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Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong·Hong Kong

Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)

Fully FundedPhD36-48 monthsOpens Sep · closes 1 Dec 2026

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS), administered by the Research Grants Council, awards 400 fully funded PhD fellowships per year at Hong Kong's 8 UGC-funded universities (HKU, CUHK, HKUST, PolyU, CityU, HKBU, Lingnan, EdUHK). Provides HK$28,400/month stipend, full tuition waiver, and travel allowance for 3 years (universities typically extend to 4). No nationality restrictions. The application is advisor-driven — securing a supervisor before applying is essential.

Popular Participating Universities

University of Hong Kong (HKU)University of Hong Kong
The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Quick info

Application status

Opens Sep · closes 1 Dec 2026
Hong Kong
PhD
36-48 months
All research disciplines at 8 UGC-funded universities
Open to: Open to all nationalities (including Hong Kong locals)
Apply on official site

Opens the provider's official website

Info sourced from official providers. Always verify deadlines, requirements, and eligibility directly before applying.

What you get

  • Annual stipend: HK$340,800 (HK$28,400/month, approx. USD 3,640)
  • Full tuition waiver for the normative PhD period (3 years)
  • Annual travel and conference allowance: HK$14,200 (approx. USD 1,820)
  • Universities typically provide Year 4 funding from their own resources
Monthly: HK$28,400/month stipend (approx. USD 3,640 or EUR 3,350) / HK$14,200/year travel & conference allowance / Full tuition waiver (3 years)

Requirements

First degree: Required
Professional experience: Not required
Country restriction: Open to all nationalities (including Hong Kong locals)

Detailed requirements

  • - Must be seeking admission as a new full-time PhD student
  • - Open to all nationalities — no restrictions
  • - No age limit, no nationality restriction
  • - Master's degree not always required — some programmes accept exceptional Bachelor's holders
  • - Must apply to a maximum of 2 participating universities
  • - Two-step process: first file with RGC for Reference Number, then apply to university quoting the number
  • - Advisor-driven: find a professor who wants to supervise you before applying
  • - Cannot apply if already enrolled in a PhD programme

Who can apply

Outstanding PhD applicants from any country worldwide. One of Asia's most generous PhD fellowships — 400 awards per year across 8 universities. Advisor-driven: securing a supervisor is critical. Very early deadline (December 1).

Fields of study

All research disciplines at 8 UGC-funded universities

Application window

Opens Sep · closes 1 Dec 2026

Dates are based on data sourced from official providers (2025-2026 cycle). Deadlines may shift between intake years. Always verify on the official website before applying.

Important dates

Application opens: 1 September
Application deadline: 1 December
RGC results: May
Studies commence: September following year
RGC funding: 3 years (universities typically extend to Year 4)

How to apply

  1. 1Step 1: Research the 8 participating universities and identify potential supervisors in your field
  2. 2Step 2: Contact professors directly to discuss supervision — this is essential
  3. 3Step 3: File an initial HKPFS application with RGC (Sep–Dec 1) to receive a Reference Number
  4. 4Step 4: Separately apply to up to 2 universities, quoting your RGC Reference Number
  5. 5Step 5: University evaluates your application and nominates top candidates to RGC
  6. 6Step 6: RGC makes final selections; results announced in May
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Provider

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Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong

Hong Kong

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