The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme is one of the most prestigious fully funded fellowships, supported by the Research Grant Council of Hong Kong, to attract outstanding researchers from around the world to pursue a PhD at leading institutions in Hong Kong.
The fellowship scheme aims to promote academic collaboration and support talented researchers in studying at leading universities in Hong Kong. For the 2027/28 academic session, 400 PhD fellowships will be awarded for up to three years.
Why You Should Apply
Benefit
Description
Fully Funded
Comprehensive financial support
Prestigious
RGC fellowship
International
Open to all nationalities
Research Excellence
Study at top Hong Kong universities
Career Development
PhD research experience
Global Network
Connect with international researchers
Fellowship Coverage
Benefit
Amount
Annual Stipend
HK$344,400
Conference/Research Allowance
HK$14,400 per year
Duration
Up to 3 Years
Additional Support
For students needing more than 3 years
Eligible Fields
Field
Description
Sciences
Natural and physical sciences
Medicine
Medical and health sciences
Engineering
All engineering disciplines
Technology
Technology and innovation
Humanities
Arts and humanities
Social Sciences
Social and behavioral sciences
Business Studies
Business and management
Participating Universities
University
Location
City University of Hong Kong
Kowloon
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Kowloon
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Clear Water Bay
The University of Hong Kong
Pok Fu Lam
Hong Kong Baptist University
Kowloon Tong
Lingnan University
Tuen Mun
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Shatin
The Education University of Hong Kong
Tai Po
Eligibility Criteria
Criteria
Requirements
Nationality
Open to all nationalities
Experience
No previous work experience required
Status
New full-time PhD students
Academic
Strong academic performance
Skills
Good interpersonal and communication skills
Leadership
Demonstrate leadership abilities
Application Process
Step 1: Initial Application
Action
Description
Platform
HKPFS Electronic System
Outcome
Receive HKPFS Reference Number
Deadline
1 December 2026
Step 2: Apply to Participating Institute
Action
Description
Reference
Use HKPFS Reference Number
Application
Submit full PhD application to university
Options
Apply to up to 2 PhD programmes at 1-2 universities
Fully funded PhD fellowship for international students.
Q2. How many fellowships are available?
400.
Q3. What is the duration?
Up to 3 Years.
Q4. What is the stipend?
HK$344,400 annually.
Q5. Is there an allowance?
HK$14,400 annually for conferences/research.
Q6. Who can apply?
Open to all nationalities.
Q7. What fields are eligible?
Sciences, Medicine, Engineering, Technology, Humanities, Social Sciences, Business.
Q8. What are the participating universities?
8 leading Hong Kong universities.
Q9. What is the deadline?
1 December 2026.
Q10. How to apply?
Initial application online + university application.
CareerFlora Expert Insight
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme offers a prestigious opportunity for international students to pursue fully funded doctoral studies at leading Hong Kong universities. With 400 fellowships available, an annual stipend of HK$344,400, and a research allowance of HK$14,400, the programme provides comprehensive financial support.
The two-step application process requires candidates to first submit an initial application to obtain an HKPFS reference number before applying to their chosen universities. The fellowship covers a wide range of academic disciplines across eight participating institutions.
Best Opportunity For
Category
Suitable
International Students
Yes
PhD Aspirants
Yes
All Nationalities
Yes
Sciences Students
Yes
Engineering Students
Yes
Humanities Students
Yes
Social Sciences Students
Yes
Business Students
Yes
Competition Level
Category
Level
Overall Competition
Very High
Selection Difficulty
Highly Competitive
Application Complexity
Medium
CareerFlora Recommendation
Area
Details
Fellowship Value
Excellent
Career Growth
Very High
Application Difficulty
Medium
Apply Early
Strongly Recommended
Final Call-to-Action
Apply for Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027-2028 before 1 December 2026.
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