The Chinese University of Hong Kong Scholarships 2027 support outstanding international students pursuing undergraduate, MPhil, and PhD programmes in Hong Kong. Newly admitted undergraduate students are automatically considered for admission scholarships ranging from HK$5,000 to full tuition coverage, with some awards also providing an annual allowance of up to HK$45,000. Exceptional PhD applicants can compete for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme, which offers a CUHK funding package worth more than HK$1.81 million during the normal study period, while other highly ranked doctoral applicants may receive the CUHK Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship and an annual postgraduate studentship. These scholarships use different selection processes: undergraduate and Vice-Chancellor’s awards require no separate scholarship form, whereas HKPFS candidates must first apply through the Hong Kong Research Grants Council and then submit a separate CUHK PhD application.
In this article, we have explained everything you need to know about the Chinese University of Hong Kong Scholarships, including their benefits, eligibility criteria, required documents, and a step-by-step application process to help you apply successfully.
The three strongest scholarship routes covered in this guide are:
- CUHK Undergraduate Admission Scholarships
- Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme at CUHK
- CUHK Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship and Postgraduate Studentships
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme provides the most comprehensive package, including a stipend, tuition-fee waiver, research travel funding, accommodation support, and first-year hostel benefits. Undergraduate admission scholarships vary in value, while the Vice-Chancellor’s scheme combines a postgraduate studentship with additional scholarship and conference funding.
Chinese University of Hong Kong Scholarships Summary
- Level of Study: Undergraduate / Master’s / PhD
- Institution: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
- Study Destination: Hong Kong
- Programme Period: Normally four years for an undergraduate degree and according to the normal study period of the selected MPhil or PhD programme
CUHK offers undergraduate and research programmes through its Faculties of Arts, Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Law, Medicine, Science, and Social Science. The exact programme duration and additional admission conditions depend on the selected department.
Chinese University of Hong Kong Scholarships Application Deadline
The deadline depends on the scholarship and degree level.
Undergraduate Admission Scholarship Deadline
CUHK has not yet published the complete international undergraduate admission calendar for students commencing in 2027.
There is no separate deadline for the CUHK Undergraduate Admission Scholarships. International applicants are automatically assessed when they submit their undergraduate admission application. Scholarship offers are communicated directly to selected students.
The application period for CUHK is generally from October to January each year. For more information, click here.
Applying during the Advance Offer or Regular Round is strongly recommended. Scholarship funding is competitive, and an applicant who waits for an extended admission deadline may have fewer programme and scholarship opportunities available.
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Deadline
The HKPFS application schedule for the 2027–2028 academic year is confirmed.
- RGC initial application deadline: December 1, 2026, at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time
- CUHK full PhD application deadline: December 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM Hong Kong Time
- Programme commencement: Normally during the 2027–2028 academic year
Applicants must complete both stages. Submitting only the initial HKPFS application through the Research Grants Council does not constitute an application for admission to CUHK.
Applicants may select up to two PhD programmes in the initial HKPFS application. If both programme choices are at CUHK, they must submit a separate CUHK application and pay a separate application fee for each programme.
The postgraduate application fee is currently:
HK$500 per programme application
Business Administration taught programmes may use different application fees, but HKPFS applicants apply for research doctoral programmes.
CUHK Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship Deadline
There is no separate application form or deadline for the Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship.
Applicants must submit a full-time CUHK PhD application by the deadline stated for their selected programme. Candidates applying through the main research admission round are automatically considered for the scholarship.
Applicants seeking the strongest scholarship consideration should normally submit by:
December 1, 2026
This is the confirmed CUHK deadline for the 2027–2028 HKPFS round and is generally the main application deadline used by many research postgraduate programmes. Some programmes may later offer a clearing round, but clearing-round applications are considered only when places remain.
Postgraduate Studentship Deadline
Applicants do not submit a separate Postgraduate Studentship application.
Qualified full-time MPhil and PhD applicants are assessed through the normal research postgraduate admission process. Studentship results are normally announced with the admission offer.
