The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has officially opened applications for its 2026 international PhD scholarship and research collaboration funding schemes, offering major support for faculty members and PhD students seeking global academic partnerships.
As part of CUHK’s growing internationalisation strategy, the Office of Academic Links is inviting proposals and mobility applications that strengthen research ties with top universities abroad. These schemes are designed to help early-career researchers and doctoral candidates access funding, travel support, and short-term research attachments at world-class partner institutions.
For international PhD students looking to expand their research impact beyond borders, this is one of CUHK’s most important funding calls for 2026.
CUHK 2026 Research Grants and PhD Mobility Awards Available
CUHK is offering multiple competitive schemes under this call, supporting research partnerships with leading institutions such as the University of Sydney, the University of Manchester, and EHESS in France.
Below are the key opportunities available for applicants in 2026.
List of New PhD Scholarships Open at CUHK
| Scheme / Program Name | Partner Institution | Who Can Apply | Funding / Support Offered | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney–CUHK Ignition Grants 2026 | University of Sydney (Australia) | Faculty members, early- & mid-career researchers | Up to AUD $20,000 (Sydney) + HK$110,000 (CUHK) per proposal | 16 March 2026 |
| Manchester–CUHK Joint Research Seed Fund 2026 | University of Manchester (UK) | Researchers building new partnerships (existing collaborators not supported) | Up to £8,000 (UoM) + HK$80,000 (CUHK) per project | 16 March 2026 |
| PhD IMPAC Award (International Mobility Award) | Global Partner Institutions | CUHK PhD students + Visiting international PhD students (via CUHK supervisors) | CUHK students: HK$17,000–HK$50,000 sponsorship; Visiting students: Free on-campus accommodation | 16 March 2026 |
| CUHK–EHESS Faculty Exchange Programme | EHESS (France) | CUHK & EHESS faculty members | Visiting scholar support for teaching, research, and collaboration | 16 March 2026 |
| CUHK–EHESS PhD Student Exchange Programme | EHESS (France) | Up to 2 PhD students annually (CUHK or EHESS) | Short-term research attachment + academic hosting | 16 March 2026 |
Apply: https://www.oalglobal.cuhk.edu.hk/2026/01/30/schemes-for-international-research-collaboration-2026/
The last date to apply for all CUHK international collaboration schemes, including the Sydney-CUHK Ignition Grants, Manchester-CUHK Seed Fund, PhD IMPAC Award, and CUHK-EHESS Exchange Programmes, is 16 March 2026.