400 Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2026

Scholarship / Doctoral Fellowship in Hong Kong (PhD Fellowship Scheme) 2026/2027

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2026/2027, established by the Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong, offers a doctoral fellowship for international researchers and students wishing to pursue a PhD at universities in Hong Kong.

Application deadline: December 1, 2025, at 12:00 noon (Hong Kong time).

Launched in 2009 by the Research Grants Council (RGC), the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme is an annual scholarship program aimed at attracting outstanding researchers from around the world. This opportunity enables international students to undertake a doctoral program at universities in Hong Kong.

For the upcoming academic year, approximately 400 PhD fellowships will be awarded. If the duration of the PhD program exceeds three years, host institutions may provide additional financial support.

This fellowship is open to all academic disciplines, welcoming candidates from diverse fields of study.

Eligibility Criteria – Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme

The fellowship is open to applicants seeking to pursue full-time doctoral studies at one of the eight partner universities, regardless of nationality, ethnic background, or prior professional experience:

• 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

Applicants must demonstrate an outstanding academic record, strong research potential or achievements, and excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.

Selection Criteria – Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme

While academic excellence remains the primary criterion, the selection panel also considers:

• Academic performance and distinctions
• Research ability and scientific potential
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Leadership qualities

In total, 400 fellowships will be awarded.

Value and Benefits of the Fellowship

Each recipient of the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme will receive:

• An annual stipend of HKD 325,200 (approximately USD 41,690)
• A conference and research-related travel allowance of HKD 13,600 (approximately USD 1,740) per year

The fellowship covers up to three years. If the PhD extends beyond this period, additional funding may be offered directly by the host university.

For detailed information, applicants are encouraged to consult the partner universities.

Selection Committee – Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme

Shortlisted applications are evaluated according to the applicant’s field of study. The assessment is carried out by one of two specialized selection panels, composed of distinguished experts in the following disciplines:

• Sciences, Medicine, Engineering, and Technology
• Humanities, Social Sciences, and Business/Management

Each application is therefore reviewed by a panel competent in the relevant academic domain.

Application Procedure – Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme

Interested candidates must first complete an initial online application through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Electronic System (HKPFSES) to obtain an HKPFS reference number. This step must be completed no later than December 1, 2025, at 12:00 noon (Hong Kong time).

Subsequently, applicants must submit their PhD admission applications directly to the universities of their choice.

Each candidate may select up to two programs or departments, in one or two universities, under the HKPFS 2026/27. Applicants must also meet the admission requirements set by the chosen universities and programs.

Since some institutions have deadlines very close to the initial registration date, candidates are strongly advised to complete this first step as early as possible to allow sufficient time to finalize their applications with the universities concerned.

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