TL;DR: The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 2027/28, established by the Research Grants Council (RGC), offers about 400 fully funded PhD fellowships at University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded universities in Hong Kong. Each award includes an annual stipend of HK$344,400 (about US$44,150) and an annual conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$14,400 (about US$1,840) for up to three years. Applicants from any country may apply. The call runs from 1 September 2026 to 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time.
Key facts
- Programme: Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 2027/28
- Funder: Research Grants Council (RGC), University Grants Committee (UGC)
- Host: Hong Kong (eight UGC-funded universities)
- Level: Full-time PhD (new admissions)
- Awards: About 400 fellowships for 2027/28
- Eligible nationalities: Worldwide (any country of origin)
- Fields of study: All PhD fields offered by participating universities (two RGC selection panels: Sciences, Medicine, Engineering and Technology; and Humanities, Social Sciences and Business Studies)
- Programme start: Hong Kong universities normally begin the academic year in September
- Application window: 1 September 2026 to 1 December 2026 (12:00 noon Hong Kong Time)
- Results: Expected by May 2027 (per RGC FAQ)
Funding
According to the official RGC / UGC pages for HKPFS, each awardee receives:
- An annual stipend of HK$344,400 (approximately US$44,150) for up to three years
- An annual conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$14,400 (approximately US$1,840) for up to three years
If you need more than three years to finish the PhD, the host university may provide additional support. Confirm details with your chosen university after nomination or admission.
Eligibility
The official call states that people seeking admission as new full-time PhD students in UGC-funded Hong Kong universities are eligible, regardless of country of origin, prior work experience, or ethnic background. Applicants should show outstanding academic performance, research ability or potential, strong communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities.
Academic excellence is the primary selection factor. Shortlisted applications are reviewed by one of two HKPFS selection panels, depending on the field of study.
Participating universities
Eight research degree-awarding universities take part in HKPFS:
- City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK)
- Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU)
- 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)
- Lingnan University
- The University of Hong Kong (HKU)
Check each university’s PhD admission requirements and programme list on the official HKPFS institutions page before you apply.
How to apply
Applications have two linked steps:
- Initial application to the Research Grants Council. Submit one initial application through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Electronic System (HKPFSES). You may choose up to two PhD programmes at one or two universities. After submission you receive an HKPFS reference number. The initial application deadline is 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time. Late submissions are not considered.
- Full PhD applications to the chosen university or universities. Apply directly to each selected university for PhD admission and quote your HKPFS reference number. University full-application deadlines for this cycle are generally 1 December 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Hong Kong Time; always confirm on the university page.
Submit only one initial application. Multiple initial applications can lead to disqualification. Universities may interview applicants as part of selection. Candidates who are not awarded HKPFS may still receive a regular PhD offer and postgraduate studentship from a university.
Official sources
- HKPFS overview (UGC / RGC)
- HKPFS call circular
- Participating universities and contacts
- HKPFSES initial application
- HKPFS FAQ
FAQ
Who can apply for HKPFS 2027/28?
Anyone seeking admission as a new full-time PhD student at a participating UGC-funded university in Hong Kong may apply, regardless of nationality. You must meet the university’s PhD admission requirements for your chosen programme.
What does the fellowship cover?
The fellowship provides an annual stipend of HK$344,400 and an annual conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$14,400 for up to three years. Extra support beyond three years, if needed, depends on the host university.
When is the deadline?
Initial applications through HKPFSES close on 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time. Full applications to universities for this cycle are generally due by 1 December 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Hong Kong Time.
How many programmes can I choose?
You may choose up to two PhD programmes at one or two universities in your initial HKPFS application. Those choices must match the full applications you submit to the universities.
When will results be announced?
According to the official HKPFS FAQ, results for 2027/28 are expected by May 2027. Awardees are notified by email, and results are also posted on the RGC site.
