Get Ready to Apply for the Prestigious Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)!

Are you an aspiring researcher with a brilliant mind and a passion for pushing the boundaries of knowledge? Do you dream of pursuing your PhD in a dynamic, globally connected city that’s a hub of innovation and culture? Then listen up, because the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) is your golden ticket!

Established by the Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong in 2009, the HKPFS is one of the most sought-after and generous PhD scholarships in the world. It’s designed to attract the brightest and best students from across the globe to undertake their doctoral studies at Hong Kong’s top universities. And with the application window for the 2026 intake opening soon (or already open for the initial application phase for 2025/2026 intake, depending on when you read this!), now’s the time to start preparing!

Why HKPFS is a Game-Changer for Your PhD Journey

This isn’t just any scholarship; the HKPFS offers an unparalleled package of benefits that allows you to focus purely on your research and thrive in an exceptional academic environment:

Generous Annual Stipend: Successful fellows receive an annual stipend of HK$337,200 (approximately US$43,230). This substantial amount is designed to comfortably cover your living expenses in Hong Kong.
Conference and Research-Related Travel Allowance: You’ll also get an annual allowance of HK$14,000 (approximately US$1,790) to support your attendance at academic conferences, workshops, and other research-related travel. This means more opportunities to present your work and network with leading experts.
Duration: The fellowship typically provides support for up to three years. For those enrolled in four-year PhD programs, many universities offer additional support for the fourth year, ensuring comprehensive funding throughout your studies.
No Tuition Fees (often with additional university support): While the HKPFS directly covers the stipend and travel, most participating universities also offer tuition fee waivers or other forms of financial support to HKPFS awardees, making your PhD virtually tuition-free!
World-Class Universities: You’ll be studying at one of the eight leading, publicly funded universities in Hong Kong, all of which boast excellent research facilities, distinguished faculty, and a vibrant international community.
Global Recognition and Networking: Becoming an HKPFS awardee is a significant mark of academic distinction. It will enhance your profile, connect you with a global network of scholars, and open doors to future career opportunities.
Dynamic City Life: Hong Kong is a unique blend of East and West, a bustling metropolis with a stunning skyline, incredible food, diverse cultural experiences, and easy access to nature. Living and studying here is an adventure in itself!

Who Are They Looking For?

The HKPFS aims to attract the “best and brightest” students. While academic excellence is the primary consideration, the selection panels also look for:

Outstanding academic performance: Strong transcripts and a proven track record of academic achievement are crucial.
Exceptional research ability/potential: Showcase your research experience, publications (if any), and a clear vision for your PhD project.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills: You’ll need to articulate your research ideas effectively and collaborate with others.
Leadership abilities: Demonstrate your capacity for initiative and leadership through academic, professional, or extracurricular activities.

Eligibility: The scheme is open to individuals seeking admission as new full-time PhD students in one of the eight participating universities in Hong Kong, regardless of their country of origin, prior work experience, or ethnic background.¹

The Application Process: Key Dates to Remember!

The HKPFS application process is a two-step affair. While the exact dates for the 2026 intake will be officially confirmed, based on previous cycles, here’s what you can generally expect:

Step 1: Initial Application to the Research Grants Council (RGC)

This is the crucial first step. You’ll need to submit an online initial application through the HKPFS Electronic System.
Anticipated Deadline for 2026 Intake: The deadline for the initial application for the academic year 2025/2026 was typically around December 1, 2024 (Hong Kong Time). Therefore, for the 2026/2027 intake, expect the initial application window to open around September 2025 and close in early December 2025. You must obtain an HKPFS Reference Number from this step.

Step 2: Full Application to Your Chosen Universities

After obtaining your HKPFS Reference Number, you will then submit a full application directly to the PhD programs of your desired universities.
You can choose up to two programs/departments at one or two universities for PhD study under the HKPFS.
University Deadlines: While the RGC deadline is generally fixed, individual universities may have slightly different internal application deadlines. It’s critical to check the specific deadlines for the programs you’re interested in at each university.

Participating Universities:

The HKPFS supports PhD studies at the following eight University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded universities in Hong Kong:

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

Don’t Wait! Start Preparing Now!

Even if the official application window for the 2026 intake hasn’t fully opened yet (for the RGC initial application), it’s never too early to get ready. Here’s what you can do:

Identify Your Research Interest: What specific area do you want to research? Which professors and departments align with your vision?
Research Universities and Supervisors: Explore the websites of the participating universities. Find potential supervisors whose research interests match yours and consider reaching out to them.
Gather Your Documents: Start preparing your CV, academic transcripts, degree certificates, research proposal, personal statement, and identify potential referees for letters of recommendation.
Prepare for English Language Proficiency Tests: If English was not the medium of instruction for your previous degree, you’ll likely need to provide TOEFL or IELTS scores. Plan to take these tests well in advance.

APPLY HERE

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme is an incredible opportunity to launch your academic career in one of the world’s most exciting cities. With its generous funding, world-class research environment, and vibrant culture, it promises a truly transformative experience.

Keep an eye on the official HKPFS website (via the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong) and the individual university graduate school websites for the precise application details and deadlines for the 2026 intake. Good luck!

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