Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 2027/28 — Fully Funded PhD in Hong Kong
Fully funded PhD scholarship in China for International students 2026
Four hundred PhD fellowships for the 2027/28 academic year at the eight UGC-funded universities in Hong Kong. Open to applicants of any nationality and any ethnic background, with awards running for up to three years.
Eligibility
- Open to applicants of any nationality, work experience and ethnic background
- Seeking admission as a new full-time PhD student at one of the eight UGC-funded Hong Kong universities
- Outstanding academic performance plus demonstrated research ability and potential
- Leadership abilities and strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Maximum of two programme choices across one or two universities
Each HKPFS awardee receives an annual stipend of HKD 344,400, roughly USD 44,150, plus an annual conference and research-related travel allowance of HKD 14,400, roughly USD 1,840, for a period of up to three years. Four hundred fellowships are granted for the 2027/28 academic year. Awardees who need more than three years to complete the PhD may receive additional support from the university they join, and several universities add their own tuition waivers and top-ups on top of the fellowship.
Applicants from all over the world are eligible, whatever their nationality, prior work experience or ethnic background, provided they are seeking admission as a new full-time PhD student at one of the eight participating universities. You must demonstrate outstanding academic performance, research ability and potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities. Existing PhD students already registered at a Hong Kong university are not eligible. You may choose a maximum of two programmes within one or two universities.
The 2027/28 call runs from 1 September 2026 to 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong time. The process has two steps, and both must be completed in the same window: first submit an initial application on the RGC Hong Kong PhD Fellowship electronic system to obtain your HKPFS Reference Number, then apply for PhD admission directly to your chosen university(ies) and quote that reference number. Universities also close their admission applications on 1 December 2026. Contact a potential supervisor early, because Hong Kong PhD admission is largely supervisor-driven.
The RGC initial application closes at noon, while university applications close at 23:59 the same day. Missing the noon cut-off costs you the fellowship.
https://www.ugc.edu.hk/eng/rgc/funding_opport/hkpfs/
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