Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 2026-2027
- Omran Aburayya
- Oct 19
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 24
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) for the 2026–2027 academic year invites outstanding candidates from across the globe to pursue full-time PhD studies at Hong Kong’s top universities. This fully funded programme offers both generous financial support and an unparalleled academic experience in one of Asia’s leading research hubs.
📚 HKPFS Fellowship Scholarship
Location: Hong Kong
Host Institutions (8 participating universities):
City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Baptist University, Lingnan University, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Education University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, The University of Hong Kong
Study Level: Full-time PhD
Target Group: New full-time PhD applicants globally, regardless of nationality, work experience, or background
Fields of Study: All disciplines, reviewed under two panels – (1) Sciences, Medicine, Engineering & Technology; (2) Humanities, Social Sciences & Business Studies
Value & Coverage:
Annual stipend: HK$340,800 (~US$43,690)
Conference and research-related travel allowance: HK$14,200 (~US$1,820) per year
Total financial support for up to 3 years
Duration: Up to 3 years, with possibility of further university support for a longer PhD duration
Number of Awards: 400 fellowships for 2026/27 intake
Application Deadlines:
Initial application via the RGC HKPFS Electronic System opens 1 September 2025 at 12:00 noon (Hong Kong Time) and closes 1 December 2025 at 12:00 noon
Followed by full applications to chosen universities by 1 December 2025 at 11:59 PM (Hong Kong Time)
Start Date of Fellowship: Registration typically between July and September 2026, with possible deferral until 31 January 2027 under exceptional circumstances
🎓 Fellowship Overview
The HKPFS is one of the most prestigious PhD fellowship programmes in Asia. It not only offers substantial financial backing for living, research, and travel—but also emphasizes excellence in research and leadership. The holistic selection process, governed by expert panels in scientific and social disciplines, ensures that recipients are well-rounded scholars with strong academic achievements, communication skills, and leadership potential .
🏛️ Participating Universities
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) brings together eight internationally recognized research degree-awarding universities. Each institution offers unique academic strengths, cutting-edge facilities, and vibrant research communities. Applicants can apply to one or more of the following universities:
City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK): Known for its strong focus on professional education, innovation, and applied research, particularly in science, engineering, and business.
Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU): A research-driven institution emphasizing the integration of science, arts, and humanities, with growing strengths in creative media and interdisciplinary studies.
Lingnan University (LU): Hong Kong’s liberal arts university, providing close faculty-student engagement and research opportunities in social sciences, humanities, and business.
The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK): One of Asia’s leading universities, CUHK is renowned for its research excellence across medicine, engineering, social sciences, and cultural studies.
The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK): A specialist university focusing on education, social sciences, and applied humanities, dedicated to advancing teaching, learning, and educational innovation.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU): Highly ranked in applied research, PolyU excels in engineering, design, business, and health sciences, with strong industry partnerships.
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST): A globally recognized institution with cutting-edge research in science, engineering, technology, business, and public policy.
The University of Hong Kong (HKU): Established in 1911, HKU is Hong Kong’s oldest university and consistently ranked among the world’s top universities, with strengths across medicine, law, engineering, social sciences, and humanities.
Together, these eight universities form the backbone of Hong Kong’s reputation as a hub for world-class research and innovation, making HKPFS fellows part of a dynamic and globally connected academic environment.
🎁 Benefits of the Scheme
Comprehensive Financial Support:
Covers living stipend (~HK$341K/year), research travel costs (~HK$14K/year), and potential extended support for longer PhD durations. Enhancements like tuition waivers or additional university-specific funding may be available—especially at institutions like HKBU or HKUST for exemplary students .
Prestigious Network & Research Environment:
Earners become part of a global academic community, gain access to world-class facilities, and can engage in cross-disciplinary and international collaborations in a vibrant East-meets-West city.
University-Level Perks (Examples):
HKBU: Monthly stipend of HK$28,400 (~US$3,650), annual stipend HK$340,800 (~US$43,800) for up to 4 years, tuition waiver (~HK$47,000 in 2026/27), travel allowance plus university top-up (~HK$20,000), and first-year shared-room accommodation (subject to availability) .
HKUST: Annual stipend HK$337,200 (~US$43,120), travel allowance ~HK$14,000/year, plus recruitment/academic excellence awards (~HK$40,000 first year + ~HK$20,000/year thereafter) and university accommodation for initial years
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Must be a first-time full-time PhD applicant in one of the eight eligible Hong Kong institutions
Demonstrated academic excellence, research potential, communication/interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities
One initial application per person via RGC’s online system only
Applicants may choose up to two programmes (across one or two universities) during the initial application
Be sure to quote the assigned HKPFS Reference Number when applying to universities; failure to do so means your PhD application will be processed as a regular admission
Meeting specific university admission requirements, including language tests like TOEFL/IELTS if applicable
⚠️ Need resources to prepare for your TOEFL OR IELTS Exam? CHECK:
ℹ️ Earns Commission
📝 Application Procedure
Initial Application (RGC HKPFSES):
Submit online between 1 Sept 2025 and 1 Dec 2025 (12:00 noon)
Choose up to two PhD programmes across the eligible universities
Receive an HKPFS Reference Number
Full Applications to Universities:
Submit online applications to selected universities by 1 December 2025 (11:59 PM)
Quote the HKPFS Reference Number
Provide all required documents (academic transcripts, CV, research proposal, test scores, etc.) as per university guidelines. Some allow conditional offers if documents are pending
Selection Process:
Shortlisted applications are reviewed by one of the two discipline-specific panels
Universities may also conduct interviews or further assessments
Results Announcement:
Fellowship results expected by May 2026
Registration:
Register at the host university between July–September 2026; deferral to 31 January 2027 may be permitted with valid justification
💡 Why Hong Kong & HKPFS?
Academic Excellence in Asia: Hong Kong blends East and West academically and culturally, giving doctoral students access to world-class supervision, international networks, and cutting-edge research.
Well-Rounded Support: Beyond stipends, awardees may benefit from tuition waivers, accommodation, and awards depending on the host university.
Global Recognition: HKPFS is widely recognized for academic prestige and competitiveness.