Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28: Fully Funded

Published: September 3, 2026;5 min read;By Scholars World

The Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong is pleased to welcome applications for its 2027/28 PhD Fellowship Scheme.

The Hong Kong Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) offers a fully funded graduate scholarship to study and research at the best universities in Hong Kong. The scholarship covers tuition, provides a $44,150 living stipend, and a $1,840 relocation allowance for selected candidates across eight research degree-awarding universities.

Hong Kong is a premium destination for international students. It is a free and dynamic society where creativity and entrepreneurship converge. Strategically located in the heart of Asia, it is a cosmopolitan city offering global connectivity, security and rich diversity, and is home to a unique network of people who celebrate excellence and quality living.

In this post, we will highlight everything you need to know about the HKPFS, discuss the requirements, programs, participating universities, and how to successfully submit your application.

Scholarship Host: The Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong
Host Country: China
Category: Postgraduate Scholarships || PhD Scholarships
Benefits: Full Scholarship • $44,150 Stipend per year • $1,840 Travel Allowance
Eligibility: Students from 190+ Countries Worldwide
Deadline: December 1, 2026

Established by the Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong in 2009, the Hong Kong Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) aims to attract the best and brightest students in the world to pursue their PhD studies in Hong Kong’s universities.

Hong Kong’s education system fosters lifelong learning and independent research, leading to a motivated, highly skilled and entrepreneurial workforce. Hong Kong welcomes an international workforce.

Universities in Hong Kong offer special strengths amidst a wide choice of disciplines, developing the city into a regional and international hub for higher education and talent development.

💬

Join Our WhatsApp Community

Daily updates on scholarships, internships, and deadlines.

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) is fully funded, selected candidates get;

  • An annual stipend of HK$344,200 (approximately US$44,150) and a conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$14,400 (approximately US$1,840) per year for each awardee for a period 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 degree, additional support may be provided by the chosen universities.

To be considered for the 2027 Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS), applicants must satisfy the following criteria:

  • Demonstrate outstanding qualities of academic performance, research ability/potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities.
  • Be seeking admission as new full time PhD students in any of the eight partner HKPFS universities, irrespective of their country of origin, prior work experience and ethnic background.
  • Have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university
  • Meet the university requirements for the PhD program
  • Applicants should demonstrate outstanding qualities of academic performance, research ability / potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities.

The 2027 HKPFS Scholarship is open to candidates pursuing the following programmes;

  • Sciences, Medicine, Engineering and Technology
  • Humanities, Social Sciences and Business Studies

To complete your application, prepare the following documents in advance:

  • Application Form 
  • Academic transcripts 
  • Research results: Published thesis, award certificates, etc. to prove their academic achievements and research capabilities.
  • A Study Plan or Research Proposal 
  • Recommendation Letters 
  • Photocopy of Passport Photo Page

Never Miss a Scholarship Deadline

Get the latest fully funded scholarships, admission alerts, and exam updates delivered to your inbox.

The step-by-step guide to apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) is as follows;

  • Visit the official scholarship portal (Click the link below).
  • First, make an Initial Application online through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Electronic System (HKPFSES) to obtain an HKPFS Reference Number by 1 December 2026 at Hong Kong Time 12:00:00 before submitting applications for PhD admission to their desired universities.
  • You may choose up to two programmes/departments at one or two universities for PhD study under HKPFS 2027/28. Ensure you comply with the admission requirements of your selected universities and programmes.
  • As the deadlines for applications to some of the universities may immediately follow that of the Initial Application, candidates should submit initial applications as early as possible to ensure that they have sufficient time to submit applications to universities.
Application Deadline: December 1, 2026