Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2025/2026: The Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong invites international students to apply for PhD Fellowships.
Application Deadline for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme: December 1st, 2024, 12:00 PM (Hong Kong Time)
Is it offered annually? Yes
Overview of the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme
Established by the Research Grants Council (RGC) in 2009, the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) seeks to attract top-tier students from around the globe to undertake their PhD studies at Hong Kong’s universities. Approximately 300 PhD Fellowships will be awarded for this academic year. For recipients requiring more than three years to complete their PhD program, additional funding may be provided by their respective institutions. The fellowship is open to candidates in all fields of study.
Eligibility for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme
Prospective full-time PhD students applying to any of the following eight institutions, regardless of nationality, previous work experience, or ethnic background, are eligible to apply:
- 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 should exhibit exceptional academic performance, research capability or potential, communication and interpersonal skills, as well as leadership qualities.
Selection Criteria for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme
While academic achievement is the foremost criterion, the Selection Panels will also consider the following aspects:
- Academic excellence;
- Research capability and potential;
- Communication and interpersonal skills; and
- Leadership qualities.
Number of Awards: 400
Value of the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme
The Fellowship offers an annual stipend of HK$325,200 (approximately US$41,690) and an annual allowance of HK$13,600 (approximately US$1,740) for conference and research-related travel. The support is available for up to three years. For the 2025/26 academic year, 300 PhD Fellowships will be distributed. If awardees require more than three years to complete their PhD, additional funding may be available from their respective universities. For further information, please reach out directly to the universities.
Selection Panels: Shortlisted applications will be assessed by one of two Selection Panels, depending on the applicant’s field of study. These panels consist of experts in the following broad areas:
- Sciences, Medicine, Engineering, and Technology
- Humanities, Social Sciences, and Business Studies
Application Process for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme:
- Eligible candidates must first complete an Initial Application online through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Electronic System (HKPFSES) to obtain an HKPFS Reference Number by December 1st, 2024, at 12:00 PM (Hong Kong Time) before applying for PhD admission to their selected universities.
- Applicants may select up to two programmes or departments at one or two universities for PhD study under the HKPFS 2025/26. They must meet the admission requirements of the chosen universities and programmes.
- Since the application deadlines for some universities may closely follow the Initial Application deadline, candidates are encouraged to submit their initial applications as early as possible to allow adequate time for completing university applications.
Please visit the scholarship webpage for more details here
