The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Scholarships 2027 support international students pursuing undergraduate, MPhil, and PhD programmes in Hong Kong. HKUST’s highest undergraduate admission awards can cover full tuition fees and provide a living allowance of up to HK$60,000 per academic year, while the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme provides a generous doctoral stipend, research travel funding, tuition support, and additional awards from HKUST. International research students who do not receive the fellowship may still be admitted with a Postgraduate Studentship currently valued at HK$229,620 per year and may be considered for the RedBird PhD Award. Unlike a single scholarship programme, HKUST uses different application models: academic undergraduate scholarships are generally awarded automatically, the need-based Future Leaders Award requires a separate form, and HKPFS applicants must complete applications through both the Hong Kong Research Grants Council and HKUST.
In this article, we have explained everything you need to know about the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Scholarships, including their benefits, eligibility criteria, required documents, and a step-by-step application process to help you apply successfully.
The three main HKUST scholarship routes covered in this guide are:
- HKUST Undergraduate Admission Scholarships
- Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme at HKUST
- HKUST Postgraduate Studentship and RedBird PhD Award
Undergraduate awards range from one-off tuition reductions to renewable full scholarships. The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme provides the most comprehensive doctoral package, while the Postgraduate Studentship is the main funding route for full-time MPhil and PhD students who do not receive HKPFS.
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Scholarships Summary
- Level of Study: Undergraduate / Master’s / PhD
- Institution: Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
- Study Destination: Hong Kong
- Courses Offered: Eligible undergraduate and research postgraduate programmes
- Program Period: Normally four years for undergraduate study, two years for an MPhil, and three to four years for a PhD
HKUST offers programmes through the School of Science, School of Engineering, School of Business and Management, School of Humanities and Social Science, and Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies. Its doctoral programmes are taught in English and combine advanced coursework with independent research.
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Scholarship Deadline
The deadline depends on the degree level and scholarship.
Undergraduate Scholarship Deadline
HKUST has not yet published the complete international undergraduate admission calendar for students commencing in 2027.
There is no separate application deadline for the standard academic admission scholarships. International applicants are considered automatically when they submit their undergraduate admission application. The scholarship result is normally provided with the admission offer.
The admission cycle generally is from October to January each year. Applicants should monitor the international qualifications admission page for the updated schedule.
Future Leaders Award Deadline
The Future Leaders Award requires a separate scholarship application in addition to the undergraduate admission application.
The 2027 application date has not yet been announced. The application deadlines are generally in November each year.
Applicants seeking the 2027 award should therefore prepare to apply during the early undergraduate admission round and check the official Future Leaders Award page once the new schedule is published.
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme Deadline
The final HKUST application timeline for the 2027–2028 Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme has not yet been published.
HKUST has confirmed that applications for 2027–2028 Fall admission will open in:
September 2026
In the previous HKPFS cycle, the deadlines were:
- RGC initial application deadline: December 1, 2025, at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time
- HKUST full application deadline: December 1, 2025, at 11:59 PM Hong Kong Time
- Reference submission target: December 8, 2025
- Fellowship results: May 2026
The 2027–2028 deadlines are expected to follow a similar calendar, but applicants must wait for confirmation from HKUST and the Research Grants Council before treating December 1, 2026 as final.
HKPFS applicants must complete both the initial Research Grants Council application and the separate HKUST PhD application. Completing only one stage does not place the candidate in the final fellowship competition.
Postgraduate Studentship Deadline
There is no separate Postgraduate Studentship application or universal studentship deadline.
International applicants are considered for funding through their full-time MPhil or PhD admission application. Applications for 2027–2028 Fall admission will open in September 2026, but the closing date varies by programme. Some departments may begin closing applications from November 2026 onward.
Applicants should check the application tab of their chosen programme and submit early, particularly if they require:
- A Postgraduate Studentship
- A RedBird PhD Award
- A departmental scholarship
- A supervisor-supported research position
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Scholarship Coverage
HKUST Undergraduate Admission Scholarships
HKUST offers merit-based undergraduate scholarships to international students holding IB, GCE A-Level, International A-Level, SAT/AP, ACT/AP, and other recognised international qualifications.
The awards may provide:
- A one-off tuition-fee reduction
- Half tuition for one year
- Renewable half-tuition support
- Full tuition for one year
- Renewable full tuition
- Full tuition plus a living allowance
- A maximum combined award of full tuition plus HK$60,000 per academic year
All eligible undergraduate applicants are considered automatically for academic admission scholarships. No separate scholarship form is required.
