Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2026/2027 – Fully Funded Opportunity for Global Scholars
A world-class research opportunity is available in Asia. The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2026/2027 is suitable for you. This fully funded scholarship allows international students to pursue their doctoral studies in one of Asia’s most dynamic education and financial hubs.
Established in 2009 by the Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong, the HKPFS is a famous program. It attracts some of the most promising young researchers from all corners of the globe. If you’re ready to begin your PhD journey with full financial support and academic freedom, this fellowship is for you.
Why Choose Hong Kong for Your PhD?
Hong Kong is both an Eastern and Western scholarship culture hub. The majority of Hong Kong’s universities are globally ranked, highly innovative, and highly research-intensive. In addition, the language of instruction is English, which is highly accessible and desirable to international students.
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2026/2027 offers you the opportunity to study in one of eight research-intensive universities that are renowned for their different advanced research facilirites. These are their labs, qualified faculty, and helpful academic networks. In addition to academics, Hong Kong also has a lively lifestyle, global exposure, and career opportunities.
Participating Universities in HKPFS 2026
Each year, the HKPFS funds around 400 new PhD students. You can apply to any of these renowned institutions:
City University of Hong Kong
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
The University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong Baptist University
The Education University of Hong Kong
Lingnan University
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Each university manages its own timeline and admission requirements. Therefore, visit their websites to explore department-specific criteria and deadlines.
Scholarship Benefits and Financial Coverage
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme offers:
Annual Stipend: HK$337,200 (approx. US$43,230)
Research and Conference Travel Allowance: HK$14,000/year (approx. US$1,790)
Coverage Duration: Up to 3 years
Additional University Support: For programs longer than 3 years
This scholarship covers everything you need — from tuition and accommodation to academic materials and conference travel.
Who Can Apply?
This fellowship is open to students of all nationalities and academic backgrounds. It encourages diversity and aims to support the best talent, regardless of ethnicity or work experience.
To be eligible, applicants must:
Be applying for admission as new full-time PhD students
Hold excellent academic records
Show strong research potential and communication skills
Exhibit leadership capabilities
Selection Criteria
Applicants are reviewed by panels divided into subject areas:
Sciences, Medicine, Engineering and Technology
Humanities, Social Sciences, and Business Studies
The evaluation focuses on:
Academic performance (most important)
Research ability and future potential
Communication and interpersonal skills
Leadership traits
How to Apply
The application process involves two major steps:
Initial Application on RGC Portal: Submit a pre-application to the HKPFS system to receive a reference number.
University Application: You have to apply directly to your chosen university/universities using the reference number.
Applications for the academic year 2026–2027 will open in September 2025, so prepare your documents and check deadlines for each institution in advance.
Why This Fellowship Stands Out
Unlike most other scholarships, the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2026/2027 is not only benifit financially. It gives you a professional space where you can develop your academic career. You will work with some of the world’s most renowned professors, present at international conferences, and be involved in cutting-edge research.
Furthermore, the city’s multicultural atmosphere and career-building opportunities make it ideal for long-term academic and professional growth.
Important Deadline
Most of the applications for the 2026/2027 intake will close by December 2025. However, deadlines may vary by university, so suggest to always double-check their specific requirements on respective university website.
Final Note
If you dream of earning a fully funded PhD in Hong Kong, the HKPFS is a golden opportunity. Start preparing now and get ahead of the deadlines. With strong academic credentials and research interest, your next academic destination could be one of Hong Kong’s leading universities.
Key Links:
For official guidelines, visit the scholarship office page.
Or stay updated through global scholarship updates on WeMakeYouScholar.com – your trusted source for study-abroad opportunities.
