Applications are open for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 2027/2028, established by the Research Grants Council (RGC) to attract outstanding students worldwide to pursue PhD study at universities in Hong Kong.
400 PhD Fellowships will be awarded for 2027/28. Each awardee receives an annual stipend of HK$344,400 (~US$44,150) plus an annual conference/research travel allowance of HK$14,400 (~US$1,840) for up to three years. Initial RGC application window: 1 September 2026 - 1 December 2026, 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time.
This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on the official UGC/RGC HKPFS pages. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.
Quick Facts - HKPFS 2027/2028
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Funder | Research Grants Council (RGC), Hong Kong |
| Awards | 400 PhD Fellowships (2027/28) |
| Annual stipend | HK$344,400 (~US$44,150) |
| Travel allowance | HK$14,400 (~US$1,840) per year |
| Duration | Up to 3 years (universities may support longer PhDs) |
| Eligibility | New full-time PhD applicants worldwide |
| Choices | Up to 2 programmes / universities |
| RGC initial deadline | 1 December 2026, 12:00 noon HKT |
| Apply | HKPFS Initial Application (RGC) |
Benefits
- Annual stipend of HK$344,400 for up to three years
- Annual conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$14,400
- Study at leading Hong Kong universities with possible additional university support beyond three years
- If not selected for HKPFS, universities may still offer regular PhD admission and studentships
Eligibility
- Applicants from anywhere in the world seeking admission as a new full-time PhD student at a Hong Kong university
- Outstanding academic performance, research ability/potential, communication/interpersonal skills, and leadership
- Must meet admission requirements of selected university programme(s)
- Only one initial RGC application per person; maximum two programme choices
Selection Criteria
- Academic excellence (primary)
- Research ability and potential
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Leadership abilities
Shortlisted applications are reviewed by panels for (i) Sciences, Medicine, Engineering & Technology or (ii) Humanities, Social Sciences & Business Studies. Results for 2027/28 expected by May 2027.
How to Apply
- Review the scheme on the official HKPFS page and participating institutions.
- Submit the RGC initial application (open 1 Sep - 1 Dec 2026, noon HKT) and note your HKPFS Reference Number.
- Submit full PhD applications to your chosen university/universities quoting the HKPFS number before each university’s deadline (see university deadlines - commonly aligned with 1 Dec 2026).
An initial application without a follow-up university full application is void.
Official Links
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (official)
Application & university deadlines
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- Browse all fellowships
FAQs - HKPFS 2027/2028
When is the RGC deadline?
1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time. Applications opened 1 September 2026.
What funding is provided?
Annual stipend of HK$344,400 plus HK$14,400 conference/research travel allowance for up to three years; 400 awards in 2027/28.
Who can apply?
New full-time PhD applicants of any nationality to Hong Kong universities, with strong academics, research potential, communication skills, and leadership.
Where do I apply?
First via the RGC HKPFS Initial Application, then full applications to your chosen universities.
