The Hong Kong Research Grants Council (RGC) has opened applications for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 2027/28, one of Asia’s most prestigious fully funded doctoral awards. Each year, 400 fellowships are awarded to outstanding PhD candidates from any country to study at one of eight world-class universities in Hong Kong.
Key Details
- Award: Annual stipend of HK$344,400 (~US$44,200) plus a HK$14,400 annual conference and travel allowance
- Duration: Up to 3 years (with possible 4th-year extension for some programs)
- Additional benefits: Full tuition fee waiver; some universities offer cash awards, guaranteed accommodation, and additional research grants
- Number of awards: 400 fellowships per cycle
- Eligible universities: HKU, CUHK, HKUST, PolyU, CityU, HKBU, Lingnan University, EdUHK
- Eligibility: Open to students of all nationalities; assessed on academic excellence, research potential, communication skills, and leadership
- Fields: All research disciplines
- Deadline: 1 December 2026 (noon HKT for RGC initial application; full application to chosen university also due 1 December 2026)
How to Apply
Applicants must first submit an initial application through the RGC HKPFS portal (no fee) to obtain a reference number, then submit a full application directly to their chosen Hong Kong university. Both steps are required — submitting only to the RGC without a university application will render the application void. Results are expected March–April 2027.
Apply at the official HKPFS page →
Always verify deadlines and details on the official RGC/university website before applying.