The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28 offers talented applicants a route to supported doctoral study in Hong Kong. The Research Grants Council (RGC) runs the scheme, which welcomes candidates seeking admission as new full-time PhD students at eight participating universities.
Applications open on 1 September 2026 at 12 noon Hong Kong time. The initial application deadline is 1 December 2026 at 12 noon Hong Kong time, according to the official 2027/28 application portal. Applicants must also complete separate university applications.
This guide explains funding, eligibility, documents and the application process. Before choosing a university, compare the research supervision available and the complete financial package.
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship 2027/28 Details
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship name | Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) |
| Host destination | Hong Kong SAR, China |
| Organiser | Research Grants Council |
| Degree level | Full-time PhD |
| Academic cycle | 2027/28 |
| Eligible applicants | Applicants worldwide, subject to university admission requirements |
| Core support | Stipend and conference/research travel allowance |
| Additional benefits | Tuition waivers and other support vary by university |
| Opening date | 1 September 2026, 12 noon Hong Kong time |
| Initial application deadline | 1 December 2026, 12 noon Hong Kong time |
| University deadline | Check the selected university’s 2027/28 instructions separately |
Participating Universities
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship supports study at the following institutions listed by the Research Grants Council:
- 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
Compare departments carefully. A suitable supervisor, relevant facilities and a realistic research project are important considerations when deciding where to apply.
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Benefits
Current university information lists a stipend of HK$28,700 per month, equivalent to HK$344,400 annually, plus HK$14,400 per year for conferences and research-related travel. The Education University of Hong Kong describes core support for up to three years and additional support for eligible fourth-year students.
Funding note: The RGC overview still labels its published award figures as 2026/27. Although these amounts also appear on university pages advertising the coming cycle, applicants should confirm the final 2027/28 rates and conditions in their offer.
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship should not be described as automatically covering every expense at every institution. University additions differ. For example, PolyU’s School of Fashion and Textiles lists a tuition waiver, additional cash awards and a guaranteed accommodation place for two years. A guaranteed place does not mean free accommodation.
Ask your chosen university about tuition, accommodation charges, insurance and support beyond the initial fellowship period before accepting an offer.
Eligibility and Research Fields
Applicants for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship must seek admission as new full-time PhD students. The scheme welcomes candidates regardless of country of origin, ethnic background or previous work experience. Individual universities determine the academic qualifications required for their programmes.
Research areas span science, medicine, engineering, technology, humanities, social sciences and business. Academic performance is central to selection, alongside research potential, communication skills and leadership. See the official scheme overview.
This is doctoral research funding, not an undergraduate medical scholarship or a route to an MBBS qualification.
Here are two other graduate opportunities to explore: the Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) 2027 and the KAUST Scholarship 2027 in Saudi Arabia.
English Requirements and Documents
There is no single English test score covering every Hong Kong PhD Fellowship programme. Universities set their own requirements and decide whether previous English-medium education qualifies for an exemption. Check the rules for your department rather than assuming IELTS is always required or always waived.
Use this preparation checklist, then follow the university’s exact document instructions:
- Passport or other accepted identification
- Degree certificates and academic transcripts
- Academic CV
- Research proposal or research-interest statement, where requested
- Academic references
- English proficiency evidence, where required
- Relevant publications or evidence of research achievements
Contact referees early. Give them your CV, proposed research topic and submission dates so they can prepare specific recommendations.
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Deadline and Fees
The confirmed initial deadline is 1 December 2026 at 12 noon Hong Kong time (UTC+8). Do not confuse noon with midnight. The application window begins on 1 September 2026 at the same local time.
University deadlines must be checked separately. PolyU’s published 2027/28 instructions, for example, require the full application by 1 December 2026 at 23:59 Hong Kong time.
The RGC does not charge for the initial fellowship application, but universities may charge admission or processing fees. The official FAQ explains this distinction; some dates and funding figures on that page still refer to the previous cycle.
How to Strengthen Your Application
Build your Hong Kong PhD Fellowship application around clear evidence. Explain the question you want to investigate, why it matters and how your previous work prepares you to study it.
In your proposal, distinguish the research problem from the methods you plan to use. Avoid promising results before carrying out the work. Show that the project is practical within the proposed degree period.
Describe your own contribution to any publications, projects or leadership activities. Where appropriate, contact potential supervisors with a concise, personalised message explaining the match between your interests and their research.
How to Apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship
- Choose suitable programmes. Review admission criteria, supervisors and funding. The published process allows up to two programmes or departments at one or two universities.
- Submit the initial RGC application. Use the official portal during the confirmed application window. Submit only one initial application and save your HKPFS reference number.
- Complete university applications. Apply separately through the selected universities and quote your reference number. The RGC form alone does not complete your admission application.
- Provide supporting materials. Submit required documents, arrange references and pay any applicable university fee by the relevant deadlines.
- Monitor your application. Check your email and university portal for requests, interview invitations and decisions. Keep copies of all submission confirmations.
Review the official application guidance alongside the current portal and your university’s 2027/28 instructions.
Here are some other great opportunities you can also apply for
EPFL Excellence Fellowships 2027 in Switzerland | Fully Funded
Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship 2027 in USA | Fully Funded
Chevening LSE Fellowship 2027 in UK
The initial application portal opens on 1 September 2026 at 12 noon Hong Kong time.
Final Thoughts
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship 2027/28 is worth considering for applicants with strong academic preparation and a focused research plan. Start with programme fit, compare the complete funding package and finish both application stages on time. Careful preparation will help you present your experience and research ambitions clearly.
