The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 2026 offers a prestigious, fully funded scholarship for exceptional students worldwide to pursue full-time PhD studies in top Hong Kong universities. This fellowship provides financial security, extensive research support, and an inspiring academic environment, making it one of the most sought-after PhD scholarships globally.

Basic Information about the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2026

Established in 2009 by the Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong, the HKPFS aims to attract outstanding candidates globally to undertake PhD studies at one of eight UGC-funded universities in Hong Kong. For the 2026/27 academic year, around 400 fellowships will be awarded. The application window opens on September 1, 2025, with a deadline of December 1, 2025 (Hong Kong Time).

Each awardee receives a generous annual stipend of approximately HK$340,800 (about USD 43,690) plus a yearly conference and research-related travel allowance of around HK$14,200 (USD 1,820). The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) period covers up to three years, with possibilities for extension based on university approval. This scheme offers a fully funded PhD experience including tuition and living expenses support, fostering a vibrant research community.

Universities and Institutions Participating in HKPFS 2026

The fellowship is offered at eight world-class Hong Kong universities, each providing diverse PhD programs across a range of disciplines:

The University of Hong Kong (HKU)
The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)
City University of Hong Kong (CityU)
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)
Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU)
The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK)
Lingnan University

Applicants can select up to two PhD programs or departments in one or two universities, allowing flexibility to tailor research interests.

Study Areas and PhD Programs Offered

HKPFS supports a broad spectrum of research disciplines encompassing:

Science, Engineering, and Technology
Medicine and Health Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences
Business and Management Studies
Education and Environmental Sciences

These fields are covered under two main selection panels that evaluate applicants according to their academic excellence and potential within these research areas.

Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) Benefits

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme offers comprehensive financial support including:

An annual stipend of around HK$340,800 (approx. USD 43,690), paid monthly to cover living expenses.
A conference and research-related travel allowance of approximately HK$14,200 (USD 1,820) yearly.
Tuition fee waiver or coverage for the normative study period.
Additional financial support for awardees requiring more than the usual three-year PhD duration.
Access to world-class research facilities and an international academic environment.
Guaranteed accommodation or a hall place in the first year in some universities.

HKU further provides supplementary benefits like cash awards in the first year and subsequent years to support research and living costs, plus waiver of composition fees.

Benefits Not Included

The fellowship does not cover:

Additional dependent or family allowances.
Travel expenses beyond the conference/research travel allowance.
Insurance or medical expenses (which candidates must arrange independently).
Fees or costs related to research materials or special equipment outside normal tuition and travel support.

Eligibility Criteria for Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Apply as new full-time PhD students at one of the eight participating Hong Kong universities.
Possess outstanding academic credentials and demonstrate research ability and potential.
Exhibit strong communication, interpersonal skills, and leadership qualities.
Proficient in English, as all programs are conducted in English; proof of proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent is required if prior education was not in English.
Open to candidates of all nationalities, ethnicities, and backgrounds without prior work experience restrictions.
Candidates can apply for up to two PhD programs at one or two universities.

Required Documents for the HKPFS Application

Applicants must prepare and submit the following supporting documents:

Academic transcripts from previous studies.
Detailed research proposal outlining intended PhD research.
Statement of Purpose explaining motivation and fit for the program.
Two letters of academic recommendation from referees familiar with the applicant’s academic/research capabilities.
Proof of English language proficiency if applicable.
A valid passport or identification document.
Application forms for the fellowship and respective university applications, mentioning the HKPFS reference number.

Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Register Online: Between September 1 and December 1, 2024, register on the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Electronic Application System (HKPFSES) to obtain a unique HKPFS reference number.
Choose Programs: Select up to two PhD programs/departments at one or two eligible universities.
Application Submission: Using the reference number, submit full applications with supporting documents to the chosen universities by their respective deadlines (commonly December 1, 2024).
Referee Recommendations: Invite referees to submit recommendation letters confidentially to the listed universities.
Interview: Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews (in-person or remote), depending on program requirements.
Notification: Receive admission and fellowship results around April or May 2025.
Acceptance and Enrollment: Accept the fellowship and finalize enrollment at the awarded university.

Tips for a Successful HKPFS Application

Start early to gather documents and secure recommendation letters before deadlines.
Prepare a clear, focused, and innovative research proposal aligned with your chosen university’s expertise.
Highlight academic excellence, leadership, communication skills, and research potential throughout your application.
Tailor the Statement of Purpose to emphasize why Hong Kong and the specific university suit your research ambitions.
Ensure referees provide detailed, personalized, and strong references.
Familiarize yourself with the selection criteria and prepare for potential interviews.
Proofread all documents for accuracy and clarity before submission.

Monthly Living Expenses for International Students in Hong Kong (Estimated in USD)

Accommodation: $600 – $1,200 (varies by location and type)
Food and groceries: $300 – $500
Transportation: $50 – $100
Utilities and internet: $100 – $150
Miscellaneous (entertainment, supplies): $150 – $300

Total estimated monthly living expense: Approximately USD 1,200 to 2,250, which is well-covered by the HKPFS stipend of about USD 3,640 per month.

Why Choose the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme? Five Key Reasons

Fully Funded with Generous Stipend: Offers one of the highest stipends among global PhD scholarships to support comfortable living and research costs.
World-Class Universities: Opportunity to study at top-ranked comprehensive institutions with cutting-edge research facilities.
Diverse Research Disciplines: Supports a broad range of disciplines across sciences, humanities, social sciences, business, and more.
International Research Environment: Engage with a global academic community in a vibrant, cosmopolitan city.
Additional Perks: Includes travel allowances, tuition fee waivers, conference funding, and potential extended financial support beyond 3 years.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can international students apply for the HKPFS?
Yes, applicants worldwide of any nationality are welcome to apply for this fully funded PhD fellowship.

Q2. How many PhD programs can I apply for under HKPFS?
You can apply for up to two PhD programs at one or two universities.

Q3. Is there an age limit for applicants?
No official age limit is set, but applicants must meet academic and admission requirements.

Q4. What is the application deadline?
The deadline for registering and submitting applications is December 1, 2024, Hong Kong Time.

Q5. Are work experiences necessary?
No prior work experience is required; the fellowship focuses on academic excellence and research potential.

Q6. Can I apply without English proficiency certificates?
Proof of English proficiency is mandatory unless the medium of your previous education was English.

Official Link:

This competitive, fully funded Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2026 is a golden opportunity for research-driven scholars seeking a world-class doctoral education. Early preparation and tailored applications augment chances of success in this highly regarded global fellowship.

Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 2026: Fully Funded Doctoral Opportunity