The published non-local undergraduate tuition fee for 2026–2027 is HK$215,000 per academic year. The fee for 2027–2028 has not yet been released and may be revised before the new intake begins.
IB Diploma Scholarship
Based on the published 2026–2027 scholarship table, IB applicants receive:
| IB Diploma Score | Scholarship |
|---|---|
| 45 | Full tuition plus HK$60,000 per year, renewable |
| 44 | Full tuition per year, renewable |
| 43 | Half tuition per year, renewable |
| 40–42 | Half tuition, one-off |
The IB total includes points awarded for the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge. Renewable awards remain subject to satisfactory academic performance.
HKUST may revise the qualifying scores or benefits for 2027 entry. Applicants should use the new scholarship table once published rather than assuming that the 2026 thresholds will remain unchanged.
GCE A-Level and International A-Level Scholarship
Under the latest published award table:
- Five A* grades provide a one-off full-tuition scholarship.
- Four A* grades provide a one-off half-tuition scholarship.
Chinese-language A-Level subjects are excluded when the university counts the number of A* grades for this award. A school or programme may offer additional funding, but total university scholarship support cannot normally exceed full tuition plus HK$60,000 per year.
SAT and Advanced Placement Scholarship
Applicants using American-patterned qualifications may be considered when they have:
- An SAT score of at least 1530 or an ACT score of at least 34; and
- Grade 5 in the required number of AP subjects.
Under the latest table:
- Five AP subjects at Grade 5 provide a one-off full-tuition scholarship.
- Four AP subjects at Grade 5 provide a one-off half-tuition scholarship.
Scholarships for Other International Qualifications
Students holding other recognised qualifications are assessed holistically.
Awards may be one-off or renewable and may cover part or all of the tuition fee. The maximum published scholarship package is:
Full tuition plus HK$60,000 per academic year
The university considers the applicant’s overall academic profile rather than publishing one universal score for every national qualification.
Global Learners Scholarship
The Global Learners Scholarship supports outstanding students from nationalities that are underrepresented in the HKUST undergraduate community.
It provides:
- Full tuition-fee waiver
- Renewable funding for the normal duration of study
- Automatic consideration with the undergraduate admission application
- No separate scholarship form
Renewal is subject to satisfactory academic performance.
Future Leaders Award
The Future Leaders Award supports non-local students who demonstrate academic strength, financial need, resilience, and the potential to contribute positively to the HKUST community.
It provides one of the following:
- HK$50,000 as a one-off award; or
- Full tuition plus a renewable living allowance for applicants with exceptional financial need
The maximum combined university scholarship remains full tuition plus HK$60,000 per academic year.
Unlike the academic admission scholarships, the Future Leaders Award requires a separate application containing financial and personal supporting documents.
Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme at HKUST
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme is the most valuable funding route for international doctoral applicants at HKUST.
The Research Grants Council’s latest confirmed central award for 2026–2027 provides:
- An annual stipend of HK$344,400
- A monthly stipend equivalent to HK$28,700
- A conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$14,400 per year
- Central fellowship support for up to three years
- Possible additional university funding for a longer doctoral programme
The final central award for 2027–2028 has not yet been announced.
HKUST’s currently published university package for its previous HKPFS cycle extends financial support across the normal four-year doctoral period and provides:
- Full tuition-fee waiver for four years
- HKUST-funded stipend support for the fourth year, subject to renewal requirements
- RedBird Recruitment Award of HK$40,000 during the first year
- RedBird Academic Excellence Award of HK$20,000 per year during subsequent years
- Conference and research travel funding
- Guaranteed university accommodation during the first year
- Access to other research travel and overseas research awards
HKUST previously valued its total four-year package at up to approximately HK$1.7 million. The final stipend, travel allowance, tuition waiver, and RedBird conditions for 2027–2028 should be confirmed when the new HKUST fellowship page is released.
The scholarship does not expressly provide:
- International airfare
- Student visa expenses
- Dependant allowances
- Family accommodation
- Health insurance for a spouse or children
Applicants should budget separately for costs that are not included in the fellowship or their individual HKUST offer.
HKUST Postgraduate Studentship
The Postgraduate Studentship is HKUST’s main funding arrangement for qualified full-time MPhil and PhD students.