The deadline therefore depends on the selected research programme. Applicants should check the official CUHK postgraduate deadlines and apply during the main round wherever possible.
Chinese University of Hong Kong Scholarship Coverage
CUHK Undergraduate Admission Scholarships
CUHK awards admission scholarships to outstanding local and non-local undergraduate students based on academic or non-academic achievement.
The current scholarship range includes:
- Awards beginning from HK$5,000
- Partial tuition-fee scholarships
- Full tuition-fee scholarships
- Renewable scholarships for the normal duration of the degree
- An annual allowance of up to HK$45,000 with selected awards
Scholarship renewal is generally subject to satisfactory academic progress and the conditions stated in the recipient’s award letter.
The annual tuition fee for non-local undergraduate students in the 2026–2027 academic year is HK$214,000. CUHK has not yet published the final fee for students entering in 2027, so the financial value of a full-tuition scholarship should be confirmed in the admission and scholarship offer.
There is no separate application for the general undergraduate admission scholarships. CUHK identifies suitable students during the admission evaluation and informs successful candidates directly.
The main award may cover tuition only or tuition plus a living allowance. It does not automatically include:
- International airfare
- Student visa expenses
- Health insurance
- Accommodation
- Books and personal expenses
Some individual colleges, faculties, departments, or external donors offer additional scholarships after admission. These awards may have their own application procedures, selection criteria, and benefits.
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme at CUHK
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme at CUHK is the university’s strongest scholarship package for international doctoral students.
For the 2027–2028 intake, the complete package can provide more than:
HK$1.81 million during the normal PhD study period
The package includes the central HKPFS award and additional support from CUHK.
Annual Stipend
Recipients receive:
- HK$344,400 per year
- Equivalent to HK$28,700 per month
- Up to approximately HK$1.38 million during the normal study period
The stipend supports the recipient’s accommodation, food, transport, and other living expenses.
Conference and Research Travel Allowance
Recipients receive:
- HK$14,400 per year as the standard conference and research-related travel allowance
- Additional CUHK research travel support
- Up to HK$87,600 in combined conference and research travel funding during the normal study period
This allowance can support approved conferences, research visits, and other academic activities connected to the PhD.
Tuition-Fee Waiver
The CUHK package provides:
- Full research tuition-fee support
- Tuition-fee waiver worth up to HK$198,000 over the normal study period
The annual research postgraduate tuition fee for 2027–2028 is HK$49,500.
Lodging Award
HKPFS recipients at CUHK receive a lodging award of:
- HK$40,000 during the first year
- HK$20,000 per year during subsequent years
- Up to HK$100,000 over the normal study period
The lodging award is separate from the regular annual stipend.
University Accommodation
CUHK also offers:
- First-year hostel fee waiver
- Guaranteed on-campus accommodation during the normal study period
Recipients must submit their hall application and complete the university registration procedures within the required periods to receive these accommodation benefits.
The scholarship does not specifically list international airfare, family support, dependant insurance, or visa costs among its standard benefits. Applicants planning to relocate with a spouse or children should budget separately for these expenses.
CUHK Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship
The CUHK Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship supports exceptionally strong applicants who apply for full-time doctoral study.
The scholarship provides:
- A total scholarship award of HK$80,000
- HK$40,000 during the first year
- HK$20,000 during the second year
- HK$20,000 during the third year
- Annual Postgraduate Studentship of HK$229,200
- Conference and research-related travel allowance totalling HK$30,000
- Support during the normal study period, subject to satisfactory academic progress
The HK$229,200 studentship is the published 2026–2027 rate and may be revised before the 2027–2028 academic year.
The studentship is equivalent to approximately:
HK$19,100 per month
The stipend can be used toward tuition fees and normal living expenses. Unlike the HKPFS package, the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship page does not list a separate full tuition-fee waiver, lodging award, or first-year hostel fee waiver. Research postgraduate tuition for 2027–2028 is HK$49,500 per year.
All PhD candidates nominated by CUHK to the Research Grants Council for HKPFS but not selected for the central fellowship are offered a regular PhD place with the CUHK Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship.
Other highly qualified full-time PhD applicants may also be considered through the normal university scholarship selection process.
CUHK Postgraduate Studentships
Qualified full-time MPhil and PhD students may receive a CUHK Postgraduate Studentship.
The current studentship provides:
- HK$229,200 per year
- Approximately HK$19,100 per month
- Payments during the normal study period
- Automatic consideration through the research postgraduate admission application
- Scholarship outcome announced with the admission offer
The published amount applies to the 2026–2027 academic year. The final 2027–2028 rate may be revised.
Postgraduate studentships are generally linked to the student’s research and teaching responsibilities. Recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress and fulfil duties assigned by the graduate division.
The studentship does not provide a separate international airfare payment or automatic tuition waiver for non-local students. However, the annual stipend is substantially higher than the annual research tuition fee.
Eligibility Criteria for Chinese University of Hong Kong Scholarships
The eligibility criteria depend on the selected degree and scholarship.
Undergraduate Admission Scholarship Eligibility
To be considered for a CUHK Undergraduate Admission Scholarship, applicants must:
- Apply as new full-time undergraduate students
- Apply through the appropriate international or non-local admission route
- Hold an acceptable secondary-school or international qualification
- Meet the general academic entry requirements
- Meet the university’s English-language requirement
- Meet any programme-specific subject requirements
- Demonstrate outstanding academic or non-academic achievement
- Submit a complete admission application by the relevant deadline
No minimum grade guarantees a scholarship. CUHK evaluates applicants according to their academic qualifications, public examination results, programme suitability, personal statement, achievements, and other submitted evidence.
Applicants admitted to a full-time undergraduate programme are considered automatically. International students do not submit a separate scholarship application.
Undergraduate English-Language Requirements
Based on the latest published requirements, applicants may satisfy the general English requirement through one of the following:
- IELTS Academic: Overall band score of 6.0
- TOEFL iBT: Total score of 80 for the 2026 entry cycle
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 590
- ACT English Language Arts: 23
- GCSE or IGCSE English: Grade C or Grade 4
- GCE A-Level or AS-Level English: Grade E
- IB English: Grade 4
- Another recognised English qualification accepted by CUHK
The requirements are subject to review for 2027 entry. TOEFL Home Edition, IELTS One Skill Retake, and TOEFL Best Scores may not be accepted for meeting the university’s English-language requirement. Some programmes impose higher English requirements.
You can review our guide to scholarships without IELTS, but CUHK makes the final decision on whether an alternative qualification satisfies its language requirement.
HKPFS Eligibility
Applicants from all countries and regions may apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme.
Candidates must:
- Apply as new full-time PhD students
- Seek admission to an eligible CUHK doctoral programme
- Meet CUHK’s academic admission requirements
- Demonstrate exceptional academic performance
- Show strong research ability and potential
- Demonstrate communication and interpersonal skills
- Show leadership potential
- Complete the initial RGC application
- Submit the separate CUHK PhD application
- Quote the HKPFS reference number in the CUHK application
The central selection process considers academic excellence, research ability and potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities. CUHK also considers how applicants contribute to the diversity of its research community.
Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship Eligibility
The Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship is intended for the strongest applicants seeking full-time PhD admission at CUHK.
Indicators of a competitive application may include:
- Cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 out of 4.0, or an equivalent result
- Excellent academic or research awards
- High-quality research publications
- Strong recommendation letters discussing research potential
- Evidence of intellectual curiosity and creativity
- Potential for academic or professional leadership
- A PhD offer from another highly ranked university for the same intake
These are examples of competitive credentials rather than a guarantee of selection. The university assesses applications holistically and scholarship availability is limited.
No separate scholarship application is required. Candidates who submit their full-time PhD applications before the programme deadline are considered automatically.
