The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 2027/28 is offering 400 funded opportunities for students who want to pursue a full-time PhD at participating universities in Hong Kong. The programme is designed for applicants with strong academic records and research potential.
Selected students will receive HK$344,400 per year as a fellowship stipend. They can also receive HK$14,400 annually to support eligible conference and research-related travel.
Applications for the 2027/28 intake opened on 1 September 2026, and the initial application deadline is 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time.
HKPFS 2027/28 at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme |
| Intake | 2027/28 |
| Study Level | PhD |
| Available Fellowships | 400 |
| Annual Stipend | HK$344,400 |
| Travel Allowance | HK$14,400 per year |
| Fellowship Support | Up to 3 years |
| Applications Open | 1 September 2026 |
| Initial Deadline | 1 December 2026 |
| Deadline Time | 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time |
| Applicants | International and local candidates |
Financial Support for Selected PhD Students
The fellowship provides financial assistance throughout the supported period of doctoral study.
1. Annual Stipend
Every successful HKPFS fellow receives an annual stipend of HK$344,400. This is approximately US$44,150, based on the amount stated by the Research Grants Council.
2. Travel Support
An additional HK$14,400 per year is provided for conference and research-related travel. This gives fellows financial support for eligible academic activities connected with their research.
3. Duration of Funding
The fellowship normally provides support for a maximum of three years. Students whose PhD programmes require additional time may receive further support from their university, subject to the institution’s own arrangements.
Who Is Eligible to Submit an Application?
The scheme is intended for applicants seeking admission as new full-time PhD students at one of the participating universities in Hong Kong.
Candidates need to satisfy both the fellowship requirements and the admission conditions of the PhD programme they choose.
The HKPFS assessment gives importance to:
- Academic performance
- Research capability and future potential
- Communication and interpersonal abilities
- Leadership qualities
Applicants should therefore have a strong academic profile as well as evidence of their ability to work on advanced research.
Universities Covered by the Fellowship
The scheme is available at eight universities funded under the University Grants Committee.
These institutions are:
- 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
The PhD subjects and admission conditions are different across these institutions, so applicants should check the specific programme before applying.
How Many Choices Can an Applicant Make?
A candidate can nominate up to two PhD programmes when applying for the fellowship. The two choices can be at the same university or at two different participating universities.
Since applicants have a limited number of choices, it is important to check the research area, available supervisors, programme requirements, and university application deadline before making the selections.
What Does the Selection Committee Consider?
The fellowship is not awarded only based on academic marks. The assessment also considers a candidate’s research potential and other relevant abilities.
Academic Record
A strong academic background demonstrates the applicant’s preparation for doctoral-level study.
Research Background
Previous research work, publications, projects, and other relevant experience can demonstrate a candidate’s ability to undertake PhD research.
Communication Skills
The selection process also considers whether applicants can communicate and work effectively in an academic environment.
Leadership
Leadership experience is another factor considered during the assessment. This may come from academic, professional, or other relevant activities.
English Language and University Requirements
Applicants must meet the admission requirements set by the university and PhD programme they select.
English-language requirements are not necessarily identical for every programme. Applicants should therefore check the official admission page of their chosen university to determine whether an English proficiency test is required and which scores are accepted.
Meeting the HKPFS criteria alone does not guarantee admission to a PhD programme.
Application Dates for 2027/28
The initial application period for the 2027/28 fellowship is:
Opening: 1 September 2026
Closing: 1 December 2026
Closing Time: 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time
Applicants should submit their initial application before the stated deadline because late submissions are not accepted.
University application deadlines can be different from the HKPFS deadline, so candidates need to check both timelines.
How to Apply for HKPFS 2027/28
The application involves the fellowship system as well as the admission process of the selected university.
1. Choose Your PhD Programmes
Start by identifying suitable PhD programmes at the participating universities. Check the research areas, supervisors, academic criteria, and programme-specific requirements.
2. Submit the Initial HKPFS Application
The first application is submitted through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Electronic System (HKPFSES). For the 2027/28 intake, this stage is available from 1 September 2026 until 1 December 2026.
3. Note Your HKPFS Reference Number
Once the initial application has been submitted, the applicant receives an HKPFS Reference Number. This number is important for the subsequent university applications, so applicants should keep a record of it.
4. Complete the University Application
Applicants must separately apply for admission to their selected PhD programmes at the relevant universities. The university application must follow that institution’s own procedure and deadline.
Submitting the HKPFS application by itself does not complete the university admission process.
Is There an Application Fee?
The Research Grants Council does not charge an application fee for the initial HKPFS application.
However, universities may have their own application charges. Candidates should check the relevant university’s official admission information before submitting the university application.
What Happens After Submission?
After applications are submitted, the selected universities process the candidates according to their own admission procedures. The fellowship selection is conducted through the HKPFS assessment process.
Candidates should therefore monitor communications from both the fellowship system and the universities to which they have applied.
Important Points Before Applying
Applicants should keep the following points in mind:
- The scheme is for new full-time PhD students.
- A maximum of two PhD programme choices can be made.
- University admission requirements must also be fulfilled.
- English-language requirements can differ between programmes.
- The HKPFS initial application and university admission application are separate steps.
- University deadlines may not be the same as the HKPFS deadline.
- The initial HKPFS application deadline is 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time.
Official Application Portal
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme is administered by the Research Grants Council (RGC).
Applicants should use the official RGC website for the latest information about participating universities, application procedures, and programme requirements.
Official Website: https://cerg1.ugc.edu.hk/hkpfs/index.html
Application Information: https://cerg1.ugc.edu.hk/hkpfs/apply.html
Initial Application System: https://cerg1.ugc.edu.hk/hkpfs/InitApplication.jsp