The latest published studentship provides:
- HK$229,620 per year
- Approximately HK$19,135 per month
- Funding for up to two years for a full-time MPhil
- Funding for up to four years for a full-time PhD
- Automatic consideration through the research admission process
- No separate central studentship application
The studentship may be funded through university resources, research grants, or other approved funding sources. Continued support depends on satisfactory academic and research progress and the fulfilment of any assigned research or teaching responsibilities.
International students normally remain responsible for their research postgraduate tuition fees unless they receive an additional waiver. HKUST states that the PhD tuition fee will be HK$49,500 for the 2027–2028 academic year.
Because the annual studentship is considerably higher than the annual research tuition fee, it can contribute toward tuition and normal living costs. However, the Postgraduate Studentship alone should not be described as a universal full tuition waiver.
HKUST RedBird PhD Award
The RedBird PhD Award recognises international doctoral applicants with exceptional academic performance and research potential.
The published package provides:
- A Recruitment Award of HK$40,000 for new PhD students
- A first-year tuition-fee waiver
- An Academic Excellence Award of HK$20,000 per year during subsequent years
- Renewal based on continued academic and research performance
The award may be offered alongside a Postgraduate Studentship. It is also included in HKUST’s published HKPFS package.
Eligible HKPFS applicants who are admitted to HKUST but are not selected by the Research Grants Council may still be considered for:
- A Postgraduate Studentship
- The RedBird PhD Award
- A first-year tuition waiver
- Admission to the relevant PhD programme
This provides a valuable alternative route for strong applicants who narrowly miss the central fellowship.
Eligibility Criteria for Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Scholarships
Scholarship eligibility depends on the applicant’s degree level, qualification, and funding route.
Undergraduate Admission Scholarship Eligibility
To qualify for international undergraduate admission and scholarship consideration, applicants must:
- Hold an international or overseas secondary-school qualification accepted by HKUST
- Complete high school before the undergraduate programme begins
- Meet the university’s general admission requirements
- Meet programme-specific subject requirements
- Meet the English-language requirement
- Submit the application and supporting documents before the relevant deadline
- Demonstrate strong academic performance
- Provide accurate predicted or final examination results
- Complete an interview when required by the selected programme
HKUST accepts qualifications from many education systems, including IB, A Levels, SAT/AP, ACT/AP, ATAR, national upper-secondary certificates, and other recognised credentials. The minimum academic requirements and competitive admission scores differ by qualification and programme.
Academic admission scholarships are normally based on the applicant’s public examination results or holistic academic profile. Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee either admission or scholarship funding.
Future Leaders Award Eligibility
Applicants for the Future Leaders Award must:
- Be non-local students
- Apply directly from high school
- Apply during the undergraduate Early Round
- Meet HKUST’s admission requirements
- Be recommended for admission during the Early Round
- Demonstrate academic excellence
- Show resilience in overcoming educational, personal, or financial challenges
- Demonstrate the potential to contribute positively to the HKUST community
- Provide evidence of financial need for the higher-value award
Post-secondary transfer applicants are not eligible for this scholarship.
Applicants seeking the renewable full-tuition and living package must provide convincing financial documentation showing exceptional need.
HKPFS Eligibility
Students from all countries and regions may apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme.
Applicants must:
- Apply as new full-time PhD students
- Meet HKUST’s doctoral admission requirements
- Have an outstanding academic record
- Demonstrate excellent research ability and potential
- Show international exposure and a global outlook
- Demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Show leadership potential
- Complete the initial RGC application
- Submit the separate HKUST PhD application
- Quote the HKPFS reference number in the HKUST application
The fellowship does not impose a universal nationality, ethnicity, or previous work-experience restriction. Selection is based primarily on academic excellence and research potential, while communication and leadership are also considered.
MPhil and PhD Academic Requirements
Applicants for an MPhil programme normally need:
- A bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution; or
- An approved equivalent qualification.
Applicants for a PhD programme normally need:
- A bachelor’s degree with a proven record of outstanding performance from a recognised institution; or
- Evidence of satisfactory postgraduate-level work completed full-time for at least one year or part-time for at least two years.
Individual programmes can impose higher academic requirements, prerequisite subjects, GRE or GMAT scores, portfolios, writing samples, or interviews.
Admission is selective. Meeting the minimum university requirements does not guarantee admission, a Postgraduate Studentship, a RedBird Award, or HKPFS nomination.
