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Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 2027: eligibility, funding, deadline and how to apply

🇭🇰 Hong Kong · Offered by Research Grants Council of Hong Kong · For PhD applicants.

Updated · Researched from the sources listed at the end. Confirm current details on the official website before you apply.

Country
🇭🇰 Hong Kong
Provider
Research Grants Council of Hong Kong
Degree levels
PhD
Funding
Annual stipend and conference/research travel allowance from the Research Grants Council; most universities also waive tuition for awardees.
Deadline
2027/28 round: initial application to RGC by 1 Dec 2026, 12:00 noon HKT; full application to the university by 1 Dec 2026. Results around Apr–May 2027.
Expected opening
Open now (since 1 Sep 2026)
Duration
Up to 3 years (universities may fund a 4th year).
Professor contact
Recommended: a professor's support or acceptance letter makes the application stronger.
Official website Application page

About the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)

PhD study at Hong Kong universities for students worldwide. Register with the scheme and apply to a PhD programme at a Hong Kong university; a supporting supervisor helps.

Eligibility

Who can apply

Open to all nationalities, including Pakistan. For new full-time PhD students at one of the eight UGC-funded Hong Kong universities.

Academic requirements

Master's degree (or outstanding Bachelor's, depending on the university) and strong research record; must meet the chosen university's PhD admission requirements.

Language requirements

University English requirement, commonly IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80, unless your degree was taught in English.

What the scholarship covers

Annual stipend and conference/research travel allowance from the Research Grants Council; most universities also waive tuition for awardees.

Tuition
Tuition waived at most universities (some add a university scholarship).
Stipend and benefits
HK$344,400 per year (about HK$28,700/month) plus HK$14,400 per year for conferences and research travel, for up to 3 years.
Duration
Up to 3 years (universities may fund a 4th year).

Deadline and opening date

2027/28 round: initial application to RGC by 1 Dec 2026, 12:00 noon HKT; full application to the university by 1 Dec 2026. Results around Apr–May 2027.

Expected opening: Open now (since 1 Sep 2026).

Required documents

  • RGC initial application (reference number)
  • University PhD application
  • Research proposal
  • CV
  • Transcripts and degree certificates
  • Two recommendation letters
  • English test score
  • Personal statement

How to apply

Register on the RGC HKPFS portal to get a reference number, then apply to up to two programmes at one or two universities by the same deadline.

Find a professor for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)

A professor's acceptance can decide this application. ScholarReach finds professors in Hong Kong whose research matches yours, writes a personal email to each one, and tracks every reply.

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Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)?

Open to all nationalities, including Pakistan. For new full-time PhD students at one of the eight UGC-funded Hong Kong universities. Master's degree (or outstanding Bachelor's, depending on the university) and strong research record; must meet the chosen university's PhD admission requirements.

What does the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) cover?

Annual stipend and conference/research travel allowance from the Research Grants Council; most universities also waive tuition for awardees. HK$344,400 per year (about HK$28,700/month) plus HK$14,400 per year for conferences and research travel, for up to 3 years.

What is the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) deadline?

2027/28 round: initial application to RGC by 1 Dec 2026, 12:00 noon HKT; full application to the university by 1 Dec 2026. Results around Apr–May 2027. Expected opening: Open now (since 1 Sep 2026).

Is IELTS required for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)?

University English requirement, commonly IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80, unless your degree was taught in English.

Do I need a supervisor or professor's acceptance for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)?

Recommended: a professor's support or acceptance letter makes the application stronger.

How do I apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)?

Register on the RGC HKPFS portal to get a reference number, then apply to up to two programmes at one or two universities by the same deadline.

Sources

ScholarReach is an independent tool and is not affiliated with Research Grants Council of Hong Kong. This page gives general information researched from public sources. Requirements, amounts and deadlines change every year: always confirm them on the official website.