Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027

Overview

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme is funded by the Research Grants Council to attract the top international PhD candidates to Hong Kong’s eight publicly funded universities. Around 300 fellowships per cycle across all disciplines. Fellows receive a generous monthly stipend (significantly higher than most regional PhD awards) plus a conference travel allowance. Funded for up to three years; if the PhD takes longer, the home university typically continues funding under its own schemes. The 2027 cycle’s initial application closes 1 December 2026.

Benefits

• Monthly stipend of HKD 28,100 (around USD 3,600).
• Annual conference and research-related travel allowance of HKD 14,000.
• Funded for up to three years; extension to four years often covered by host university.
• Recognition as a Hong Kong PhD Fellow.
• Open to PhD programmes at the eight publicly funded universities: HKU, CUHK, HKUST, PolyU, CityU, HKBU, EdUHK, and Lingnan.

Eligibility

• Citizen of any country except mainland China for some restricted-quota positions.
• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) with first-class or strong upper-second honours.
• Strong academic record and research potential demonstrated through publications, internships, or thesis work.
• English language requirement (TOEFL 80+ or IELTS 6.0+; native speakers exempt).
• Holding or applying for admission to a PhD programme at one of the eight host universities for the 2027/28 academic year.

How to apply

1. Identify your target host university and PhD programme. Reach out to potential supervisors at least three months ahead.
2. Open the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme application page at the source link to submit the initial expression of interest.
3. Submit the initial application by 1 December 2026. This is a pre-application that gives you a reference number.
4. Use the reference number to apply for admission to your chosen PhD programme through the university’s normal admissions portal.
5. Final shortlist is decided by the host university and the Research Grants Council jointly. Offers are made by March 2027 for September 2027 entry.