Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2025-2026 (Fully Funded)

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) offers an excellent opportunity for international students to pursue doctoral studies in Hong Kong, China. Launched in 2009 by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council (RGC), the program aims to attract top academic talent from around the world to undertake PhD programs at leading universities in Hong Kong.

Under this fellowship, awardees receive a generous annual stipend of HK$325,200 (approximately US$41,690) along with a conference and research travel allowance of HK$13,600 (around US$1,740) per year, for up to three years. For the 2023/24 academic session, a total of 300 PhD fellowships are being awarded to outstanding candidates.

Scholarship Summary

• Level of Study: PhD

• Institution(s): See list below

• Study in: Hong Kong

• Opportunity Focus Areas: Eligible PhD Programs offered by participating institutions

• Program Period: Three to four years.

• Deadline: September 01, 2025 – December 1, 2025

Participating Institutions:

The HKPF (Hong Kong PhD Fellowship) supports the awardees to pursue their PhD studies at UGC-funded institutions in Hong Kong:

• 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

Scholarship Coverage

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme for International Students provides the recipient with the following benefits:

• An annual stipend of HK$325,200 (approximately US$41,690)

• A conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$13,600 (approximately US$1,740) per year for each awardee for a period of up to three years.

• The RGC does not charge any application fee for the  (HKPFS). However, universities may charge application or other processing fees.

Note: 300 PhD Fellowships will be awarded in the 2026/27 academic year*. For awardees who need more than three years to complete the PhD degree, additional support may be provided by the chosen universities. For details, please contact the universities concerned directly.

Eligibility Criteria for Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme

To be eligible for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme for International Students, you must fulfil the following criteria:

• Required Language: English

• Eligible Countries: All World Countries.

• Those who are seeking admission as new full-time PhD students in UGC-funded institutions of Hong Kong, irrespective of their country of origin, prior work experience and ethnic background, should be eligible to apply.

• Applicants should demonstrate outstanding qualities of academic performance, research ability/potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities.

How to Apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme?

Please follow the below steps to avail Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme for International Students:

1. Before applying please check this link 

2. Fill out the initial Application form here

3. Submit Initial Application to Research Grants Council HKPF@ugc.edu.hk
   (Note: Open for applications at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time )

4. Submit Full Applications to Proposed Universities
   (After completing an initial application, applicants should submit full applications for their selected PhD programs to the proposed universities quoting their HKPFS Reference Number before the universities’ respective deadlines. As regards program information, requirements for PhD admission, application methods, regulations and policies of individual universities, please refer to individual universities and PhD programs for information. )

5. For more information about how to apply click here & here

Website

To learn more about the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme for International Students, please visit the official website:

Official Website