If you are aiming to undertake a high-impact PhD program in an internationally connected, state-of-the-art academic hub, the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 2027-28 offers a world-class opportunity. Established by the Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong, this globally competitive fellowship aims to recruit top international research talent across all disciplines. Up to 400 fellowship awards will be granted for the 2027–28 academic year, empowering scholars to pursue full-time doctoral research across Hong Kong’s top eight government-funded universities. You gain access to advanced laboratories, cross-cultural research networks, and strong career pathways into global academia and industry.

Premium Financial Package and Annual Research Grants

Hong Kong PhD Fellowship 2027-28 delivers an extraordinary financial package designed to support your complete focus on research without financial distraction for up to three years. Each selected Fellow receives an annual stipend of HK$344,400 (approximately US$44,150) to cover housing and living costs. To help build your global research presence, the award includes a dedicated conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$14,400 per year. Participating universities often supplement this funding with additional tuition waivers, accommodation discounts, or extended thesis support for exceptional candidates whose projects require extra time.

A total of 400 fellowships are available for the 2027–28 academic year.

Eligible Host Universities and Research Fields

You can choose from eight participating research degree-awarding universities:

• City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK)
  
• Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU)
  
• Lingnan University (LU)
  
• The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)
  
• The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK)
  
• The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)
  
• The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)
  
• The University of Hong Kong (HKU) 

You may select up to two programmes or departments at one or two of these universities.

Evaluation Criteria for Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027-28

Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027-28 is open to all new full-time PhD candidates regardless of nationality, age, or prior work experience. While academic excellence is the primary metric evaluated by selection committees, candidate portfolios are reviewed holistically across multiple pillars. You must demonstrate strong scientific or scholarly research potential, exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, and proven leadership qualities. Candidates holding a high-honors Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree from a recognized international university, alongside strong reference letters and published research, stand out during panel assessments.

Two-Stage Application Workflow for Hong Kong PhD Fellowship 2027-28

Navigating the application requires completing two synchronized steps before official cutoff dates. First, you must complete an Initial Application through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Electronic System (HKPFSES) to obtain a unique HKPFS Reference Number before 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time. Once you have your reference number, you must immediately submit full PhD admission applications to your chosen target universities—selecting up to two programs or departments—while quoting your assigned HKPFS Reference Number on all university portals.

Key Details at a Glance

Key Detail	HKPFS 2027–28
Fellowship	Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme
Study level	PhD
Eligible students	New full-time PhD applicants
Nationality	All countries
Annual stipend	HK$344,400
Travel allowance	HK$14,400 per year
Duration	Up to 3 years
Fellowships available	400
Participating universities	8
Universities/programmes selectable	Up to 2
Initial application deadline	1 December 2026
Deadline time	12:00 noon Hong Kong Time
Application system	HKPFSES

How Will Your Application Be Evaluated?

After applications are shortlisted, they are reviewed by selection panels according to the applicant’s research area. There are two broad panels covering:

• Sciences, Medicine, Engineering and Technology
  
• Humanities, Social Sciences and Business Studies 

Academic excellence carries the greatest weight, but the panels also consider your research ability and potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities.

If you are ready to compete for one of the 400 available fellowships, begin preparing your research and admission applications now. Complete your initial HKPFS application before 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time, then proceed with the full university applications. Visit the official page of the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme application for application details.

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