English-Language Requirements
Undergraduate Applicants
The general undergraduate English-language requirement can be satisfied through qualifications including:
- IELTS Academic: Overall 6.0
- TOEFL iBT taken before January 21, 2026: Total score of 80
- TOEFL under the revised scale from January 21, 2026: Total score of 4.5
- Duolingo English Test: Overall 125
- PTE Academic: Overall 64, with no subscore below 60
- IB English: Required grade according to the subject and level
- IGCSE, GCSE, GCE, SAT, ACT, AP, or other accepted English qualifications
Some applicants can satisfy the requirement through previous education completed in English. The university may revise accepted tests and scores for 2027 entry.
MPhil and PhD Applicants
The general postgraduate English requirements are:
- IELTS Academic: Overall 6.5, with every component at least 5.5
- TOEFL iBT taken before January 21, 2026: Score of 80
- TOEFL under the revised scale from January 21, 2026: Score of 4.5
- TOEFL paper-based test: Score of 550
- Revised TOEFL paper-delivered test: Combined score of 60 in Reading, Listening, and Writing
Home-based TOEFL or IELTS options are not accepted under the current requirements.
Applicants do not normally need IELTS or TOEFL when:
- English is their first language; or
- Their bachelor’s degree was awarded by an institution where English was the medium of instruction.
The university may require an official Medium of Instruction letter. Individual programmes can set higher English thresholds.
You can review our guide to scholarships without IELTS, but HKUST makes the final decision on whether previous English-medium study satisfies its requirements.
How to Apply for Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Scholarships?
The application process differs between undergraduate scholarships, HKPFS, and standard research funding.
How to Apply for HKUST Undergraduate Admission Scholarships?
(1) Review the HKUST undergraduate programmes and select a programme that matches your academic background, subjects, interests, and career plans.
Check the programme-specific subject requirements carefully. Engineering and science programmes commonly require senior-level mathematics and science subjects, while some interdisciplinary and business programmes may require mathematics or an admission interview.
(2) Check the requirements for your international qualification through the international qualifications page.
HKUST publishes country- and qualification-specific requirements. Some qualifications have both a minimum admission requirement and a separate reference range showing the scores normally achieved by competitive applicants.
(3) Prepare the required undergraduate documents.
These normally include identity documents, high-school transcripts, English-language evidence, examination results, a personal statement, and proof of major achievements.
Your personal statement should explain:
- Your academic interests
- Reasons for choosing HKUST
- Reasons for selecting the programme
- Relevant extracurricular activities
- Academic, research, leadership, or community achievements
- Future educational and career goals
Avoid using a generic statement that could be submitted unchanged to any university.
(4) Create an account through the HKUST undergraduate application system.
Enter your personal details, academic qualifications, programme choices, predicted or final examination results, and English-language evidence.
The published undergraduate application fee for the latest cycle is:
HK$600
The fee is non-refundable.
(5) Upload all required documents and nominate an academic referee where requested.
HKUST normally requires:
- Identity document
- Personal statement
- Three years of high-school transcripts
- Public examination certificates
- English-language evidence
- Proof of significant prizes and awards
- Academic referee details for applicants following certain qualifications
Applications and supporting documents are submitted online. Applicants do not normally need to mail documents unless HKUST specifically requests them.
(6) Submit the admission application during the Early or Main Round.
Applicants targeting the most competitive scholarships should apply in the Early Round where possible. Early submission is compulsory for students applying for the Future Leaders Award.
(7) No separate form is required for the standard academic scholarships.
HKUST automatically assesses eligible applicants for:
- Qualification-based admission scholarships
- Scholarships for other international qualifications
- Global Learners Scholarship
- School- and programme-level top-up awards
The scholarship result is normally included with the admission offer.
(8) Applicants seeking the Future Leaders Award must submit its separate scholarship form.
The application requires:
- Statement of Circumstance
- Declaration on Family Finances
- Reference or recommendation letter
- Evidence supporting the family’s financial circumstances
The Statement of Circumstance should explain the family’s financial position, challenges the applicant has overcome, interest in contributing to HKUST, and the difference the scholarship would make.
How to Apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme at HKUST?
(1) Review the HKUST research postgraduate programmes and select a PhD programme aligned with your previous education and research interests.
Check the programme’s academic requirements, research areas, faculty profiles, application deadline, and additional documents.
(2) Identify potential supervisors working in your proposed field.
