by Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong · 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
🕐 Last updated: June 18, 2026
🏆 Fully Funded🟩 Active🎓 PhD🌍 Hong Kong📌 Government-funded / Merit-based
HK$337,200 annual stipend and HK$14,000 conference travel allowance
Duration
Up to 3 years (extended to 4 years by most host universities)
Deadline
December 1 (Annual)
Level
PhD
Acceptance
Highly Competitive
Difficulty
Extremely High
Quick Summary
Aimed at high-achieving international and domestic students, Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) is a fully funded scholarship for study in Hong Kong. The award covers Provides a monthly stipend of HK$28,100, an annual travel allowance, full tuition waiver, and university-specific financial perks. and is open to phd students studying science, medicine, engineering and technology, humanities, social science, and business studies. The scholarship runs for up to 3 years (extended to 4 years by most host universities) and may be renewed annually based on academic performance. Eligibility is generally based on applicants must be seeking admission as new full-time PhD students in one of the eight UGC-funded universities. The application deadline is December 1 (Annual), with an acceptance rate of approximately Highly Competitive. Students can compare this opportunity against similar scholarships below to find the best fit for their profile.
✨ Should I Apply for Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
75%
Eligibility Match
50%
Win Probability
9/10
Difficulty
10/10
Reward Score
60-80 hrs
Time Required
Approximately 4% to 6% based on historical application volumes
Competition
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
HK$337,200 annual stipend and HK$14,000 conference travel allowance
⏳
Duration
Up to 3 years (extended to 4 years by most host universities)
📅
Deadline
December 1 (Annual)
🔬
Fields
Science, Medicine, Engineering and Technology, Humanities, Social Science, and Business Studies
🏆
Awards/Year
Approximately 300 awards per year
🌏
Study Country
Hong Kong
🏛️
Provider
Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong
📊
Acceptance
Highly Competitive
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) was established by the Research Grants Council (RGC) in 2009 to recruit the best and brightest students in the world to pursue their PhD studies in Hong Kong's world-class universities.
👥 Who Should Apply
Applicants must be seeking admission as new full-time PhD students in one of the eight UGC-funded universities.
🏛️ Host University
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
🤝 Sponsor
University Grants Committee (UGC) / Research Grants Council (RGC)
🔬 Fields of Study
Science, Medicine, Engineering and Technology, Humanities, Social Science, and Business Studies
✨ Key Benefits
Provides a monthly stipend of HK$28,100, an annual travel allowance, full tuition waiver, and university-specific financial perks.
🎯 Target Students
High-achieving international and domestic students
Approximately 4% to 6% based on historical application volumes
Competition Level
Win Probability
50%
Match Score
75%
Competition
50%
💸 Funding Breakdown
Tuition
Yes, host universities typically provide a full tuition waiver for the duration of the fellowship
Living Stipend
HK$337,200 per year (approximately US$43,230)
Total Award
HK$337,200 annual stipend and HK$14,000 conference travel allowance
✈️ Travel: HK$14,000 per year for conference and research-related travel🏠 Accommodation: Varies by university; most provide guaranteed on-campus housing or additional subsidies💊 Health Insurance: Provided through host university medical schemes and Hong Kong public healthcare🔄 Renewable: Yes💳 App Fee: Varies (Each host university charges its own application fee, approx. HK$150-HK$500)
🎓 Tuition Coverage
Yes, host universities typically provide a full tuition waiver for the duration of the fellowship
🏠 Living Stipend
HK$337,200 per year (approximately US$43,230)
🏡 Accommodation
Varies by university; most provide guaranteed on-campus housing or additional subsidies
✈️ Travel Allowance
HK$14,000 per year for conference and research-related travel
💊 Health Insurance
Provided through host university medical schemes and Hong Kong public healthcare
🎁 Other Benefits
University-specific entrance scholarships, research support grants, and priority hall places
🔄 Renewable
Yes
📋 Renewal Conditions
Satisfactory academic progress and submission of annual progress reports
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Open to all students regardless of country of origin, prior work experience, or ethnic background
🎓 Academic Level
PhD
📊 Minimum GPA
First-class honors or equivalent (typically top 5-10% of graduating class)
🗣️ English Requirement
TOEFL (80+) or IELTS (6.5+) if the previous degree was not taught in English
💼 Work Experience
Not required, but relevant research or professional experience is an advantage
🏆 Leadership
High; candidates must demonstrate leadership potential through extracurricular or professional activities
💰 Financial Need
No; selection is strictly based on academic and research merit
🎯 Target Students
High-achieving international and domestic students
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes (Includes Research Proposal, Vision Statement, and Personal Statement)
Rec Letters
Yes (Minimum of 2 academic references)
Interview
Yes (Conducted by the host university selection panels)
Application Fee
Varies (Each host university charges its own application fee, approx. HK$150-HK$500)
Documents Required
Academic Transcripts
Passport / National ID
Yes (Minimum of 2 academic references) Recommendation Letters
CV / Resume
Personal Statement / Essays
TOEFL (80+) or IELTS (6.5+) if the previous degree was not taught in English
Interview: Yes (Conducted by the host university selection panels)
Min GPA: First-class honors or equivalent (typically top 5-10% of graduating class)
📋 Application Process
Contact potential supervisors at host universities before applying; ensure your research proposal aligns with the department's strengths.
💡 Insider Tip: You must first submit an initial application to the RGC to obtain a reference number before applying to the universities.
🗾️ Application Roadmap
1
Research eligibility and gather requirements
Start Early
2
Collect all required documents
Start Early
3
Request recommendation letters early
4
Write compelling essays and personal statement
⚠ High Risk Stage
5
Submit complete application before deadline
6
Await shortlisting and attend interview if required
⚠ High Risk Stage
📅 Key Dates & Timeline
📅 Opens
September 1 (Annual)
⏰ Deadline
December 1 (Annual)
🎤 Interview
Yes (Conducted by the host university selection panels)
🎓 Study Starts
September
September 1 (Annual)
Applications Open
Gather documents and begin essays
December 1 (Annual)
Application Deadline
Submit complete application - no late entries
Yes (Conducted by the host university selection panels)
Shortlisting and Interview
Selected candidates invited for interview
After results
Award Announced
Successful applicants notified
September
Studies Begin
Commence degree at host institution
⚖️ Selection Process
📋 Selection Criteria
Academic excellence, research ability and potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities.
⚡ Similar Scholarships
Scholarship
Country
Coverage
Level
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)Current
Hong Kong
Full Funding
PhD
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🇭🇰 Belt and Road Scholarship
Hong Kong, SAR China
Full Funding
Undergraduate, Taught Postgraduate, and Research Postgraduate
Applicants must be seeking admission as new full-time PhD students in one of the eight UGC-funded universities.
This scholarship covers: Provides a monthly stipend of HK$28,100, an annual travel allowance, full tuition waiver, and university-specific financial perks.. It is a fully funded scholarship.
The deadline is December 1 (Annual). Always verify with the official website as dates may change annually.
Competition level: Approximately 4% to 6% based on historical application volumes. Acceptance rate: Highly Competitive. Strong academic record and clear motivation are essential.
Yes
Typically required: academic transcripts, passport, TOEFL (80+) or IELTS (6.5+) if the previous degree was not taught in English, Yes (Minimum of 2 academic references) recommendation letters, CV, personal statement/motivation letter. Check official website for the complete list.