Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28 – 400 PhD Fellowships
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28 invites applicants from around the world who are seeking admission as new full-time PhD students at s Council will award 400 PhD Fellowships for the 2027/28 academic year. Applications are accepted from 1 September to 1 December 2026.
Quick Overview
Programme: Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)
Opportunity Type: PhD Fellowship
Study Level: Full-time PhD
Location: Hong Kong
Number of Fellowships: 400
Annual Stipend: HK$344,400, approximately US$44,150
Travel Allowance: HK$14,400 per year, approximately US$1,840
Deadline: 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon, Hong Kong Time
About the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme was established in 2009 by the Research Grants Council.
The scheme aims to attract outstanding candidates to pursue PhD programmes at Hong Kong universities. Applicants from all over are eligible if they are seeking admission as new full-time PhD students and meet the relevant requirements.
For the 2027/28 academic year, 400 PhD Fellowships will be awarded.
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Fellowship Benefits and Financial Support
Each HKPFS awardee receives financial support for a period of up to three years.
Confirmed support includes:
✓ Annual stipend of HK$344,400, approximately US$44,150
✓ Annual conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$14,400, approximately US$1,840
Awardees who require more than three years to complete their PhD degree may receive additional support from their chosen universities.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants seeking admission as new full-time PhD students in Hong Kong universities are eligible and invited to apply.
Candidates must demonstrate:
• Outstanding academic performance
• Exceptional research ability or potential
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent leadership abilities
The official scheme states that applicants from all over may apply.
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Selection Criteria
Shortlisted applicants are assessed by one of two HKPFS selection panels according to their field of study.
The two broad assessment areas are:
• Sciences, Medicine, Engineering, and Technology
• Humanities, Social Sciences, and Business Studies
Academic excellence is the primary consideration. Selection panels also consider research ability and potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities.
Application Process
Applicants may choose a maximum of two programmes within one or two universities for PhD study.
Candidates must also submit their applications for PhD admission directly to the relevant university or universities for their selected programmes.
Applicants must comply with the admission requirements of each selected university and programme.
Individual universities may conduct interviews with applicants as part of the assessment and selection process.
Candidates who are not selected for the HKPFS award may still be considered by the universities concerned for regular PhD admission and postgraduate studentship support.
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Application Period and Deadline
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28 accepts applications from:
1 September 2026 to 1 December 2026
The final deadline is:
1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon, Hong Kong Time
Applicants should also follow the admission procedures and requirements of the universities and programmes they select.
Official Link
Review the official programme details and follow the application instructions provided on the official page.
