YBB – Are you planning to pursue a PhD at a leading university in Asia? The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027–28 offers an outstanding opportunity for talented students worldwide to undertake full-time doctoral studies in Hong Kong.
Launched by the Research Grants Council (RGC), the fellowship aims to attract high-achieving international researchers to Hong Kong. For the 2027–28 academic year, the scheme offers 400 fully funded PhD fellowships across eight participating universities.
Moreover, applicants from all nationalities can apply. The programme considers academic excellence, research ability, communication skills, and leadership potential. No prior work experience is required.
Successful fellows can receive an annual stipend of HK$344,400, along with an annual conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$14,400 for up to three years.
About the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027–28
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme was established by the Research Grants Council to attract outstanding students from around the world to pursue doctoral research in Hong Kong.
Since its launch in 2009, the programme has supported international doctoral researchers across a wide range of disciplines.
The fellowship provides an opportunity to study in Hong Kong’s highly connected academic environment. Furthermore, fellows can interact with researchers and students from different cultural and academic backgrounds.
With its location in the heart of Asia, Hong Kong also offers access to an internationally connected research and professional environment.
Also read : Lincoln University Undergraduate Scholarship 2027 in New Zealand
Study Fields
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme welcomes applications across multiple academic disciplines.
Available fields include:
- Sciences
- Medicine
- Engineering and Technology
- Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Business Studies
Therefore, students from diverse academic backgrounds can explore doctoral opportunities through the participating universities.
Participating Universities
Applicants can choose from eight universities participating in the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme.
These institutions are:
- City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK)
- Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU)
- Lingnan University (LU)
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)
- The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK)
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)
- The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)
- The University of Hong Kong (HKU)
Candidates should research each university’s doctoral programmes and admission requirements before selecting their preferred programmes.
Benefits of the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme
The fellowship provides substantial financial support for successful doctoral candidates.
Selected fellows will receive:
- HK$344,400 per year in stipend, approximately US$44,150
- HK$14,400 per year in conference and research-related travel allowance, approximately US$1,840
- Financial support for up to three years
- Additional support from the university if the PhD programme extends beyond the three-year fellowship period
- Access to leading universities and research environments in Hong Kong
- International academic and networking opportunities
- No prior work experience requirement
The annual stipend can help fellows manage their living expenses during their doctoral studies. Meanwhile, the travel allowance can support participation in conferences and other research-related activities.
Who Can Apply?
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme is open to applicants from all nationalities.
To qualify, applicants must generally:
- Be new full-time PhD students
- Apply for a full-time doctoral programme at one of the eight participating universities
- Demonstrate that their previous university education was conducted in English
- Provide an English proficiency certificate if their previous medium of instruction was not English
- Meet the admission requirements of their selected university and PhD programme
Candidates who are already enrolled in a PhD programme may only apply if they secure admission to another new full-time PhD programme.
Importantly, applicants do not need previous professional work experience. Therefore, recent graduates with strong academic and research profiles can also consider this opportunity.
How to Apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme
Applicants need to complete two separate application processes: the initial fellowship application and the university admission application.
First, candidates must submit an initial application through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Electronic System (HKPFSES).
After successfully submitting the initial application, applicants will receive a unique reference number.
Next, candidates should apply directly to their selected universities and PhD programmes. Applicants can choose up to two universities and two programmes, depending on the programme’s priority arrangements.
The HKPFSES reference number must be included in the university application.
This step is particularly important because applications without the correct fellowship reference number may be considered under the university’s regular admission process instead of the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme.
Furthermore, each participating university has its own application deadline. Therefore, applicants should submit the initial fellowship application early enough to receive their reference number before the relevant university deadlines.
Documents and Requirements
Applicants should prepare their academic and supporting materials according to the requirements of their selected university and doctoral programme.
These may include:
- Academic transcripts
- Previous degree certificates
- Proof of English-language education or an English proficiency certificate
- Research proposal or research-related materials
- Curriculum Vitae
- Academic or professional references
- Other documents required by the selected university
Because requirements can vary between universities and programmes, applicants should carefully review the official admission instructions before submitting their university applications.
Important Application Process
The fellowship application and university admission process should not be treated as a single application.
First, applicants need to obtain their HKPFSES reference number through the fellowship system. Afterward, they must apply to their selected university or universities using that reference number.
Applicants can select up to two universities and two programmes according to the scheme’s application rules.
Moreover, university deadlines may differ from the central fellowship deadline. Consequently, submitting the initial application early is essential for candidates who want to complete both stages on time.
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Deadline
The deadline for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027–28 is:
December 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM Hong Kong Time
However, applicants should remember that individual universities may have different admission deadlines.
Therefore, candidates should check their selected universities and submit the initial HKPFSES application early. This approach can help ensure that the fellowship reference number is available before the relevant university deadline.
Why Apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship?
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme combines substantial financial support with access to a strong international research environment.
For ambitious doctoral candidates, the opportunity can provide three years of financial support while they develop advanced research expertise.
Furthermore, the eight participating universities cover fields ranging from science and engineering to medicine, humanities, social sciences, and business.
The programme also encourages international academic exchange. As a result, fellows can develop connections with researchers and students from diverse backgrounds while studying in a globally connected Asian city.
Therefore, students with strong academic records, research potential, and leadership qualities should consider applying if their intended doctoral programme is offered by one of the participating universities.
Conclusion
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027–28 offers 400 fully funded doctoral fellowships for talented students from around the world.
With an annual stipend of HK$344,400, an additional HK$14,400 annual travel allowance, and access to eight participating universities, the programme provides strong support for international students pursuing full-time PhD studies.
Moreover, applicants do not need prior work experience, and the scheme welcomes candidates from all nationalities. However, applicants must carefully complete both the fellowship and university admission processes.
If you are planning to pursue a PhD in Hong Kong, start preparing your application and research materials early. Most importantly, submit your initial fellowship application before December 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM Hong Kong Time, while also checking the separate deadlines of your chosen universities.
Apply through the official website:
