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 University of Hong Kong (HKU) is a golden opportunity for you.

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) 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.

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) is a full-time, fully funded opportunity that provides each HKPFS awardee with a Postgraduate Scholarship and an annual conference and research travel allowance for up to three years. For those enrolled in a four-year PhD program, HKU extends the same benefits to cover the fourth year of study.

In the 2026/27 cycle, all HKPFS awardees will also receive the prestigious HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship, which includes additional benefits.

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.

Key Details and Dates

• Application Deadlines: December 1, 2025 (noon, GMT+8)
• Result Announcement Dates: by mid-2026
• Funding Type: Fully funded
• Host Institution: University of Hong Kong (UHK)
• Eligible Countries: All
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Prospective PhD students
• Fields: All disciplines
• 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:

• Postgraduate Scholarship: HK$28,100/month for up to 3 years; extended to 4 years for eligible 4-year programs.
• Conference and Research-Related Travel Allowance: HK$14,200/year.
• HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship:

• • Cash Award: HK$40,000 in the first year and HK$20,000 annually for subsequent years.
  • Composition Fee Waiver: HK$44,500/year for the normative study period
  • Additional Financial Support: Funding for an extra year for outstanding students beyond the normative study period.
• Accommodation: Guaranteed hall place in the first year, renewable.

Eligibility Criteria

Applications are open to:

• New applicants for full-time PhD programs at government-funded institutions in Hong Kong
• Outstanding academic performance, research potential, communication skills, and leadership abilities
• Open to all nationalities and ethnic backgrounds.

How to Apply?

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) application period runs annually from September 1 to early December. For the 2026-27 admission, follow these two steps:

1. Initial Application: Submit an online application through the RGC’s HKPFS Electronic System using the link below by December 1, 2025, at noon (GMT +8) to obtain an HKPFS Reference Number. Only one application is allowed; multiple submissions will result in disqualification.
2. Full Application: Use the obtained Reference Number to complete and submit a full application to HKU through its Online Application System by the same deadline, indicating your intent to apply for HKPFS.

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Key Notes:

• Applicants can choose two programs/departments at one or two universities.
• You cannot change your choices after the deadline.
• Only one HKPFS award will be granted; declining the first-choice offer does not transfer eligibility to the second-choice institution.

For more details, visit the University of Hong Kong HKPFS page.

Check More Opportunities:

2026 Chinese Government Scholarship at UCAS Beijing

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

Global Korea Scholarship at Korea Development Institute (KDI), 2026-2028