Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28 - Apply Online for 400 Posts
Post Update: 08 September 2026
The Research Grants Council (RGC) funds the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28 for international and local students seeking full-time doctoral studies in Hong Kong, offering an annual stipend of HK$344,400 along with research travel allowances, with the application deadline set for 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time. Candidates seeking doctoral funding can review the official details on the official website.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Research Grants Council (RGC) |
| Programme | Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 2027/28 |
| Benefit | HK$344,400 Annual Stipend + HK$14,400 Annual Travel Allowance |
| Deadline | 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Research Grants Council Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28 Overview
Established by Hong Kong's Research Grants Council in 2009, this prestigious programme attracts high-achieving researchers and talented doctoral students from around the world to Hong Kong's top-tier universities. The scheme offers a fully funded pathway for candidates pursuing full-time PhD studies. A total of 400 fellowships are available across eight participating universities in Hong Kong.
The initiative aims to foster academic excellence and international research collaboration. Aspiring researchers can check the apply online portal to initiate their submissions. The programme is open irrespective of prior work experience, ethnic background, or country of origin.
Research Grants Council Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28 Benefits and Funding
Selected candidates receive substantial financial support for up to three years of doctoral study. The funding package is designed to cover living expenses and academic travel.
- Annual Fellowship Stipend: HK$344,400 per year for living expenses and sustenance.
- Research Travel Allowance: HK$14,400 per year for conference and research-related travel.
- Duration: Fellowship support is provided for up to three years.
- Additional Support: Potential supplementary funding provided by the chosen university if research requires more than three years.
Research Grants Council Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28 Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility framework is designed to be globally inclusive. Applicants must meet specific benchmarks set by the council and the host universities.
- Open to both international and local students seeking admission as new full-time PhD students.
- Applicants can come from any country or region across Africa, Asia, Europe, North or South America, and Oceania.
- Candidates are considered irrespective of ethnic background or prior work experience.
- Must satisfy the specific admission requirements of the chosen participating universities.
- Selection is based on academic excellence, research ability and potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities.
Research Grants Council Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28 Important Dates and Deadline
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Initial Application Start Date | 1 September 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time |
| Last Date to Apply | 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time |
| Fee Payment Last Date | Refer to the official notification |
| Correction Window | Refer to the official notification |
| Exam Date | Not applicable |
How to Apply for Research Grants Council Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28
The application mode is online through the designated portal. Applicants must complete both the initial fellowship application and individual university admission applications.
- Visit the download notification page or the electronic system to review the guidance notes.
- Identify up to two preferred PhD programmes within one or two of the eight participating universities.
- Access the HKPFS Electronic System during the active application window.
- Submit the initial application to obtain a unique HKPFS Reference Number.
- Submit full PhD admission applications to your chosen participating universities quoting your HKPFS Reference Number before their respective deadlines.
Research Grants Council Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28 Selection Process
The selection panels evaluate candidates through a rigorous multi-tier process. Initial submissions are screened based on academic records and research potential. Shortlisted candidates are further evaluated on their interview performance, communication proficiency, and leadership potential by respective university panels. Final awardees are announced after comprehensive reviews by the Research Grants Council panels.
Research Grants Council Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28 Important Links
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online (HKPFSES) | Click Here |
| Download Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last date for the HKPFS 2027/28 application?
The deadline to submit the initial application is 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time.
What is the financial benefit provided under this scheme?
Selected fellows receive an annual stipend of HK$344,400 along with an annual research travel allowance of HK$14,400 for up to three years.
Who is eligible to apply for this doctoral fellowship?
The scheme is open to new full-time international and local PhD students irrespective of their country of origin, ethnicity, or prior work experience.
How to apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme?
You must submit an initial application through the check here portal, obtain a reference number, and then apply directly to your chosen participating universities.
How many universities can I apply to under this scheme?
Applicants may choose a maximum of two programmes within one or two participating universities for their PhD study.