MPhil and PhD Academic Requirements
Applicants for an MPhil programme normally need:
- A bachelor’s degree from a recognised university;
- Honours not lower than Second Class; or
- An average grade of at least B in an honours programme; or
- An equivalent professional or academic qualification.
Applicants for a PhD or an MPhil–PhD programme normally need:
- A relevant master’s degree from a recognised university; or
- A bachelor’s degree with honours normally not lower than Second Class; or
- An honours bachelor’s degree with an average grade of at least B; or
- Another academic or professional qualification accepted as equivalent.
Individual graduate divisions may impose higher academic standards, subject requirements, interviews, written tests, portfolios, research proposals, or prior supervisor approval.
Postgraduate English-Language Requirements
International postgraduate applicants must normally satisfy the English requirement through previous English-medium university study or an accepted test.
The general minimum requirements include:
- IELTS Academic: Overall 6.5
- TOEFL: 79 out of 120 for internet-based tests
- TOEFL: 4.5 out of 6 under the applicable testing format
- GMAT Verbal: Band 21
- GMAT Focus Verbal: Band 78
- A recognised professional qualification examined in English
- A qualifying pass in an accepted public English examination
Applicants whose previous degree was taught in English may qualify without submitting IELTS or TOEFL, subject to documentary evidence and CUHK approval. Individual departments can require higher scores.
How to Apply for Chinese University of Hong Kong Scholarships?
The application process depends on the degree and scholarship.
How to Apply for CUHK Undergraduate Admission Scholarships?
(1) Review the CUHK undergraduate programme list and choose a programme matching your academic qualifications, subjects, interests, and career plans.
Check whether the programme requires specific secondary-school subjects, interviews, portfolios, aptitude tests, or a higher English score.
(2) Confirm that your secondary-school or international qualification is accepted.
CUHK admits international applicants with qualifications such as A Levels, International Baccalaureate, SAT or AP combinations, national upper-secondary qualifications, and other recognised credentials. The exact minimum depends on the applicant’s education system.
(3) Prepare a focused personal statement.
Applicants to most undergraduate programmes submit an English personal statement of up to two A4 pages. It should explain:
- Your academic background
- Reasons for choosing CUHK
- Reasons for selecting the programme
- Relevant achievements and extracurricular activities
- Career or academic plans
- How you would contribute to the CUHK community
Do not submit a generic essay that could be used unchanged for every university.
(4) Create an account through the CUHK undergraduate online application system.
Enter your personal, educational, programme, examination, and language information. Upload the required documents and submit the application by the deadline for the Advance Offer or Regular Round.
(5) Upload your academic and supporting documents.
Documents not issued in English or Chinese must be accompanied by certified translations. Applicants may also provide an academic CV and evidence of awards, leadership, volunteering, competitions, creative activities, or other achievements.
(6) Arrange for official examination results to be sent where required.
For TOEFL reports, CUHK’s institution code is:
0812
Applicants should follow the instructions for submitting official IB, SAT, ACT, A-Level, or other examination results.
(7) No separate admission scholarship application is required.
CUHK evaluates all qualified new international undergraduate applicants automatically. Scholarship recipients are notified directly, usually with or following the admission offer.
(8) Attend an interview if invited.
Some programmes interview shortlisted candidates online or in person. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their academic interests, programme choice, achievements, and future plans.
You can consult our guide to scholarship interview questions and answers when preparing.
How to Apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme at CUHK?
(1) Review CUHK’s research postgraduate programmes and select a PhD programme aligned with your qualifications and research interests.
CUHK offers PhD programmes across eight faculties. Read the department’s admission requirements, research areas, faculty profiles, language conditions, and deadline before applying.
(2) Identify potential supervisors where appropriate.
Some CUHK divisions expect applicants to indicate a potential supervisor or discuss the proposed project with academic staff before applying.
Send a concise email explaining:
- Your academic qualifications
- Previous thesis or dissertation
- Research interests
- Proposed project
- Relevant publications and experience
- Why the professor’s research is a strong match
Attach your academic transcripts, preliminary research proposal, and a focused academic CV.