HKUST does not publish one universal rule requiring every applicant to secure a supervisor before applying. However, contacting relevant academic staff can strengthen a research application and help confirm that supervision is available.
Send a concise email explaining:
- Your academic qualifications
- Previous thesis or research experience
- Proposed research area
- Relevant publications or technical experience
- Why the professor’s research is a strong match
- Your intention to apply for HKPFS
Attach a focused academic CV and a short research outline.
(3) Prepare your research proposal.
The standard research application asks applicants to explain their previous research experience and proposed research plan. Applicants to Humanities, Social Science, and Individualised Interdisciplinary Programmes may need an additional proposal in a specified format.
A strong proposal should explain:
- Research problem
- Existing knowledge gap
- Research questions
- Relevant literature
- Proposed methodology
- Expected contribution
- Feasibility and required resources
- Alignment with the selected HKUST research group
(4) Submit the initial application through the HKPFS Electronic System.
The initial application allows you to choose up to two PhD programmes at one or two participating Hong Kong universities.
After submission, the system issues an HKPFS reference number. Save this number because it must be entered in the HKUST application.
(5) Submit a separate PhD application through the HKUST Online Admission System.
If you choose two HKUST programmes in the initial HKPFS application, submit a separate full HKUST application for each programme. Quote the same HKPFS reference number in both applications.
(6) Pay the HKUST research postgraduate application fee.
The current application fee for an MPhil or PhD programme is:
HK$180
A separate fee is required for each programme application.
(7) Upload all required documents.
Make sure the academic history, programme choices, research interests, and personal information in the HKPFS and HKUST applications are consistent.
(8) Nominate academic referees.
HKUST allows applicants to nominate between two and five referees. The referees receive email invitations to submit confidential reference reports through the online system.
Choose referees who can discuss:
- Academic performance
- Research ability
- Independent thinking
- Creativity
- Communication skills
- Leadership potential
- Suitability for doctoral study
You can use our guide on requesting a scholarship recommendation letter when approaching them.
(9) Attend an interview if shortlisted.
The department may assess your academic preparation, proposed methodology, understanding of the research area, communication skills, and reasons for choosing HKUST.
You can review our guide to scholarship interview questions and answers when preparing.
(10) HKUST nominates its strongest candidates to the Research Grants Council.
Successful fellowship applicants receive the HKPFS and the additional HKUST funding package.
Candidates who are admitted but not selected for HKPFS may still be offered:
- Postgraduate Studentship
- RedBird PhD Award
- First-year tuition waiver
- Other departmental support
How to Apply for the HKUST Postgraduate Studentship?
(1) Select an eligible full-time MPhil or PhD programme through the HKUST postgraduate programme catalogue.
(2) Check the programme deadline and admission requirements.
The deadline varies by department. Applications for Fall 2027 admission will open in September 2026.
(3) Prepare your academic CV, research proposal, transcripts, degree certificates, English evidence, and reference information.
Use our guide to prepare a focused academic CV for scholarship.
(4) Submit the research admission application through the HKUST Online Admission System.
Select the funding information requested in the application and ensure that your programme knows you require financial support.
(5) No separate Postgraduate Studentship application is normally required.
Qualified full-time MPhil and PhD applicants are considered through the admission process. The programme or department determines whether the applicant receives a studentship and includes the funding information in the admission offer.
(6) Outstanding international PhD applicants may also be considered for the RedBird PhD Award.
There is no separate central RedBird application. Selection is based on academic excellence and research potential.
Documents Required for Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Scholarships
Undergraduate Scholarship Documents
International undergraduate applicants should prepare:
- Completed HKUST online application
- Passport or identity document
- Personal statement
- High-school transcripts covering the previous three years
- High-school graduation certificate or expected graduation evidence
- Predicted or final public examination results
- IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, PTE, or another accepted English qualification
- Academic referee details where required
- Certificates for prizes, competitions, leadership, volunteering, or extracurricular achievements
- Programme-specific portfolio or supplementary materials
- Certified English or Chinese translations of documents issued in another language
- Updated results received after application submission
HKUST may ask admitted students to present original academic documents for verification before registration.
Future Leaders Award Documents
Applicants should additionally prepare:
- Future Leaders Award application form
- Statement of Circumstance
- Declaration on Family Finances
- Recommendation letter
- Household income evidence
- Parent or guardian employment and income documents
- Evidence of exceptional financial circumstances where applicable
- Supporting information about personal challenges and resilience
The university may request additional evidence when assessing financial need.
