The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 2027/28 is the main doctoral fellowship offered by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council (RGC). The fellowship was created in 2009 with the goal of attracting exceptional and promising students from all over the world to pursue full-time doctoral studies in Hong Kong. It gives international students the chance to carry out advanced PhD research in a variety of academic fields at prestigious universities supported by the UGC.
The program will provide 400 PhD Fellowships in all fields to Hong Kong’s eight UGC-funded universities during the 2027–2028 academic year. The program is a great option for students who want to pursue doctoral-level research in Hong Kong because it is open to applicants from a variety of academic and research backgrounds.
The annual remuneration for each fellowship is HK$344,400 (about US$44,150). Additionally, for a maximum of three years, fellows will receive an annual travel stipend of HK$14,400 (about US$1,840) for conferences and research-related travel. The purpose of this funding is to assist fellows in covering their living, educational, research, and professional development costs while pursuing their PhD.
The HKPFS 2027–2028 application period began on September 1, 2026. The first deadline for applications is December 1, 2026, at 12:00 noon (Hong Kong Time). Before submitting their fellowship application, interested candidates should carefully consider the requirements and start compiling their academic records, research plans, and other necessary papers well in advance.
For gifted international students looking for fully funded doctoral research opportunities in Hong Kong and hoping to advance their academic and research careers in a globally renowned higher education setting, the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28 is a fantastic opportunity.
HKPFS 2027/28 – Quick Details
- Study in: Hong Kong SAR, China
- Degree Level: PhD (Full-time)
- Number of Awards: 400 PhD Fellowships
- Eligible Nationality: International Students
- Funding: Fully Funded
- Annual Stipend: HK$344,400
- Travel Allowance: HK$14,400 per year
- Duration: Up to 3 years
- Initial Application Deadline: 1 December 2026, 12:00 noon HKT
Participating Universities in Hong Kong
Applicants for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 2027/28 can select up to two PhD programmes or departments at one or two of the participating universities listed below. This gives applicants flexibility to apply to programmes that best match their academic background, research interests, and career goals.
The eight participating universities are:
- The University of Hong Kong (HKU)
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)
- The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)
- City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK)
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)
- Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU)
- Lingnan University (LU)
- The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK)
Applicants should carefully review the available PhD programmes and research areas at their preferred universities and choose programmes that closely align with their academic qualifications, research interests, and proposed research plans.
Degree Level – HKPFS 2027/28
The HKPFS 2027/28 supports full-time PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) study only. Applicants must be applying as new PhD students at one of the eight participating Hong Kong universities for the 2027/28 academic year. Students already enrolled in a PhD programme in Hong Kong are not eligible.
Available Subjects – HKPFS 2027/28
The fellowship is open to all PhD subjects and disciplines offered by the participating universities, including:
- Science, Mathematics and Data Science
- Engineering, Computer Science and AI
- Medicine, Public Health and Biomedical Sciences
- Business, Economics and Management
- Social Sciences, Psychology and Education
- Arts, Humanities, Languages and Law
- Architecture, Design and Environmental Studies
Eligibility Criteria – HKPFS 2027/28
To be considered for the HKPFS 2027/28, applicants must:
- For the 2027–2028 academic year, apply as a new full-time PhD student at one of the eight participating universities.
- Fulfill the PhD admission requirements of the chosen university and department, which usually ask for a master’s degree or a bachelor’s degree with first-class or second-class upper honors.
- Unless otherwise exempt, fulfill the university’s English language requirements, such as TOEFL or IELTS.
- Exhibit exceptional academic achievement, research aptitude and potential, interpersonal and communication skills, and leadership qualities.
Benefits – HKPFS 2027/28
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) is a fully funded doctoral fellowship. Successful fellows receive:
- Annual stipend: HK$344,400 (about US$44,150) for a maximum of three years.
- Conference and research travel allowance: HK$14,400 (about US$1,840) annually for a maximum of three years.
- Funding duration: Up to three years. Fellows may be eligible for additional support from their university if their typical PhD study term is longer.
- Extra university benefits: Depending on the university, these could include research funding for HKPFS recipients, extra scholarships, guaranteed first-year residence, or remission of tuition fees.
