Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/2028: HK$344,400/Year ($44,150 USD) for PhD Students at Eight World-Class Universities

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Hong Kong is one of Asia’s most dynamic academic environments, home to several world-top-100 universities, a research culture that combines Chinese intellectual tradition with global scientific standards, and an extraordinarily international city that gives PhD researchers access to networks spanning Asia, Europe, and beyond.

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) is the most prestigious doctoral funding programme in Hong Kong, established by the Research Grants Council (RGC) in 2009 specifically to attract the world’s best doctoral candidates to Hong Kong’s universities. It awards 400 fellowships per year across eight participating universities, providing an annual stipend of HK$344,400 (approximately US$44,150) plus a conference and travel allowance.

It is open to candidates of any nationality, any country of origin, any prior work experience, and any ethnic background.

What the Fellowship Provides

At approximately US$44,150 per year, the HKPFS stipend is among the most generous doctoral fellowship packages in Asia — and genuinely competitive with European and Australian doctoral stipends. Hong Kong’s cost of living is high relative to mainland China, but the stipend is calibrated to support a researcher’s life in the city without significant financial pressure.

The Eight Participating Universities

The fellowship can be held at any of the following Hong Kong universities:

Between them, these eight universities cover virtually every academic discipline — from medicine and engineering to the humanities, social sciences, creative arts, and business. HKUST and HKU consistently rank in the world’s top 50 universities in global rankings; all eight are internationally recognised institutions.

Who Can Apply

Eligibility is deliberately broad:

• Any nationality — no country restrictions
• Any country of origin — must be seeking admission as a new full-time PhD student
• Any prior work experience — there is no requirement that you be a recent graduate
• Any ethnic background — the scheme explicitly states this

The key requirement is that you are applying as a new full-time PhD student at one of the eight participating universities. Students already enrolled in a PhD programme at these universities are not eligible for the initial fellowship — they must apply when entering the programme.

Selection Criteria: What the Panel Is Looking For

Applications are reviewed by one of two Selection Panels:

Panel 1: Sciences, Medicine, Engineering and Technology
Panel 2: Humanities, Social Sciences and Business Studies

Both panels assess candidates on four equally important criteria:

1. Academic Excellence
Your undergraduate and postgraduate academic record. Strong grades from a recognised institution are the foundation — but the scheme’s prestige means academic excellence is the baseline, not the differentiator.

2. Research Ability and Potential
Evidence that you can conduct original, rigorous research. Publications, conference presentations, research project involvement, honours or Master’s thesis quality, and letters of reference from researchers who can speak to your research capability are all relevant.

3. Communication and Interpersonal Skills
PhD research in Hong Kong’s international academic environment requires effective communication across cultural and linguistic contexts. Your ability to articulate your research clearly, collaborate with diverse teams, and present your work effectively is assessed.

4. Leadership Abilities
Not just academic leadership — evidence that you organise, motivate, and inspire others in research, community, or professional contexts.

How to Apply

The HKPFS application is submitted through the Research Grants Council’s online system and also through your chosen university’s admissions process. The two processes are linked but must both be completed.

Step 1: Identify your target university and a potential PhD supervisor whose research aligns with your proposed doctoral work. Contact potential supervisors before applying — a supervisor who is aware of and interested in your application significantly strengthens your candidacy.

Step 2: Submit your HKPFS application through the RGC’s online portal. The application includes your research proposal, academic records, reference letters, and the fellowship application form.

Step 3: Apply for PhD admission at your chosen university simultaneously.

Application timeline for 2027/2028: The HKPFS typically opens applications in September/October each year for fellowships commencing the following September. Check hkpfs.ugc.edu.hk for the current 2027/2028 application window and deadline.

Why Hong Kong for a PhD

For researchers who are serious about building a career in Asia — or who want to conduct research on topics with a significant Asia dimension, Hong Kong is a uniquely compelling academic base.

World-class universities in a single city. Eight internationally ranked universities within a city of approximately 7.5 million people create an unusually dense concentration of research capacity and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Gateway to mainland China research. Hong Kong’s universities have deep connections to research institutions across mainland China — including the Chinese Academy of Sciences and leading mainland universities. PhD researchers in Hong Kong can access research collaboration and data sources that are difficult to reach from European or North American institutions.

English as a working language. Academic work at all eight HKPFS universities is conducted in English. Cantonese and Mandarin are the city’s primary languages for daily life, but the research environment is internationally accessible.

International financial hub. For researchers in economics, finance, business, and related fields, Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s leading financial centre provides research access and industry connections that few academic cities in the world can match.

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/2028