The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme is open for international students to pursue their doctoral studies in Hong Kong, China. Established in 2009 by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council (RGC), the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme seeks to attract excellent learners from around the globe to pursue their PhD programs at Hong Kong universities.
The Fellowship provides an annual stipend of HK$325,200 (approximately US$41,690) and a conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$13,600 (approximately US$1,740) per year for each awardee for a period of up to three years. 300 PhD Fellowships will be awarded in the 2023/24 academic year.
Hong Kong is a free and dynamic society where creativity and entrepreneurship converge. Strategically located in the heart of Asia, it is a cosmopolitan city offering global connectivity, security, and rich diversity, and it is home to a unique network of people who celebrate excellence and quality living.
Hong Kong’s education system fosters lifelong learning and independent research, leading to a motivated, highly skilled, and entrepreneurial workforce. Hong Kong welcomes an international workforce.
Universities in Hong Kong offer special strengths amidst a wide choice of disciplines, developing the city into a regional and international hub for higher education and talent development.
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Summary
- Level of Study: PhD
- Institution(s): See list below
- Study in: Hong Kong
- Opportunity Focus Areas: Eligible PhD Programs offered by participating institutions
- Program Period: Three to four years.
Participating Institutions:
The HKPF (Hong Kong PhD Fellowship) supports the awardees to pursue their PhD studies at UGC-funded institutions in 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
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme is December 1, 2025.
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Coverage
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme for International Students provides the recipient with the following benefits:
- An annual stipend of HK$325,200 (approximately US$41,690)
- A conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$13,600 (approximately US$1,740) per year for each awardee for a period of up to three years.
- The RGC does not charge any application fee for the HKPFS. However, universities may charge application or other processing fees.
Note: 300 PhD Fellowships will be awarded in the 2026/27 academic year*. For awardees who need more than three years to complete the PhD degree, additional support may be provided by the chosen universities. For details, please contact the universities concerned directly.
Eligibility Criteria for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme
To be eligible for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme for International Students, you must fulfill the following criteria:
- Required Language: English.
- Eligible Countries: All countries.
- Those who are seeking admission as new full-time PhD students in UGC-funded institutions of Hong Kong, irrespective of their country of origin, prior work experience, and ethnic background, should be eligible to apply.
- Applicants should demonstrate outstanding qualities of academic performance, research ability/potential, communication and interpersonal skills, and leadership abilities.
How to Apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme?
Please follow the steps below to avail the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme for International Students:
- Before applying, please check this link.
- Fill out the initial application form here.
- Submit the initial application to the Research Grants Council at HKPF@ugc.edu.hk.
(Note: Open for applications at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time) - Submit Full Applications to Proposed Universities. After completing an initial application, applicants should submit full applications for their selected PhD programs to the proposed universities, quoting their HKPFS Reference Number before the universities’ respective deadlines. As regards program information, requirements for PhD admission, application methods, regulations, and policies of individual universities, please refer to individual universities and PhD programs for information.
- For more information about how to apply, click here & here.
Website
To learn more about the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme for International Students, please visit the official website:
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