Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027–2028

Applications are opening for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 2027–2028, one of Hong Kong’s major fully funded opportunities for outstanding students seeking to pursue doctoral research.

Established by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council (RGC) in 2009, the scheme aims to attract exceptional students from around the world to undertake PhD programmes at Hong Kong’s government-funded universities. Approximately 300 fellowships are awarded each academic year.

The HKPFS is open to new applicants seeking admission to full-time PhD programmes at eligible government-funded institutions in Hong Kong.

There is no restriction based on an applicant’s country of origin or ethnic background, making the fellowship an attractive opportunity for international students.

Candidates are assessed on qualities including outstanding academic performance, research ability or potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities.

Fellowship at a Glance

Detail	Information
Fellowship	Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme
Academic Year	2027–2028
Study Level	PhD
Location	Hong Kong
Number of Awards	Around 300 annually
Monthly Scholarship	HK$28,700
Research/Conference Travel	HK$14,400 per year
Standard Funding Period	Up to 3 years
HKU 4th-Year Support	Available for 4-year PhD programmes
RGC Deadline	December 1, 2026, 12:00 noon HKT

Financial Benefits

Each successful HKPFS recipient for the 2027–2028 admission cycle will receive a Postgraduate Scholarship of HK$28,700 per month.

This equals HK$344,400 per year before considering the additional allowances and university-specific support.

Recipients also receive a conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$14,400 per year.

RGC funding is provided for a period of up to three years. For HKPFS recipients admitted to a four-year PhD programme at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), HKU states that it will provide the same support during the fourth year.

Additional HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship

For the 2027–2028 exercise, HKU states that its HKPFS recipients will additionally receive the HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship.

This substantially increases the overall support package.

Successful HKU recipients receive a HK$40,000 cash award in Year 1, followed by HK$20,000 per year during the remaining normative study period. This money is intended to support research and living expenses.

HKU also provides a composition fee waiver worth HK$49,500 per year for the entire normative study period.

Other benefits include financial support for selected outstanding students requiring an additional year beyond their normative study period, subject to research output and progress.

Recipients are also guaranteed a hall place during their first year, with the possibility of renewal.

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is available to new applicants to full-time PhD programmes at government-funded institutions in Hong Kong.

Applicants can come from any country or ethnic background.

Competitive candidates are expected to demonstrate strength in four major areas:

Academic performance
Research ability and potential
Communication and interpersonal skills
Leadership abilities

Because the scheme seeks highly talented research students internationally, applicants should ensure their academic and research achievements are clearly demonstrated throughout their application.

How to Apply for HKPFS 2027–2028

Applying involves two important stages.

Step 1: Apply Through the RGC

Applicants must first submit an initial online application through the Research Grants Council’s HKPFS Electronic System.

Submit HKPFS Initial Application

The deadline is:

December 1, 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time (GMT+8).

After completing the initial application, candidates will receive an HKPFS Reference Number.

Applicants should submit only one RGC application. According to the supplied information, multiple applications from the same person will result in disqualification.

Step 2: Apply to the University

Applicants seeking admission to HKU must subsequently submit their full PhD application through the university’s online application system.

HKU Online Application System

Candidates must indicate that they are applying for HKPFS and enter the HKPFS Reference Number obtained during Step 1.

For HKU, this application must also be submitted by December 1, 2026.

Choosing Universities and PhD Programmes

During the initial RGC application, candidates can select up to two programmes or departments at one or two universities.

These choices need careful consideration because they cannot be changed after the RGC application deadline.

Only one HKPFS award will be offered to a successful applicant. The supplied HKU guidance also warns that declining an offer from the institution listed as the applicant’s first choice does not automatically transfer the fellowship to the second-choice institution.

Applicants specifically hoping to pursue their PhD at HKU are therefore advised by the university to list HKU as their first choice.

Why Consider the HKPFS?

The fellowship combines substantial financial support with the opportunity to pursue advanced research in Hong Kong.

For an HKU recipient, the package can include the HK$28,700 monthly scholarship, annual HK$14,400 research and conference travel allowance, additional Presidential PhD Scholarship cash awards, composition fee waiver and accommodation support.

It is also an international programme: eligibility for new full-time PhD applicants is not restricted by nationality or ethnic background.

Important Dates

Applications normally open: September 1
RGC application deadline: December 1, 2026
Deadline time: 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time (GMT+8)
Academic intake: 2027–2028

Applicants should begin preparing well before December, particularly because PhD applications may require research proposals, academic records, references and programme-specific materials.

Official Information

Prospective applicants can review the complete fellowship information through the University of Hong Kong Graduate School.

HKU – Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027–2028

For the broader fellowship scheme and participating universities:

Hong Kong Research Grants Council – HKPFS

Final Summary

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027–2028 provides around 300 highly competitive PhD fellowships annually for outstanding applicants from around the world.

Awardees receive HK$28,700 per month plus HK$14,400 annually for conference and research-related travel for up to three years. HKU candidates can receive significant additional support through the HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship.

Application deadline: December 1, 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time.

SEO Keywords

Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027, HKPFS 2027, fully funded PhD scholarships 2027, Hong Kong scholarships for international students, HKU PhD scholarship 2027, fully funded PhD in Hong Kong, PhD scholarships 2027-2028, HKPFS scholarship benefits, Hong Kong Research Grants Council fellowship, international PhD scholarships 2027, HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship, scholarships in Hong Kong 2027, fully funded scholarships 2027

APPLY NOW