Imagine studying in one of the most dynamic cities on Earth — where the East meets the West, where innovation drives ambition, and where your research could redefine tomorrow. Welcome to Hong Kong, home of the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 2026/27 — a prestigious and fully funded doctoral program created to attract the world’s brightest young minds to its globally ranked universities.
Established by the Research Grants Council (RGC) in 2009, the scheme has already transformed the lives of over 3,800 international PhD fellows from more than a hundred countries and regions. Now, it’s your turn to join this elite community of scholars and pioneers.
About the Fellowship
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) offers one of the most generous PhD funding packages in Asia. Successful applicants will study at one of eight UGC-funded universities, each hosting world-class research facilities and top-tier academic programs.
Funding Coverage:
- Annual Stipend: A highly competitive amount covering living expenses throughout your studies.
- Conference and Research Allowance: Generous annual support for international research and conference participation.
- Duration: Up to three (03) years of full funding.
This scheme not only funds your PhD journey but also gives you access to world-class laboratories, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and a thriving research environment in one of Asia’s most vibrant innovation hubs.
Why Study in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong is more than a city — it’s a global innovation hub. With five universities ranked among the world’s top 100 and Asia’s top 20, it’s an academic powerhouse unmatched in density of excellence.
From AI and robotics to biotechnology, clean energy, fintech, and social sciences, Hong Kong’s universities lead research that is shaping the future. The city’s multicultural ecosystem, English-medium education, and close ties to the Greater Bay Area make it a unique bridge between East and West — ideal for scholars with global ambitions.
Eligibility Criteria
If you are a new full-time PhD applicant to any of the eight UGC-funded universities in Hong Kong, you are welcome to apply — regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or prior work experience.
Eligible Fields of Study:
- Sciences, Medicine, Engineering & Technology
- Humanities, Social Sciences & Business Studies
Academic excellence is the main criterion, but the selection panel also values research potential, communication skills, interpersonal ability, and leadership qualities.
Application Portal: https://cerg1.ugc.edu.hk/hkpfs/InitApplication.jsp
Participating Universities
You can apply through any of the following prestigious institutions:
- The University of Hong Kong — gradsch.hku.hk/hkpfs
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong — gs.cuhk.edu.hk/hkpfs
- City University of Hong Kong — cityu.edu.hk/pg/hong-kong-phd-fellowship-scheme
- The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology — fytgs.hkust.edu.hk/hkpfs
- Hong Kong Baptist University — gs.hkbu.edu.hk/admission/hkpfs
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University — polyu.edu.hk/gs/hkpfs
- The Education University of Hong Kong — eduhk.hk/gradsch/index.php/hkpfs
- Lingnan University — ln.edu.hk/rpg/hkpfs
Application Dates to Remember
The last date to apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 2026/27 is 1 December 2025 at 12:00 noon (Hong Kong Time, GMT +8). Applicants must first submit their initial application through the Research Grants Council’s online system before this deadline to obtain an HKPFS Reference Number.
After that, they must apply directly to their chosen Hong Kong universities for PhD admission, ensuring that both applications are completed before the respective university deadlines, which may follow closely after the HKPFS submission date.