Are you an international PhD applicant willing to pursue a PhD at a world-class institution with full financial support? The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is a golden opportunity for you.

HKUST attracts top doctoral talent worldwide through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS), which the Hong Kong Research Grants Council administers. With awardees from over 50 countries, HKUST leads local institutions in recruiting HKPFS scholars. One in five new PhD students at HKUST receives this prestigious fellowship, joining a vibrant and diverse research community.

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) is a fully-funded opportunity that provides an annual stipend for up to four years with additional benefits, including a Recruitment Award in the first year and an Academic Excellence Award per year for subsequent years, subject to renewal conditions. Scholars also receive a conference travel allowance per year for four years and guaranteed university accommodation for the first year.

To qualify, applicants must meet HKUST’s admission requirements and demonstrate outstanding academic performance, research potential, and leadership skills. Strong international exposure, excellent communication abilities, and a global outlook are also key selection criteria.

Also, check this opportunity for HKPFS:

400 Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme for the academic year of 2026/2027

Key Details and Dates

• Application Deadlines:

• • Research Grants Council (RGC) Deadline: December 1, 2025 (noon GMT+8)
  • HKUST Application Deadline: December 1, 2025 (11:59 pm, GMT+8)
• Admission Interviews: December 8, 2025
• Result Announcement Dates: May 2026
• Funding Type: Fully funded
• Host Institution: Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)
• Eligible Countries: All
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Aspiring PhD students
• Fields: Science, Engineering, Technology, Business, Humanities, Social Science, Environmental Studies, Public Policy, and Interdisciplinary programs
• Study Level: Doctoral (PhD)
• Duration: 4 years
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: Hong Kong

Benefits and Financial Aids

The selected candidates will benefit from the HKPFS as follows:

• Waiver of Tuition Fees for 4 years
• Stipend: HK$340,800 (~US$43,730) per year for up to four years.
• Recruitment Award (RedBird PhD Award): HK$40,000 (~US$5,130) in the first year.
• Academic Excellence Award: HK$20,000 (~US$2,570) per year from the second year onward.
• Conference Travel Allowance: HK$14,200 (~US$1,820) per year for four years.
• University Accommodation: Guaranteed for the first year.
• Additional Funding Opportunities: Global Research Award, Research Travel Grant, etc

Eligibility Criteria

The application is open to international applicants from around the world. Applicants must:

• Have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution, or an approved equivalent qualification.
• Have outstanding academic records.
• Demonstrate excellent research ability and potential.
• Exhibit strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Hold a bachelor’s degree with a proven record of excellence or equivalent qualifications.
• Fulfill the English language requirements:
  • TOEFL iBT: 80; TOEFL PBT: 550; IELTS: 6.5 with all sub-scores at least 5.5.

Required Documents

You must prepare and submit the following documents for your HKPFS:

Application Materials:

• Identity Document

• • Hong Kong: Hong Kong ID Card
  • Mainland China: Mainland ID Card/EEP/Passport
  • Other Countries/Regions: Social Security Card/Passport
  • Holders of a Hong Kong visa/entry permit: Visa label/Notification Slip for Entry Visa/Permit

• Official Transcripts and Degree Certificates

• • Cover the full tertiary education history.
  • Latest transcript (if the degree program is ongoing).
  • Final transcript and degree certificate (for completed programs).

• Institution Grading System

• • Transcript legends/keys/grading scales (found on the transcript back or student handbook).

• Proof of English Proficiency

• • TOEFL/IELTS score report (if available).
  • Letter confirming a bachelor’s degree from an English-medium institution.
  • Not required if English is the applicant’s first language.

• Public Exam Score Reports (if applicable)

• • GMAT/GRE scores (usually required for School of Business and Management programs).

• Proposed Research Plan and Past Research Experience (for research postgraduate programs)

• • Details of research projects participated in.
  • Proposed research topic and plan.

• Additional Research Proposal (Specified Format)

• • Applicable for MPhil/PhD programs in Humanities, Social Science, or Individualized Interdisciplinary Programs.

• Program-Specific Additional Information

• • MSc in Accounting: Supplementary form details.
  • MSc in International Management: Supplementary form details.
  • MA in International Language Education: Proof of Chinese proficiency.
  • MA in Chinese Culture: Proof of Chinese proficiency.

Missing Documents Guidelines:

• Not yet available at the time of application:

• • Provide the expected date of availability.
  • Submit results via the Online Admission System when available.

• Available after admission offer:

• • Send official documents to verify qualifications.

Academic References:

• Nominate 2-5 referees to provide reference reports.
• Referees will receive email invitations to complete the report online.

How to Apply?

• Visit the official HKPFS page and register with the Research Grants Council (RGC) to obtain a reference number.
• Complete the online application for HKUST by December 1, 2025, quoting the RGC reference number.
• Upload all required documents to the Online Admission System.
• Inform your referees to submit their reference letters by December 8, 2025.
• Attend interviews (if applicable) and await the final decision in May 2026.

Apply Now

For more details, visit the HKUST RGC HKPFS page.

Check More Opportunities:

Scholarship for International Students at the University of Chinese Academy of Science (UCAS)

2026 Chinese Government Scholarship at UCAS Beijing

Chinese Government Master’s & Ph.D. Scholarship 2026 at the University of Wuhan