The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 2027 is a prestigious, fully funded PhD program designed for outstanding international students seeking advanced research opportunities in Asia. Funded by the Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong, this fellowship enables scholars to pursue doctoral studies at globally ranked universities with comprehensive financial support.
What Is the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme?
Established in 2009, the HKPFS aims to attract high-caliber PhD candidates from around the world. Each year, approximately 400 new PhD fellowships are awarded across a broad range of academic disciplines, making it one of the most competitive and respected doctoral funding programs in Asia.
The fellowship supports full-time PhD studies and emphasizes academic excellence, research potential, and leadership qualities.
Participating Universities in Hong Kong
Applicants can choose to apply to one or more of the following eight leading research universities under the HKPFS:
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
Each university has its own admission requirements, deadlines, and procedures. Applicants are advised to review the official university websites carefully.
Degree Level and Fields of Study
Degree Level: PhD
Available Subjects: All academic disciplines
Study Location: Hong Kong
This fellowship is open to candidates from science, engineering, medicine, humanities, social sciences, and business studies.
HKPFS Financial Benefits
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme offers one of the most generous funding packages for doctoral studies in Asia:
Annual Stipend: HK$337,200 (approximately US$43,230)
Research and Conference Travel Allowance: HK$14,000 per year (approximately US$1,790)
Funding Duration: Up to 3 years
Additional University Funding: Available for PhD programs exceeding three years
This funding covers living expenses, research costs, and academic travel, allowing fellows to focus fully on their research.
Eligible Nationalities
The HKPFS is open to applicants of all nationalities. There are no restrictions based on citizenship or country of residence.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme, applicants must:
Apply for admission as new full-time PhD students
Have an outstanding academic record
Demonstrate strong research ability and potential
Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Show evidence of leadership qualities
There are no specific requirements related to work experience or ethnicity.
Selection Process
Shortlisted candidates are evaluated by expert panels in two main academic streams:
Sciences, Medicine, Engineering, and Technology
Humanities, Social Sciences, and Business Studies
Selection is primarily based on academic excellence, followed by research potential, communication skills, and leadership ability.
Application Procedure
The application process involves two key steps:
Submit an initial application through the HKPFS online system on the Research Grants Council website to receive an HKPFS Reference Number.
Apply directly to your chosen university or universities using the HKPFS Reference Number.
Admissions generally begin for the academic year starting in September, but deadlines vary by institution.
Why Study for a PhD in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong is a global education hub offering English-medium instruction, cutting-edge research facilities, and strong international collaboration. As an HKPFS awardee, you gain access to world-class supervisors, global research networks, and a dynamic academic environment that bridges Eastern and Western perspectives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme fully funded?
Yes, the HKPFS is fully funded and covers stipend, research support, and travel allowance.
Can international students apply for HKPFS 2027?
Yes, students of all nationalities are eligible to apply.
How many years does the HKPFS funding cover?
The fellowship provides funding for up to three years, with additional university support for longer programs.
Can I apply to more than one Hong Kong university?
Yes, applicants may apply to multiple participating universities using the same HKPFS reference number.
Do all subjects qualify for the HKPFS?
Yes, the fellowship is open to PhD candidates in all academic disciplines.
