academic performance
☐	CV/Resume	Present academic and research background
☐	Research Proposal	Explain proposed research
☐	Statement of Purpose	Explain motivation and academic goals
☐	Recommendation Letters	Provide academic/research references
☐	English Proficiency Certificate	Meet university language requirements
☐	Passport/ID	Verify identity
☐	Publications	Include where applicable
☐	Research/Professional Experience	Provide evidence of relevant experience
☐	Other University-Specific Documents	Follow programme requirements

Applicants should remember that the HKPFS initial application is not the complete university admission application. After submitting the initial HKPFS application, applicants must submit full PhD applications to their chosen universities before the respective university deadlines.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step	What to Do	Practical Guidance
Choose your research field	Identify your intended PhD area	Select a subject matching your academic background
Research universities	Explore the eight participating universities	Compare programmes, supervisors and research facilities
Select programmes	Choose up to two university/programme choices	The HKPFS system allows a maximum of two choices
Find potential supervisors	Identify professors working in your research area	Review their recent publications and research projects
Prepare research proposal	Develop a clear research topic	Explain research question, methodology and expected contribution
Prepare CV	Highlight academic and research achievements	Include publications, projects, awards and relevant experience
Prepare statement	Explain why you want the PhD	Connect your research interests with the selected programme
Arrange references	Contact suitable referees	Prefer professors or research supervisors who know your work
Check English requirement	Review each university’s language rules	Requirements can differ by programme
Submit HKPFS Initial Application	Register through the HKPFS Electronic System	Application period is 1 September–1 December 2026
Receive HKPFS Reference Number	Save your confirmation email	You need the number for university applications
Submit full university application	Apply directly to your chosen university/universities	Quote your HKPFS Reference Number
Complete university requirements	Upload all university-specific documents	Follow the individual deadline
Attend interview	Participate if shortlisted	Prepare to discuss your research proposal
University nomination	Universities assess and nominate candidates	The RGC conducts the fellowship-level selection
Final selection	RGC Selection Panels assess shortlisted applicants	Academic excellence is the primary consideration
Receive result	Successful applicants receive fellowship offers	Results are expected in May 2027
Complete admission formalities	Follow university instructions	Prepare for enrolment and visa arrangements

The initial HKPFS application allows applicants to select at most two university/department/programme choices. After submitting it, applicants must complete the full admission applications directly with their chosen universities.

One important point is that an HKPFS initial application becomes void if it is not followed by a full university application.

Application Timeline

Date/Period	Activity
1 September 2026	HKPFS 2027/28 initial applications open
September–November 2026	Prepare university applications and research documents
1 December 2026, 12:00 noon HKT	Initial HKPFS application deadline
After HKPFS submission	Submit full application to selected universities
University-specific deadline	Varies by institution
Interview/Assessment	Conducted by individual universities
Selection Stage	RGC Selection Panels review shortlisted applications
May 2027	HKPFS results announced
September 2027	Academic year normally begins

The official initial application window is 1 September 2026 at 12:00 noon to 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong time. Late submissions are not considered.

Selection Criteria

HKPFS applications are assessed through two broad academic panels:

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

The four main selection criteria are:

• Academic excellence
• Research ability and potential
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Leadership abilities

Academic excellence is identified as the prime consideration, but applicants are also evaluated for research potential, communication skills and leadership.

Accommodation & Living Costs

Hong Kong is an international metropolitan city and living costs can be significant, particularly for accommodation.

The annual HK$344,400 fellowship stipend is intended to support scholars during their PhD studies. Applicants should nevertheless create a realistic monthly budget covering:

• Accommodation
• Food
• Transportation
• Mobile and internet
• Personal expenses
• Academic materials
• Health and other miscellaneous expenses

The actual cost will depend heavily on the university, accommodation type and lifestyle.

Students should investigate university accommodation options early because housing availability and costs can differ significantly between institutions.

Part-time Jobs

The HKPFS is designed to support students undertaking full-time PhD research. Applicants should therefore consider the fellowship as their primary financial support rather than relying on part-time employment.

Any proposed employment should be checked against the relevant university regulations and Hong Kong immigration conditions before accepting paid work.

