About this opportunity
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28 is a fully funded PhD fellowship run by the Research Grants Council to attract outstanding doctoral candidates from anywhere in the world to Hong Kong. 400 fellowships are awarded for the 2027/28 academic year, each paying an annual stipend of HK$344,400 (about HK$28,700 per month) plus a HK$14,400 yearly conference and research travel allowance for up to three years of full-time PhD study at one of Hong Kong's eight UGC-funded universities. There is no nationality, age or prior work experience restriction.
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28 (HKPFS) is a fully funded fellowship offered by Research Grants Council, Hong Kong for applicants heading to Hong Kong. Applications close on Dec 1, 2026.
Who should apply?
This may be a fit if the following points describe you. Always use the official criteria as the final check.
- Applying for admission as a new full-time PhD student at one of the eight UGC-funded universities in Hong Kong
- Open to all nationalities, irrespective of country of origin, prior work experience or ethnic background
- Outstanding academic record with demonstrated research ability and potential
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, plus leadership abilities
- Not already enrolled in a PhD programme; first-time PhD applicants only
- Select up to two programmes or departments at one or two participating universities in the initial application
What the opportunity may offer
- Annual stipend of HK$344,400 (approximately HK$28,700 per month) for up to three years
- Annual conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$14,400
- Study at one of Hong Kong's eight UGC-funded universities
- 400 fellowships awarded for the 2027/28 academic year
- Most host universities waive or cover tuition fees for HKPFS awardees, and several add a top-up scholarship on top of the RGC stipend
- No application fee for the RGC initial application
Required documents
- Initial application submitted through the HKPFS Electronic System (HKPFSES) to obtain the HKPFS reference number
- Full PhD admission application to each chosen university, quoting the HKPFS reference number
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Curriculum vitae and research proposal or statement of purpose
- Two or three academic reference letters
- English proficiency test scores (check the chosen university's requirement)
- Passport copy and any research publications
Application process
- Submit the initial application to the RGC through the HKPFS Electronic System and receive the HKPFS reference number
- Choose up to two programmes or departments at one or two of the eight participating universities
- Submit the full PhD admission application directly to each chosen university, quoting the reference number, by 1 December 2026, 11:59 pm Hong Kong time
- Universities review applicants and nominate outstanding candidates to the RGC
- RGC selection panels (Sciences/Medicine/Engineering/Technology and Humanities/Social Sciences/Business) assess the nominations
- Results are announced around March to April 2027; the fellowship commences in September 2027
Before you apply
- □Apply before Dec 1, 2026 — confirm the date in your own time zone
- □Confirm that you meet every eligibility condition set by Research Grants Council, Hong Kong
- □Prepare your 7 required documents in the format asked for
- □Ask referees early and share the official instructions
- □Review the official source once more before submitting
Deadline notes
Two separate submissions share one effective deadline: the initial application to the RGC via the HKPFSES closes 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong time, and the full PhD admission application to each chosen university must be submitted by 1 December 2026 at 11:59 pm Hong Kong time. Applications opened 1 September 2026. Late submissions are not considered.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship pay?
HK$344,400 per year (about HK$28,700 per month) plus a HK$14,400 annual conference and research travel allowance, for up to three years. Tuition is handled separately — most host universities waive or cover it for awardees.
When is the HKPFS 2027/28 deadline?
The initial application to the RGC closes 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong time, and the full application to the chosen universities is due the same day by 11:59 pm Hong Kong time.
Who can apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship?
Anyone applying as a new full-time PhD student at one of the eight UGC-funded universities in Hong Kong, regardless of nationality, age, prior work experience or ethnic background.
Is there an application fee for HKPFS?
No — the RGC initial application is free. Individual universities may charge their own PhD admission application fee for the full application.
Programme details can change. Check the original listing before you prepare or submit an application.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-25UShireZone is not affiliated with Research Grants Council, Hong Kong. We never charge applicants to apply. Always verify details and submit through the official website.