(3) Prepare your research proposal.
A strong proposal should explain:
- The research problem
- Existing knowledge gap
- Research questions or hypotheses
- Relevant literature
- Proposed methodology
- Expected academic contribution
- Feasibility of the project
- Reasons for undertaking the research at CUHK
The format and length can differ by graduate division. Follow the department’s instructions rather than using one generic proposal for every programme.
(4) Submit the initial application through the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme electronic system.
Complete the initial application by:
December 1, 2026, at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time
You may select up to two PhD programmes at one or two participating universities. Place CUHK as your first preference if it is your preferred institution because the RGC processes only the nomination from the applicant’s highest-priority nominating university.
(5) Save the HKPFS reference number issued after submitting the initial application.
The reference number normally follows a format such as:
PF2X-XXXXX
You must enter this reference number in the CUHK postgraduate application.
(6) Submit a separate application through the CUHK Graduate School Online Application System.
Complete the CUHK application by:
December 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM Hong Kong Time
If you selected two CUHK programmes in the initial HKPFS form, submit a separate application for each programme.
(7) Pay the HK$500 application fee for each CUHK programme.
Application fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
(8) Enter the HKPFS reference number and upload all required documents.
Your CUHK and HKPFS information must be complete and consistent. Ensure that programme choices, educational records, dates, research interests, and contact information match across both systems.
(9) Arrange confidential recommendations.
Select referees who know your research ability and can provide specific examples of your academic performance, independence, creativity, perseverance, and suitability for doctoral study.
You can use our guide on requesting a strong scholarship recommendation letter when contacting referees.
(10) Attend the selection interview if shortlisted.
The department or graduate division may assess your proposed research, academic preparation, research methodology, communication skills, and reasons for selecting CUHK.
Successful applicants nominated by CUHK are forwarded to the Research Grants Council for final HKPFS selection. Applicants nominated by CUHK but not selected by the RGC receive a regular PhD offer with the CUHK Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship.
How to Apply for the CUHK Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship?
(1) Select an eligible full-time CUHK PhD programme and check its admission deadline.
(2) Prepare your academic CV, research proposal, transcripts, degree certificates, language evidence, and referee information.
(3) Submit the PhD application through the CUHK Graduate School application system.
(4) Apply during the main research admission round. For the strongest consideration, submit by December 1, 2026 unless your programme specifies an earlier deadline.
(5) No separate Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship form is required.
CUHK automatically considers full-time PhD applicants using the admission documents submitted through the online system.
Candidates applying for HKPFS are also considered through this process. Those nominated by CUHK but not selected by the RGC receive the Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship with a regular PhD place.
How to Apply for a CUHK Postgraduate Studentship?
(1) Choose an eligible full-time MPhil or PhD programme.
(2) Check the programme’s admission criteria, research areas, language requirement, and deadline.
(3) Submit the normal research postgraduate application with all supporting documents.
(4) No separate Postgraduate Studentship form is required.
The graduate division evaluates qualified applicants and normally includes the studentship result with the admission offer.
Documents Required for Chinese University of Hong Kong Scholarships
Undergraduate Application Documents
International undergraduate applicants should prepare:
- Completed CUHK online application
- Passport or official identity document
- Secondary-school graduation certificate
- Expected graduation certificate for current final-year students
- Official secondary-school transcripts
- Explanation of the school’s grading system
- Public examination or standardised test results
- IELTS, TOEFL, or another accepted English qualification
- Personal statement
- Academic CV, where relevant
- Certificates supporting awards and extracurricular achievements
- Programme-specific portfolio or supplementary materials
- Certified English or Chinese translations
- Additional documents requested through the application portal
Documents issued in languages other than English or Chinese must be accompanied by certified translations.