For research-focused students, maintaining sufficient time for coursework, research, publications and academic activities should remain the priority.

Student Visa Process

International students admitted to Hong Kong universities normally need to obtain an appropriate student visa/entry permit.

A typical process is:

PhD Admission → Fellowship/University Confirmation → Visa Application → Visa Approval → Travel to Hong Kong → University Registration

Applicants should prepare documents such as:

• Valid passport
• University admission letter
• Fellowship/financial documents
• Academic documents
• Visa application forms
• Passport photographs
• Financial or sponsorship information where required

The exact immigration process should be confirmed with the selected university and Hong Kong Immigration Department.

Tips from Previous Applicants

• Start contacting potential supervisors early.
• Read the professor’s recent publications before sending an email.
• Make your research proposal specific rather than overly broad.
• Apply to programmes where your academic background fits naturally.
• Keep your HKPFS and university applications consistent.
• Save your HKPFS Reference Number and confirmation email.
• Check each university’s separate deadline carefully.

The RGC specifically requires applicants to quote their HKPFS Reference Number in applications to the selected universities.

Common Mistakes

• Submitting more than one HKPFS initial application
• Choosing more than two university/programme options
• Missing the 1 December 2026 initial deadline
• Forgetting to submit the separate university application
• Using an overly general research proposal
• Ignoring individual university admission requirements
• Failing to save the HKPFS Reference Number

The RGC warns that submitting more than one initial application can result in disqualification of all applications, even if an applicant has been nominated by a university.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme?

The HKPFS is a Research Grants Council initiative established in 2009 to attract outstanding international students to pursue PhD studies at Hong Kong universities.

2. How much is the HKPFS stipend?

The current published award is HK$344,400 per year, approximately HK$28,700 per month when divided across 12 months.

3. Is HKPFS fully funded?

It provides a substantial fellowship package including an annual stipend and research/conference travel allowance. Applicants should still check the individual university’s fees and additional support arrangements.

4. How many fellowships are available for 2027/28?

400 PhD fellowships will be awarded for the 2027/28 academic year.

5. Who can apply?

Applicants from all countries can apply if they are seeking admission as new full-time PhD students and meet the relevant university and programme requirements.

6. Do I need work experience?

The RGC does not restrict eligibility based on prior work experience. Individual PhD programmes may have their own requirements.

7. How many universities can I choose?

You can choose up to two university/department/programme choices in the initial HKPFS application.

8. Do I need to apply separately to the university?

Yes. The HKPFS initial application does not replace the university admission application. You must submit the full PhD application to your selected university or universities before their respective deadlines.

9. When is the HKPFS 2027/28 deadline?

The initial application deadline is 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong time.

10. Is there an application fee?

The RGC does not charge an application fee for the HKPFS. However, individual universities may charge their own application or processing fees.

11. When will the results be announced?

The RGC states that successful applicants for the HKPFS 2027/28 will be notified in May 2027.

12. What are the main selection criteria?

The four key criteria are academic excellence, research ability/potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities.

13. Is the fellowship available for Master’s degrees?

No. HKPFS is specifically a PhD fellowship scheme for new full-time PhD students.

14. Can I apply if I am already studying in Hong Kong?

The scheme is intended for applicants seeking admission as new full-time PhD students. Applicants should check their individual circumstances and the relevant university’s requirements.

15. What happens if I don’t receive the HKPFS award?

A candidate who is not selected for the fellowship may still be accepted for regular PhD admission by the university and may potentially receive university postgraduate studentship support.

Conclusion

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28 is an excellent opportunity for high-achieving students who want to pursue a research-based PhD in Hong Kong.

With 400 fellowships, an annual stipend of HK$344,400, and HK$14,400 per year for conference and research-related travel, the scheme provides strong financial support for successful scholars.

However, this is a highly competitive fellowship. Applicants should focus on more than academic grades. A strong research proposal, relevant research experience, suitable university and supervisor fit, effective recommendations, communication skills and evidence of leadership can all contribute to a competitive application.

For the 2027/28 intake, the initial application is open from 1 September 2026 until 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong time. Remember that submitting the initial HKPFS form is only the first stage—you must also submit the full PhD application to your selected university or universities before their individual deadlines.