The HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme 2027–2028 at the University of Hong Kong is one of the university’s most prestigious scholarship opportunities for outstanding students pursuing full-time PhD studies. The program aims to attract exceptional research candidates from around the world by offering comprehensive financial support alongside excellent academic, research, and professional development opportunities.
For the 2027–2028 admission cycle, selected HKU Presidential PhD Scholars can receive a scholarship package worth approximately HK 428,300 in each subsequent year during the normative study period. The benefits include a monthly postgraduate scholarship, a tuition fee waiver, research and living support, funding for conference participation and research travel, and a guaranteed place in university accommodation during the first year.
Applications for HKU PhD programs and the HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Program are accepted throughout the year. For the 2027–2028 admission cycle, the main application round runs from 1 September 2026 to 1 December 2026. Additional clearing rounds may continue into 2027, subject to the availability of places.
HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme 2027–2028 Details
- Host Country: Hong Kong
- University: The University of Hong Kong (HKU)
- Degree Level: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Eligible Applicants: International Students
- Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
- Main Application Deadline: 1 December 2026
Degree Level
The HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme 2027/28 supports outstanding students pursuing eligible full-time doctoral research programmes at the University of Hong Kong.
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Three-year or four-year doctoral programs, depending on the applicant’s qualifications and program requirements.
This scholarship is not available for bachelor’s or master’s degrees. Applicants must apply for admission to an eligible full-time PhD program at HKU.
Available Subjects
The program covers a wide range of academic disciplines, including
- Arts and Humanities
- Business and Economics
- Engineering and Technology
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Law
- Education
- Science
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
- Data Science
- Social Sciences and Public Health
- Environmental and Biomedical Sciences
- Architecture and Interdisciplinary Research
Applicants should check their chosen PhD program for specific academic, research, and English-language requirements.
Eligibility Criteria for the HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme 2027/28
Applicants must meet the admission requirements of their chosen full-time PhD program at the University of Hong Kong.
- Four-year PhD: Applicants generally need a bachelor’s degree with first-class honors or an equivalent qualification, or an honors bachelor’s degree together with a taught master’s degree.
- Three-year PhD: Applicants generally need an honors bachelor’s degree and a research master’s degree or equivalent qualifications.
- Additional Requirements: Relevant faculties or departments may require further academic qualifications or other criteria.
- Research Potential: The program is highly competitive and seeks exceptional candidates with strong academic backgrounds and a genuine passion for research.
English Language Requirements
- Applicants may need to provide proof of English proficiency if their previous institution did not use English entirely as the language of instruction and examination.
- Accepted evidence may include TOEFL, IELTS Academic, GCE, IGCSE, or the Cambridge Test of Proficiency in English Language, subject to HKU’s applicable requirements.
- TOEFL and IELTS results must meet the university’s validity requirements.
- TOEFL iBT Home Edition and IELTS One Skill Retake are not accepted.
- Applicants should confirm the exact English-language requirements for their intended PhD program.
Benefits of the HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme 2027/28
The HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme provides comprehensive financial assistance and academic development opportunities, including:
- Monthly Stipend: HK$28,700 Postgraduate Scholarship.
- First-Year Cash Award: HK$40,000.
- Subsequent-Year Award: HK$20,000 annually during the remaining normative study period.
- Tuition Fee Waiver: Full waiver of composition fees, valued at HK$49,500 per year for 2027/28.
- Research Travel Allowance: HK$14,400 annually for conferences and research-related travel.
- Accommodation: A guaranteed university hall place in the first year, with the possibility of renewal.
- Extended Funding: Additional financial support may be available to selected outstanding scholars beyond the normative study period, based on exceptional research output and progress.
- Academic Mentorship: Individualized academic guidance and advisory support.
- Professional Development: Teaching training and opportunities to interact with leading scholars.
- Career Development: Additional support for academic growth and career advancement.
The total scholarship package is worth approximately HK428,300 in each subsequent year during the normative study period.
Required Documents for HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme 2027/28
Applicants should prepare the documents required for their chosen PhD program. Depending on the department and the applicant’s academic background, these may include:
- Completed online PhD admission application.
- Updated academic CV or résumé.
- Bachelor’s degree certificate and academic transcripts.
- Master’s degree certificate and transcripts, if applicable.
- Research proposal or statement of research interests, if required.
- Personal statement or statement of purpose, if requested.
- Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable.
- Identification document or passport.
- Academic reference letters or referee details.
- Publications, research papers, or other evidence of research experience, if available or required.
- Any additional documents requested by the relevant faculty or department.
Important: This is a general preparation checklist, not a confirmed universal document list. Applicants should consult the official HKU PhD admission instructions for the exact documents required by their selected program.
Application Process for HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme 2027/28
Follow these steps to apply for the HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme:
- Visit the Official Website: Open the University of Hong Kong’s official Presidential PhD Scholar Programme page.
- Choose a PhD Program: Identify an eligible full-time doctoral program that matches your academic background and research interests.
- Check Eligibility: Review the program-specific admission requirements, English-language criteria, and application instructions.
- Prepare Your Documents: Gather your academic transcripts, certificates, CV, research proposal, references, and other required materials.
- Submit an Online Application: Complete the HKU PhD admission application through the university’s official application system.
- Apply for Scholarship Consideration: Follow the official instructions to ensure that you are considered for the HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme.
- Submit Before the Deadline: Aim to complete your application by 1 December 2026 for the main 2027/28 application round.
- Monitor Your Application: Check your email and application portal for updates, requests for further information, and admission decisions.
Selection Process
The HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme is highly competitive. Applicants are considered based on their eligibility for PhD admission and the strength of their academic and research profiles.
The assessment may consider:
- Academic qualifications and performance.
- Research experience and achievements.
- Research proposal and alignment with the chosen program, where applicable.
- Academic references and recommendations.
- Potential to contribute to research at the University of Hong Kong.
- Additional criteria established by the relevant faculty or selection committee.
Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee selection for the scholarship.
Deadline: 1st December 2026
Apply Now
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme 2027/28?
It is a prestigious scholarship program at the University of Hong Kong that provides financial support and academic development opportunities to outstanding students pursuing eligible full-time PhD studies.
2. Is the HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme fully funded?
The program offers a comprehensive funding package that includes a monthly stipend, a composition fee waiver, research travel funding, cash awards, and first-year university hall accommodation.
3. Who can apply for the HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme?
Eligible local and international applicants who meet the admission requirements of an eligible full-time HKU PhD program may be considered, subject to the program’s selection criteria.
4. What is the application deadline for 2027/28?
The main application deadline is 1 December 2026. Additional clearing rounds may continue into 2027, depending on available places and official arrangements.
5. How much is the monthly stipend?
The postgraduate scholarship is HK$28,700 per month for the 2027/28 admission cycle.
6. What is the total value of the scholarship?
The total package is worth approximately HK428,300 in each subsequent year during the normative study period.
7. Can bachelor’s or master’s students apply?
No. The scholarship supports eligible full-time PhD programs and is not a bachelor’s or master’s scholarship.
8. Is IELTS required for the HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme?
English-language proof may be required depending on the applicant’s educational background and the chosen program. Applicants should check the official requirements of their intended PhD program.
9. Does the scholarship cover accommodation?
A university hall place is guaranteed during the first year, with the possibility of renewal subject to the applicable arrangements.
10. How can I apply for the HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme?
Applicants should select an eligible PhD programme, review its admission requirements, prepare the necessary documents, and submit an online application through HKU’s official admission system while following the scholarship instructions.