MPhil and PhD Scholarship Documents
Research applicants should prepare:
- Completed HKUST postgraduate application
- Passport or identity document
- Visa or entry-permit information where applicable
- Bachelor’s degree certificate
- Master’s degree certificate for PhD applicants, where applicable
- Complete transcripts covering all tertiary education
- Official institutional grading scale
- IELTS or TOEFL result, where required
- Medium of Instruction letter, where applicable
- Proposed research plan
- Description of previous research experience
- Academic CV
- Two to five academic referees
- GRE or GMAT score where required
- Additional Humanities, Social Science, or interdisciplinary research proposal where applicable
- Programme-specific supplementary documents
- Evidence of publications, awards, patents, conferences, or research employment
Applicants upload scanned documents at the application stage. Official documents are generally required only after an offer is issued unless the programme requests them earlier.
Additional HKPFS Information
HKPFS applicants also need:
- Initial Research Grants Council application
- HKPFS reference number
- Up to two selected PhD programmes
- Separate HKUST application for each selected HKUST programme
- Strong evidence of academic excellence
- Research proposal
- Academic references
- Evidence of leadership and communication ability
- Publications and research achievements where available
- Any additional documents requested during nomination or interview
Applicants should ensure that their HKUST and RGC applications contain consistent information.
Website
For more information about the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Scholarships, please visit the official pages:
- HKUST Undergraduate Fees and Scholarships
- Academic Scholarships for International Qualifications
- Future Leaders Award
- HKUST Postgraduate Scholarships and Fees
- Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme at HKUST
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Scholarships fully funded?
Some are fully funded, while others cover only part or all of the tuition fee.
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme at HKUST provides a stipend, tuition waiver, travel allowance, RedBird funding, and first-year accommodation support. The strongest undergraduate awards can cover full tuition and provide an annual living allowance of up to HK$60,000. Other undergraduate scholarships may provide only a one-off or partial tuition reduction.
Can international undergraduate students receive full tuition and a living allowance?
Yes. The highest HKUST undergraduate scholarship package covers full tuition fees plus HK$60,000 per academic year.
For example, the latest IB scholarship table provides this award to students achieving 45 points. Applicants holding other qualifications may also receive the maximum package following holistic assessment.
Do I need a separate undergraduate scholarship application?
No separate application is required for the standard academic admission scholarships or Global Learners Scholarship.
A separate form is required for application-based awards such as the Future Leaders Award.
How much is the HKUST Postgraduate Studentship?
The latest published Postgraduate Studentship is HK$229,620 per year, equivalent to approximately HK$19,135 per month.
It can be provided for up to two years for full-time MPhil students or four years for full-time PhD students.
Does the Postgraduate Studentship cover tuition fees?
The studentship is a stipend rather than an automatic tuition waiver.
International students normally use the stipend toward tuition and living expenses. Selected PhD students may receive a separate first-year tuition waiver through the RedBird PhD Award.
How much is the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship stipend?
The latest confirmed central RGC stipend is HK$344,400 per year, equivalent to HK$28,700 per month.
The central award also provides HK$14,400 per year for conference and research-related travel. The final 2027–2028 rates have not yet been published.
What happens if I do not receive HKPFS?
Strong candidates may still receive regular PhD admission with:
- HKUST Postgraduate Studentship
- RedBird PhD Award
- First-year tuition waiver
- Additional departmental funding
Applicants do not need to submit a new PhD application to be considered for this alternative package.
Do I need to find a supervisor before applying?
HKUST does not impose one universal prior-supervisor requirement across every research programme.
However, contacting a relevant academic is strongly recommended because it helps applicants confirm research alignment, supervision availability, and project feasibility.
Is IELTS compulsory?
Not always.
Undergraduate and postgraduate applicants may satisfy the English requirement through other accepted tests or previous education completed in English. The standard IELTS requirement is 6.0 for undergraduate admission and 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5, for postgraduate admission.
Can MPhil students apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme?
No. HKPFS is available only to new full-time PhD applicants.
Eligible MPhil applicants may instead receive the HKUST Postgraduate Studentship for up to two years.
Is there an HKUST application fee?
Yes.
The latest application fees are:
- Undergraduate international application: HK$600
- MPhil or PhD application: HK$180 per programme
These fees are non-refundable and may be revised for the 2027 admission cycle.