Required Documents for HKPFS 2027/28
Applicants should prepare the documents required for both the HKPFS fellowship application and PhD admission. Depending on the selected university and programme, documents may include:
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Bachelor’s and/or master’s degree documents
- Updated academic CV or résumé
- Research proposal or research plan
- Personal statement or statement of purpose, where required
- Proof of English language proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL, if applicable
- Details of academic and research achievements
- Research publications, if available
- Conference presentations or other research outputs, if applicable
- Academic or professional references/recommendations, where required
- Passport or identification information
- Other documents required by the selected university or department
Important: The exact document requirements can vary between universities and PhD programmes. Applicants should check the requirements of their chosen university and department before submitting the application.
Application Process for HKPFS 2027/28
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Review the HKPFS eligibility requirements and the PhD admission requirements of your preferred university and department.
Step 2: Choose Universities and PhD Programmes
Applicants can select up to two programmes/departments at one or two participating universities. Choose programmes that match your academic background and research interests.
Step 3: Prepare Your Research Plan
Develop a strong research proposal or research plan that clearly explains your research interests, objectives, proposed methodology, and expected contribution.
Step 4: Prepare Supporting Documents
Gather your academic transcripts, degree certificates, CV, English language evidence, research documents, references, and other required materials.
Step 5: Submit the HKPFS Initial Application
Submit the initial application through the official HKPFS system before the deadline. Applicants will receive an HKPFS Reference Number after submitting the initial application.
Step 6: Apply to the Selected Universities
Complete the required PhD admission application with the university or universities selected in your HKPFS application. Applicants should follow the individual university’s instructions and deadlines.
Step 7: Complete the University Application
Upload the required academic and supporting documents and complete any additional requirements requested by the selected university or department.
Step 8: Scholarship Assessment
Applications are assessed competitively. The assessment considers factors such as academic excellence, research ability and potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership qualities.
Step 9: Final Selection
Successful applicants will be selected for the HKPFS fellowship and will receive financial support according to the scheme’s terms.
HKPFS 2027/28 Application Deadline
The initial application deadline for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28 is:
1 December 2026, 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time (HKT)
Applicants are advised to begin preparing their research plans, academic documents, and university applications well before the deadline.
Apply Now
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28?
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) is a doctoral fellowship established by the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong to attract outstanding students from around the world for full-time PhD study in Hong Kong.
2. How many HKPFS fellowships are available for 2027/28?
A total of 400 PhD Fellowships will be awarded for the 2027/28 academic year.
3. How much does the HKPFS fellowship provide?
Each fellow receives an annual stipend of HK$344,400, approximately US$44,150, plus a HK$14,400 annual conference and research-related travel allowance.
4. Is HKPFS 2027/28 fully funded?
Yes. The HKPFS is described as a fully funded doctoral fellowship. Additional university-level benefits may also be available depending on the institution.
5. How long is the HKPFS funding?
The fellowship provides funding for up to three years. Fellows whose normal PhD study period is longer may receive additional support from their university.
6. Who can apply for HKPFS 2027/28?
International students applying as new full-time PhD students at one of the eight participating Hong Kong universities can apply, provided they meet the fellowship and university admission requirements.
7. Can current PhD students in Hong Kong apply?
No. Students who are already enrolled in a PhD programme in Hong Kong are not eligible for the HKPFS 2027/28.
8. What degree is supported by HKPFS?
The fellowship supports full-time Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) study.
9. What subjects are available?
HKPFS is open to all subjects and disciplines offered through eligible PhD programmes at the participating universities.
10. How many universities participate in HKPFS?
There are eight participating UGC-funded universities in the HKPFS 2027/28 scheme.
11. How many PhD programmes can an applicant choose?
Applicants may select up to two programmes or departments at one or two participating universities.
12. Is IELTS or TOEFL required?
Applicants must satisfy the English language requirements of their selected university, such as IELTS or TOEFL, unless they qualify for an exemption.
13. What is the HKPFS 2027/28 deadline?
The initial application deadline is 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time (HKT).
14. Can I apply to more than one university?
Yes. Applicants can choose programmes or departments at one or two of the eight participating universities, subject to the scheme’s application rules.
