University of Hong Kong Research Postgraduate Scholarship

University of Hong Kong Research Postgraduate Scholarship provides monthly financial support for eligible full-time MPhil and PhD students undertaking research postgraduate study at the University of Hong Kong (HKU).

For the period effective 1 September 2026, the basic Postgraduate Scholarship (PGS) is HK$19,135 per month. PhD students whose probationary candidature has been fully confirmed receive the higher rate of HK$19,655 per month, beginning from the following calendar month.

This makes the HKU Postgraduate Scholarship an important funding opportunity for students seeking research Master’s and PhD study in Hong Kong.

Important headline update: The current official figure is HK$19,135 per month, rather than HK$19,100. Using the exact HK$19,135 figure will make the headline more accurate.

About the University of Hong Kong Postgraduate Scholarship

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) offers Postgraduate Scholarships to support eligible research postgraduate students during their studies.

The funding is primarily available to full-time students undertaking MPhil and PhD programmes. It should therefore not be confused with funding for ordinary taught Master’s programmes.

According to HKU, apart from recipients of the HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme (HKU-PS) and Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS), other eligible full-time MPhil and PhD students are normally considered for the Postgraduate Scholarship during their normative study period.

Funding remains subject to availability.

HK$19,135 Monthly Scholarship

One of the major benefits is the monthly scholarship.

Effective from 1 September 2026, HKU states that the basic Postgraduate Scholarship level is:

HK$19,135 per month

At this rate, 12 months of funding would equal approximately HK$229,620, although the scholarship is awarded annually and remains subject to the University’s conditions.

The scholarship value may also be reviewed by HKU from time to time, meaning future rates are not necessarily guaranteed to remain unchanged.

Higher HK$19,655 Monthly Rate for Confirmed PhD Candidates

Eligible PhD students can receive a higher scholarship rate after reaching an important stage of their doctoral candidature.

A PGS recipient whose PhD probationary candidature has been fully confirmed receives:

HK$19,655 per month

The higher rate takes effect from the calendar month following full confirmation of probation.

At the current rate, this corresponds to approximately HK$235,860 over 12 months.

This distinction is important for applicants comparing funding because the HK$19,655 figure does not automatically apply to every new research postgraduate student.

Who Is Eligible?

HKU states that, apart from HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme and Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme awardees, other full-time PhD and MPhil students are normally considered eligible for the Postgraduate Scholarship if they hold a first degree with:

Second-class honours, first division, or an equivalent qualification or above.

Results obtained in a Master’s degree may also be considered.

Eligibility does not mean that every qualifying student is automatically guaranteed funding. HKU specifically states that scholarship consideration is subject to the availability of funding.

Prospective students should therefore distinguish between being academically eligible for consideration and receiving a confirmed scholarship award.

MPhil and PhD Research Opportunities

The Postgraduate Scholarship applies to research postgraduate study.

An MPhil is a research-focused postgraduate degree that generally involves advanced research and the completion of a thesis under academic supervision.

A PhD involves more extensive original research and is intended for candidates seeking advanced academic, scientific, professional or research careers.

Applicants should first identify an appropriate research programme and carefully review its admission requirements before submitting an application.

The University’s research opportunities can span numerous academic disciplines, but individual programme requirements may differ.

Scholarship Renewal

The HKU Postgraduate Scholarship is awarded on an annual basis.

It can be renewed when the recipient demonstrates satisfactory academic progress, funding remains available and the scholar continues to comply with the University’s Regulations Governing Postgraduate Scholarships.

This means scholarship recipients are expected to maintain satisfactory progress throughout their research programme.

Funding should not be interpreted as an unconditional payment guaranteed regardless of academic performance.

Normative Study Period

Eligible full-time MPhil and PhD students are normally considered for the PGS during their normative study period.

Applicants should check the duration associated with their specific research degree because programme structures can differ.

The scholarship system is therefore designed to support eligible researchers while they progress through the standard period of their postgraduate research programme, subject to funding availability and satisfactory progress.

HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme

Applicants pursuing doctoral study should also be aware of the HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme (HKU-PS).

The University’s scholarship information distinguishes HKU-PS awardees when explaining its Postgraduate Scholarship arrangements.

Highly competitive PhD applicants may therefore want to investigate the Presidential programme separately to understand its current eligibility requirements and benefits.

The PGS information alone should not be used to assume what additional benefits the Presidential programme provides.

Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme

Another major funding route mentioned by HKU is the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS).

This is separate from the standard Postgraduate Scholarship and is specifically relevant to PhD candidates.

Prospective doctoral applicants should compare the standard PGS, HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme and Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme when considering their available funding options.

Each scheme has its own conditions and potentially different application procedures.

How to Apply

Prospective students should begin by choosing an eligible MPhil or PhD research programme at the University of Hong Kong.

They can then complete the University’s research postgraduate admission application and provide the required academic and supporting documentation.

Applicants should carefully check the requirements of their proposed faculty, school or department because research degree admission requirements can differ.

HKU Graduate School Apply Now

Applicants should also consult the University’s official scholarship information before applying.

HKU Postgraduate Scholarships

Application Deadline

The scholarship information supplied does not state one universal application deadline for all HKU MPhil and PhD applicants.

Prospective students should therefore check the current application schedule for their chosen research postgraduate programme and admission round.

Applicants interested in additional opportunities such as the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme should also pay particular attention to the separate deadlines associated with those programmes.

Quick Facts

Category	Details
University	University of Hong Kong (HKU)
Location	Hong Kong
Scholarship	Postgraduate Scholarship (PGS)
Study Levels	MPhil and PhD
Study Type	Full-time research postgraduate
Basic Stipend	HK$19,135 per month
Effective Date	1 September 2026
Confirmed PhD Rate	HK$19,655 per month
Basic Annual Equivalent	Approx. HK$229,620
Higher Annual Equivalent	Approx. HK$235,860
Renewal	Annual, subject to satisfactory progress, funding and conditions
Academic Benchmark	Normally second-class honours first division or equivalent or above
Funding Availability	Subject to availability
Application	Online through HKU

Final Thoughts

The University of Hong Kong Research Postgraduate Scholarship provides substantial financial support for eligible students undertaking full-time MPhil and PhD research.

With a basic stipend of HK$19,135 per month from 1 September 2026, and an increased HK$19,655 monthly rate for PhD PGS holders after their probationary candidature is fully confirmed, the scholarship can provide valuable financial support while researchers concentrate on their academic work.

Applicants should remember that eligibility and funding are not identical: scholarships remain subject to funding availability, satisfactory progress and HKU’s scholarship regulations.

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