Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme | Apply Now
Open to applicants of any nationality who are seeking admission as new full-time PhD students at one of the eight participating UGC universities
Program Overview!
Looking for a world-class PhD with strong financial support in Asia? The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) attracts outstanding early-career researchers to the eight UGC-funded universities in Hong Kong. Three big reasons to apply: (1) a generous annual stipend plus a conference/research travel allowance that lets you focus on research, (2) broad disciplinary coverage and university choices (pick up to two programmes), and (3) a single online initial application to obtain an HKPFS reference number before submitting full applications to your chosen universities. Applications open from 1 Sep – 1 Dec 2025 (noon HKT) — plan your research proposal and referees now.
The HKPFS is run by the Research Grants Council (RGC) under Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee. Launched in 2009, the Scheme aims to attract top global research talent to Hong Kong’s UGC-funded universities and to strengthen Hong Kong’s research culture. The RGC manages the HKPFSES online system, the selection panels and award decisions; individual universities handle programme admissions, interviews and any additional support (tuition waivers, recruitment awards, accommodation offers). Check the RGC site and the specific university pages for full details.
HKPFS supports outstanding candidates applying for new full-time PhD study at any of the eight participating universities (CityU, HKBU, Lingnan, CUHK, EdUHK, PolyU, HKUST, HKU). The scheme emphasizes academic excellence, research ability/potential, communication/interpersonal skills and leadership. Applicants complete a single initial online application (HKPFSES) to receive a reference number, then submit full admission applications to their chosen programme(s) quoting that reference. Selection involves university assessment and review by RGC selection panels grouped into two broad areas.
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Benefits:
- Annual stipend: HK$340,800 (approx.).
- Annual conference & research travel allowance: HK$14,200 (approx.).
- Up to three years of RGC support; universities may provide additional support for longer candidature or offer tuition waivers/recruitment awards alongside HKPFS. (Check your chosen university’s package.)
- Access to top research supervisors, facilities, and Hong Kong’s research networks; some universities additionally offer accommodation help, recruitment bonuses and other institutional awards.
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Eligibility Criteria
- Who can apply: Applicants of any nationality who are new, full-time PhD applicants at one of the eight participating UGC universities.
- Academic standard: Applicants should demonstrate outstanding academic performance and research potential (selection places strong weight on academic excellence and research ability). Exact entry qualifications follow each university’s admission rules
- Choices: One initial application only; you may list up to two programmes (one or two universities) with priority order. You may change choices until the initial application deadline.
- Other: There is no RGC application fee; however, universities may charge application or processing fees—check the specific university.
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Application Process
- Prepare materials: research proposal; transcripts & degree certificates (certified translations if not English/Chinese); CV; names/emails of referees; passport/ID; any English proficiency scores if required by the university; publications (if any). Check each university’s exact document list.
- Initial HKPFS application (HKPFSES): Register and submit the Initial Application on the HKPFS Electronic System (HKPFSES) between 1 Sep – 1 Dec 2025 (12:00 noon HKT) to obtain an HKPFS Reference Number. You may select up to two programme choices.
- Apply to university(ies): After receiving the reference number, submit full PhD application(s) to your chosen university(ies) quoting that number by the university’s deadline (many universities use a 1 Dec cutoff but confirm each one). Each university will process admission and may interview candidates.
- Selection & results: Shortlisted candidates are reviewed by RGC selection panels; results for the 2026/27 cycle are expected to be announced in May 2026, with successful applicants notified by email. Registration normally occurs July–September (can be deferred to 31 Jan next year with approval).
- If not awarded HKPFS: Universities may still offer admission and other studentships — you are not automatically rejected for university admission if you don’t win the fellowship.
About Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme
Looking for a world-class PhD with strong financial support in Asia? The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) attracts outstanding early-career researchers to the eight UGC-funded universities in Hong Kong. Three big reasons to apply: (1) a generous annual stipend plus a conference/research travel allowance that lets you focus on research, (2) broad disciplinary coverage and university choices (pick up to two programmes), and (3) a single online initial application to obtain an HKPFS reference number before submitting full applications to your chosen universities. Applications open from 1 Sep – 1 Dec 2025 (noon HKT) — plan your research proposal and referees now.
The HKPFS is run by the Research Grants Council (RGC) under Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee. Launched in 2009, the Scheme aims to attract top global research talent to Hong Kong’s UGC-funded universities and to strengthen Hong Kong’s research culture. The RGC manages the HKPFSES online system, the selection panels and award decisions; individual universities handle programme admissions, interviews and any additional support (tuition waivers, recruitment awards, accommodation offers). Check the RGC site and the specific university pages for full details.
HKPFS supports outstanding candidates applying for new full-time PhD study at any of the eight participating universities (CityU, HKBU, Lingnan, CUHK, EdUHK, PolyU, HKUST, HKU). The scheme emphasizes academic excellence, research ability/potential, communication/interpersonal skills and leadership. Applicants complete a single initial online application (HKPFSES) to receive a reference number, then submit full admission applications to their chosen programme(s) quoting that reference. Selection involves university assessment and review by RGC selection panels grouped into two broad areas.
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