The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027-28 is an excellent opportunity for international students who want to pursue a fully funded PhD in Hong Kong. The scheme, administered by Hong Kong’s Research Grants Council (RGC), is designed to attract outstanding research students from around the world to Hong Kong’s leading universities.
For the 2027/28 academic year, 400 PhD fellowships will be awarded. Successful fellows can receive a generous annual stipend and a conference and research-related travel allowance for up to three years.
Students from all over the world are encouraged to apply. The fellowship covers a wide range of academic disciplines, including science, medicine, engineering, technology, humanities, social sciences and business studies.
Academic Year:- 2027-2028
Degree Level :- phd
Number Of Fellow Ship:- 400
Applicant:- International and local Applicants
Study Location:- Hong Kong
Study Mood :- Full Time PhD
Application open:- 1 September
Duration:- Up to 3 years
Deadline:- 1 December 2026
Administered By:- Research Grants Council
The official RGC information confirms that the fellowship provides an annual stipend of HK$344,400 and a HK$14,400 annual conference and research-related travel allowance for each awardee for up to three years.
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme provides significant financial support to successful candidates.
Advantages:-
1. Annual Stipend:-
Each successful fellow receives an annual stipend of HK$344,400, equivalent to approximately US$44,150 based on the RGC’s published figure. This support is provided for up to three years.
2. Conference and Research Travel Allowance
Fellows also receive HK$14,400 per year as a conference and research-related travel allowance. This can help awardees participate in academic conferences and research activities.
3. Study at Leading Hong Kong Universities
The scheme allows successful applicants to pursue PhD research at one of eight participating universities in Hong Kong.
4. International Research Environment
Hong Kong offers an international academic environment where students can work with researchers from different countries and develop valuable academic networks.
5. Additional Support After Three Years
The standard fellowship support is available for up to three years. Candidates who need more than three years to complete their PhD may receive additional support from their selected university, subject to the university’s policies.
Who Can Apply?
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027-28 is open to applicants from around the world who are seeking admission as new full-time PhD students at participating Hong Kong universities.
According to the official eligibility information, applicants should demonstrate qualities such as:
- Outstanding academic performance
- Strong research ability or research potential
- Excellent communication skills
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Leadership abilities
Applicants must also satisfy the admission requirements of the PhD and university they select.
Because individual universities and departments can have different admission requirements, prospective students should carefully check the requirements of their chosen PhD before submitting the full application.
Participating Universities:-
Eight research degree-awarding universities participate in the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme.
These include:
- 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
The official HKPFS website provides links to the PhD , admission requirements and application information for each participating university.
Fields of Study:-
The fellowship covers a broad range of research areas. Selection is conducted through panels covering two broad academic streams:
Sciences, Medicine, Engineering and Technology:-
Applicants in scientific, medical, engineering and technology-related disciplines may be assessed by the relevant selection panel.
Humanities, Social Sciences and Business Studies;-
Candidates applying in humanities, social sciences and business-related fields are assessed through the corresponding selection panel.
This broad coverage makes the scheme suitable for students from many academic backgrounds.
How to Apply for Hong Kong PhD Fellowship 2027-28:-
Applying for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027-28 involves two major steps.
Step 1: Submit the Initial Application
Applicants must first complete an initial application through the official HKPFS Electronic System.
For the 2027/28 intake, applications open on 1 September 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time and close on 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time.
After submitting the initial application, applicants receive an HKPFS Reference Number.
Step 2: Apply to Your Selected University
After obtaining the reference number, candidates must submit full applications for their selected PhD directly to the relevant universities.
Applicants can choose up to two programmes in one or two participating universities. They must follow the individual university’s application procedures and admission requirements.
It is important not to wait until the final day. Some university deadlines are also on 1 December 2026, so applicants should prepare their documents and university applications early.
Documents You May Need:-
Applicants should check the requirements of their chosen university and PhD department. Depending on the institution, applicants may be asked for documents such as:
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Research proposal or research statement
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
- English-language proficiency evidence where required
- Identification documents
- Other documents requested by the university
Requirements can differ between universities and programmes, so candidates should always consult the official university admission page.
Selection Criteria:-
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme is highly competitive. Applicants are assessed based on several qualities rather than academic grades alone.
Important areas include academic excellence, research ability or potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities.
A strong application should therefore clearly explain the applicant’s research interests, academic background and reasons for choosing the proposed PhD .
Application Deadline:-
The official deadline for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027-28 is:
1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time.
The application period begins on 1 September 2026.
Applicants should pay close attention to both the HKPFS deadline and the individual university deadline. The official application instructions advise candidates to submit their initial application as early as possible because university application deadlines may follow closely.
How to Increase Your Chances of Selection:-
Because only 400 fellowships are available for the 2027/28 academic year, applicants should prepare carefully.
First, choose a PhD research area that matches your previous academic experience and future goals. A clear and well-developed research proposal can help demonstrate your research potential.
Second, identify suitable supervisors and departments at the participating universities. Understanding the research interests of your intended department can help you make a more focused application.
Third, prepare your academic documents well before the deadline. Make sure your transcripts, recommendations and other supporting documents are complete.
Finally, explain your research goals clearly. Your application should demonstrate not only that you have achieved academically but also that you have the potential to contribute to research.
Conclusion:-
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027-28 is a major opportunity for talented students seeking fully funded PhD study in Hong Kong. With 400 fellowships available, a substantial annual stipend of HK$344,400, and a HK$14,400 annual conference and research-related travel allowance, the scheme provides valuable financial and academic support.
Students interested in applying should begin preparing early and carefully review the admission requirements of their chosen universities. The official application window is 1 September 2026 to 1 December 2026, with the final deadline at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time.
