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 City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) offers a world-class opportunity for passionate students to advance their academic and research pursuits.

The CityUHK attracts top doctoral talent worldwide through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) established by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council (RGC) in 2009: each academic year, the RGC awards about 300 fellowships for international applicants.

City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) is a leading government-funded institution in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). Known for its modern, high-tech environment and vibrant research culture, CityUHK excels in innovation across diverse disciplines. With over 20,000 students, including 9,000 postgraduates, it is dedicated to advancing knowledge to benefit society and the region.

Key Details and Dates

• Application Deadlines:

• RGC Application: December 1, 2025, 12:00 noon (Hong Kong Time)
• CityUHK Application: December 1, 2025, 11:59 pm (Hong Kong Time)

• Result Announcement Dates: May 2026
• Funding Type: Fully funded
• Host Institution: City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK)
• Eligible Countries: All
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Prospective PhD students
• Fields: Various Fields
• Study Level: Doctoral (PhD)
• Duration: 3 to 4 years
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: Hong Kong

Fields of PhD Studies at CityUHK

Applicants can apply for PhD studies in disciplines under two broad areas:

Sciences, Medicine, Engineering, and Technology:

• Architecture and Civil Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Biomedical Sciences
• Biostatistics
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Electrical Engineering
• Energy and Environment
• Infectious Diseases and Public Health
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Mathematics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Neuroscience
• Physics
• Systems Engineering
• Veterinary Clinical Sciences

Humanities, Social Sciences, and Business Studies:

• Accountancy
• Chinese and History
• Creative Media
• Economics and Finance
• English
• Information Systems
• Law
• Linguistics and Translation
• Management
• Management Sciences
• Marketing
• Media and Communication
• Public and International Affairs
• Social and Behavioural Sciences

Benefits and Financial Aids

The selected candidates will benefit from the HKPFS as follows:

• Monthly Stipend: HK$28,400 (approximately US$3,640)
• Additional Financial Support: Monthly stipends for the normative study period (four years)
• Entrance Scholarship: HK$105,800 (~US$13,560), covering full-time tuition and accommodation for the first year

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants who meet the following requirements are eligible to apply:

• Open to new full-time PhD applicants in UGC-funded institutions in Hong Kong, regardless of nationality or ethnicity.
• Applicants must demonstrate:
  • Outstanding academic performance.
  • Research ability/potential.
  • Communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Minimum academic qualifications are as follows:
  • Higher degree by research (HDR) or equivalent qualification from a recognized university
  • Master’s degree or equivalent degree from a recognized university
  • Bachelor’s degree with first-class honors or equivalent qualification from a recognized university
• Relevant professional qualifications and other scholarly achievements may be considered equivalent.
• Additional requirements may apply depending on the Department or School.
• English Proficiency Requirements

• Non-English speaking university graduates must submit TOEFL 79 or IELTS 6.5 scores unless proof of English as the instruction medium is provided.
• TOEFL and IELTS scores must be valid for two years at the time of application submission to CityUHK.

Selection Criteria

Applications revision is the responsibility of the two expert panels: panel one includes science, medicine, engineering, and technology experts, and panel two includes humanities, social sciences, and business studies experts. Key evaluation factors are as follows:

• Academic excellence.
• Research ability and potential.
• Cultural diversity.
• Communication and interpersonal skills.
• Leadership abilities and societal responsibilities.
• University support.

Applicants should attend interviews to assess communication and interpersonal skills. Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews (in person or via telephone).

How to Apply?

Step 1: Submit an initial application via the RGC HKPFS Electronic System and obtain an HKPFS reference number by December 1, 2025, 12:00 noon (Hong Kong Time)

Step 2: Submit a full application to the CityUHK Admission System, providing the HKPFS reference number by December 1, 2025, 11:59 pm (Hong Kong Time)

Apply Now for RGC

Apply to CityUHK

For more details, visit the CityUHK HKPFS page.

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