.webp "Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme")
400 Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027 (Fully Funded)
Apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 2027, a fully funded opportunity for international students of all nationalities. Administered by the Research Grants Council, this prestigious fellowship offers around 400 awards to pursue a PhD at Hong Kong's top eight universities.
Selected candidates receive an annual stipend of US $43,690 plus a yearly conference and research travel allowance of US $1,820 for up to three years. Both Bachelor's (16 years of education) and MPhil degree holders can apply, including direct-PhD candidates. Study areas include Science, Medicine, Engineering, Technology, Humanities, Social Science and Business Studies.
There is no application fee. Applicants first obtain an HKPFS reference number through the online electronic system before submitting admission applications to their chosen universities. Selection is based on academic excellence, research potential, communication skills and leadership.
Overview
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Fellowship | Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 2027 |
| Administered by | Research Grants Council (RGC) |
| Number of awards | Approximately 400 |
| Degree level | PhD |
| Funding | Fully funded |
| Eligible nationality | All nationalities |
| Host country | Hong Kong |
| Application fee | None |
| Deadline | 1 December 2026 (Hong Kong Time) |
About the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) is one of Asia's most prestigious doctoral funding programs, established by the Research Grants Council (RGC) to attract the best and brightest students from around the world to pursue PhD studies in Hong Kong. The scheme aims to build a vibrant research community and strengthen Hong Kong's position as a regional education hub.
International students from any part of the globe are eligible to apply, making it a truly global opportunity. Both MPhil and Bachelor's degree holders (16 years of education) can apply, with Bachelor's graduates eligible for the direct-PhD route. Approximately 400 fellowships will be awarded to outstanding candidates.
Students interested in other fully funded opportunities in the region should also consider the Schwarzman Scholars Program in China and the Yenching Academy Scholarship in China.
Financial benefits
| Benefit | Value |
|---|---|
| Annual stipend | US $43,690 per year |
| Travel allowance | US $1,820 per year (for up to 3 years) |
| Additional support | Available from universities for those needing more than 3 years |
Participating universities
The following eight universities in Hong Kong offer the PhD Fellowship:
| # | University |
|---|---|
| 1 | City University of Hong Kong |
| 2 | Hong Kong Baptist University |
| 3 | Lingnan University |
| 4 | The Chinese University of Hong Kong |
| 5 | The Education University of Hong Kong |
| 6 | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University |
| 7 | The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology |
| 8 | The University of Hong Kong |
Eligibility requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Open to all nationalities |
| Academic qualification | Bachelor's (16 years of education) or MPhil |
| Direct PhD | Available for Bachelor's degree holders |
| Admission compliance | Must meet requirements of selected universities and programs |
Selection criteria
Applicants are evaluated based on the following:
| Criterion | Description |
|---|---|
| Academic excellence | Strong academic track record |
| Research ability | Demonstrated research potential and capacity |
| Communication skills | Effective communication and interpersonal abilities |
| Leadership | Proven leadership qualities |
How to apply
The application process involves two key steps:
Step 1: Submit initial application to the Research Grants Council
Eligible candidates must first make an Initial Application online through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Electronic System (HKPFSES) to obtain an HKPFS Reference Number by 1 December 2026 (12:00:00 Hong Kong Time).
- Applicants may choose up to two programs or departments at one or two universities.
- Submit early, as some university deadlines follow immediately after the Initial Application deadline.
Step 2: Submit applications to proposed universities
After completing the initial application, applicants should submit full PhD program applications to their chosen universities, quoting their HKPFS Reference Number before each university's respective deadline.
For African students exploring international study opportunities, this fellowship joins a growing list of accessible programs. Discover more options in our guide to fully funded scholarships for African students.
Official links
| Resource | URL |
|---|---|
| Initial application | HKPFS Electronic System |
| Guidance note | Guidance Note (PDF) |
| Official website | HKPFS Official Page |
Frequently asked questions
What is the deadline for the HKPFS 2027?
The Initial Application must be submitted by 1 December 2026 at 12:00:00 Hong Kong Time. University application deadlines follow shortly afterwards, so applying early is strongly advised.
How much is the fellowship worth?
An annual stipend of US $43,690, plus a conference and research travel allowance of US $1,820 per year, for up to three years. Additional support may be available from the host university for candidates needing more time.
Can I apply with only a Bachelor's degree?
Yes. Both Bachelor's degree holders (16 years of education) and MPhil holders can apply. Bachelor's graduates are eligible for the direct-PhD route.
Is there an application fee?
No. There is no application fee for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme.
How many universities can I choose?
Applicants may choose up to two programs or departments, at one or two of the eight participating universities.
Are African students eligible?
Yes. The scheme is open to students of all nationalities, from any part of the globe.
What is the HKPFS Reference Number?
It is the number issued by the Research Grants Council after your Initial Application. You must quote it when submitting your full PhD applications to the universities you selected.
Get fully funded scholarships and fellowships in real time on our WhatsApp channel Accès Bourses Afrique.
Join the channel
Vous avez des questions par rapport à cette offre ? Laissez votre préoccupation ici en commentaire.