Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28 by Research Grants Council, Hong Kong (Stipend HK$344,400 per year; 400 Fellowships; Apply by 1 December 2026)

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) was established by the Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong in 2009 to attract the best and brightest students in the world to pursue PhD studies in Hong Kong's universities. The 2027/28 call is the 18th round, with fellowships commencing in the 2027/28 academic year (Hong Kong universities normally start their academic year in September). According to the RGC, the scheme has brought over 4,200 students from Hong Kong and around a hundred countries and regions to PhD study in Hong Kong.

The fellowship is tenable at eight UGC-funded 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

According to the RGC, fields of study span the humanities, business studies and social sciences, engineering, biology, medicine and the physical sciences. Shortlisted applications are reviewed by one of two Selection Panels: (1) Sciences, Medicine, Engineering and Technology, and (2) Humanities, Social Sciences and Business Studies. Law applicants should check the chosen law faculty's own PhD admission requirements and deadline before applying.

Candidates seeking admission as new full-time PhD students in the eight UGC-funded universities, irrespective of their country of origin, prior work experience and ethnic background, are eligible to apply. Indian applicants can therefore apply. Applicants should demonstrate outstanding academic performance, research ability and potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities. Current PhD students may apply if they apply for another PhD programme as a new full-time PhD student; the Selection Panel decides whether previous PhD study experience should be discounted. Admission eligibility for each PhD programme is set by the individual university.

The Fellowship provides each awardee with an annual stipend of HK$344,400 (approximately US$44,150) and a conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$14,400 (approximately US$1,840) per year, for a period of up to three years. 400 PhD Fellowships will be awarded in the 2027/28 academic year. For awardees who need more than three years to complete the PhD, additional support may be provided by the chosen university.

Note: the RGC's scheme home page states this stipend figure as the 2026/27 rate, while its FAQ states the same figure alongside the 2027/28 awards. Confirm the final figure with the RGC or your university.

Academic excellence is the primary consideration. The Selection Panels also take into account research ability and potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities. Individual universities may interview applicants, and candidates are nominated by the universities. Applicants not selected for the HKPFS may still be accepted by a university for regular PhD admission and may be offered a postgraduate studentship. The RGC will notify successful applicants by email and letter, and results will be announced in May 2027.

The RGC does not charge any application fee for the HKPFS. Universities may charge application or other processing fees; check with the universities of your choice.

• Step 1, Initial Application to the RGC: submit one initial application online through the HKPFS Electronic System (HKPFSES) to obtain an HKPFS Reference Number. It closes on 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time (9:30 am IST on 1 December 2026, so treat 30 November 2026 as your last full day). Late submissions will not be considered. Only one initial application per applicant is allowed; multiple applications lead to disqualification.
• You may choose up to two programmes or departments at one or two universities. The form must be completed in English, and the system times out after 30 minutes of idling.
• Step 2, Full Application to the university: submit a full application to each chosen university quoting your HKPFS Reference Number. For 2027/28 all eight universities list a deadline of 1 December 2026, 11:59 pm Hong Kong Time (9:29 pm IST). An initial application not followed by a full university application is void.
• Because university deadlines follow the initial application deadline closely, submit the initial application as early as possible.
• Applicants must disclose any use of AI tools in preparing their application, as set out in the RGC Guidance Note.