Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) was set up by the Research Grants Council (RGC) in 2009 to bring strong research students to Hong Kong. It pays a stipend and a conference and travel allowance for up to three years to new full-time PhD students at the eight universities funded by the University Grants Committee. The RGC says about 400 fellowships will be awarded for 2027/28, and that applicants are considered regardless of country of origin, work history or ethnic background.

The 2027/28 round is open. The initial application on the RGC system opened on 1 September 2026 and closes at 12:00 noon Hong Kong time on 1 December 2026 (checked 9 October 2026 on the official HKPFS site). Most fellows start in September 2027.

What the fellowship pays

Item	Amount (checked 9 October 2026)
Stipend	HK$344,400 a year, about US$44,150 (the 2026/27 rate)
Conference and research travel allowance	HK$14,400 a year, about US$1,840
Length	Up to three years
Application fee to the RGC	None

The RGC quotes the stipend as an annual figure for 2026/27 and sets it year by year, so the rate for 2027/28 may differ slightly. Spread over twelve months it is about HK$28,700 a month, which is our arithmetic, not an official monthly figure.

The fellowship does not mention tuition. Local students on UGC-funded research degrees have had their fees waived by the government since 2018/19, but international students should ask the university directly what fees apply and whether it adds any support of its own. The RGC also says universities may give extra support if your PhD runs beyond three years. Ask about both before you accept.

Where you can hold it

The fellowship is tied to one of these eight universities:

• 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

You can choose up to two programmes, at one university or split between two, and you rank them. If both universities nominate you, the RGC processes the one you ranked higher. If you pick two programmes at the same university, the university decides which one it puts you forward for. Once you hold the award you cannot move to another university: leaving the one named in your offer letter ends the fellowship.

Who can apply

The RGC sets very few rules of its own. Admission requirements belong to the universities, so the details differ by programme.

• You are seeking admission as a new full-time PhD student at one of the eight universities for 2027/28
• You meet that programme's admission requirements
• You have an English test score such as TOEFL or IELTS if your degree was not taught in English, unless your chosen programme is taught in another language
• You can show strong academic results, research ability, communication skills and leadership

The RGC sets no nationality list and publishes no age limit. Students finishing a degree can still apply, since universities may make conditional offers to strong candidates. People who already hold or are studying for a PhD may apply for a new one, but the selection panel decides how much weight to give that earlier study.

How selection works

Selection runs through the universities first and the RGC second. Universities shortlist and may interview. Shortlisted files then go to one of two RGC panels: one for sciences, medicine, engineering and technology, and one for humanities, social sciences and business studies. The panels put academic performance first and also look at research ability and potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership.

1. 1 Sep 2026The HKPFS Electronic System opens for initial applications.
2. 1 Dec 2026, noonInitial application closes. Choices of programme and university can be changed only until this point.
3. 1 Dec 2026, 11:59pmFull applications close at all eight universities. Quote your HKPFS reference number.
4. Dec to springUniversities shortlist and may interview, then nominate candidates to the RGC panels.
5. By May 2027Results are announced.
6. Jul to Sep 2027Fellows register at their university. Deferral is possible to 31 January 2028 at the latest, with a reason and RGC approval.

If the panels do not select you, the university can still admit you and offer one of its regular studentships. That is one reason to apply to a programme you would join even without the fellowship.

How to apply

1. Pick a programme and a supervisor. Read the research areas of the departments you are considering and write to one or two academics whose work fits yours. Our guide on writing to a potential PhD supervisor covers what to send.
2. Register on the HKPFS Electronic System. The RGC takes only online applications. You do not need referee details at this stage. You get an HKPFS reference number and a password that works only on the RGC system.
3. Apply to the university. Submit the full application on each university’s own portal, quoting the reference number. This is where the proposal, transcripts, references and English scores go, and where any university application fee is paid.
4. Check both confirmations. If the university does not have your reference number, it processes you as a regular applicant and you are not considered for the fellowship.

The research proposal carries a lot of weight with the shortlisting departments. Our guide on how to write a research proposal is a sensible place to start, and the deadline planner can work backwards from 1 December for references and test dates.

Questions about the scheme go to the RGC at HKPF@ugc.edu.hk. Questions about admission, fees and supervisors go to the university. Read the FAQ and the application procedure on the official HKPFS site before you start.