MPhil and PhD Application Documents
Research postgraduate applicants should prepare:
- Completed CUHK postgraduate application
- Passport or identity document
- Bachelor’s degree certificate
- Master’s degree certificate for PhD applicants, where applicable
- Complete academic transcripts
- Official grading scale
- Research proposal
- Statement of purpose or research-interest statement
- Academic CV
- Confidential recommendation letters
- IELTS, TOEFL, or other accepted language evidence
- Evidence that the previous degree was taught in English, where applicable
- Publications, conference papers, thesis abstracts, or research outputs
- Professional qualification certificates, where relevant
- Programme-specific writing sample, portfolio, test result, or supplementary form
- Certified English or Chinese translations
- Additional documents requested by the graduate division
CUHK requires applicants to upload academic and professional certificates, official transcripts, and grading information through the online application system. Applicants with degrees from Chinese Mainland must provide the required graduation, degree, and CHESICC verification documents.
Additional HKPFS Documents and Information
HKPFS applicants also need:
- Initial RGC application
- HKPFS reference number
- Up to two selected PhD programme choices
- Separate CUHK application for each CUHK programme
- Evidence of academic excellence
- Detailed research proposal
- Evidence of publications, awards, or research achievements
- Strong academic references
- Leadership and communication evidence
- Additional information requested during the interview or nomination stage
The initial RGC application and CUHK application are separate. Both must be submitted by their respective deadlines.
Applicants can use the following ScholarshipRoar guides when preparing their documents:
Website
For more information about the Chinese University of Hong Kong Scholarships, please visit the official pages:
- CUHK Undergraduate Admission Scholarships
- CUHK International Undergraduate Admission
- CUHK Graduate Scholarship Overview
- Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme at CUHK
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Chinese University of Hong Kong Scholarships fully funded?
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme at CUHK is fully funded. It provides a stipend, tuition-fee waiver, research travel allowance, lodging support, first-year hostel fee waiver, and guaranteed university accommodation during the normal study period.
Undergraduate admission scholarships vary from HK$5,000 to full tuition coverage and are not all fully funded.
Can international undergraduate students receive full tuition?
Yes. Outstanding international applicants can receive admission scholarships covering full undergraduate tuition.
Some admission scholarships also include an annual allowance of up to HK$45,000. The exact award depends on the applicant’s academic and non-academic achievements.
Do I need a separate undergraduate scholarship application?
No. Applicants admitted to a full-time undergraduate programme are automatically considered for admission scholarships.
CUHK identifies qualified students and communicates scholarship offers directly.
How much is the CUHK HKPFS stipend?
The annual HKPFS stipend is HK$344,400, equivalent to HK$28,700 per month.
CUHK extends the overall financial package during the normal PhD study period, with total support exceeding HK$1.81 million.
What happens if CUHK nominates me but I do not receive HKPFS?
PhD applicants nominated by CUHK to the Research Grants Council but not selected for HKPFS receive a regular CUHK PhD place with the Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship.
The package includes an HK$80,000 additional award, annual postgraduate studentship, and conference and research travel funding.
How much is the CUHK Postgraduate Studentship?
The published 2026–2027 studentship is HK$229,200 per year, equivalent to approximately HK$19,100 per month.
The final rate may be revised for students beginning in 2027–2028.
Is HKPFS available for MPhil students?
No. The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme is available only for new full-time PhD applicants.
Qualified full-time MPhil students may instead receive a CUHK Postgraduate Studentship.
Do I need a supervisor before applying?
CUHK does not impose one universal prior-supervisor requirement for every MPhil and PhD programme.
However, contacting a relevant academic is strongly recommended for research-intensive programmes, and some graduate divisions may expect applicants to identify a proposed supervisor or research group.
Is IELTS compulsory?
Not always. CUHK may accept previous university education conducted in English or another recognised English qualification.
The general postgraduate requirement is IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 79, while the latest general undergraduate minimum includes IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80. Individual programmes may require higher results.
Can I apply for two CUHK PhD programmes under HKPFS?
Yes. The initial HKPFS application allows applicants to select up to two programmes.
When both choices are at CUHK, the applicant must submit a separate CUHK application and pay the application fee for each programme.
