HKU Presidential PhD Scholarship 2027/28 in Hong Kong (Fully Funded, up to HK$445,800 in the First Year)

The HKU Presidential PhD Scholar Programme (HKU-PS) is the University of Hong Kong's top award for new full-time PhD students. HKU describes the scholars as the brightest candidates who are passionate about research. For 2027/28 admission, the package is worth up to around HK$445,800 (about US$57,150) in the first year and up to around HK$428,300 (about US$54,920) in each later year of the normative study period. It includes a postgraduate scholarship of HK$28,700 a month, a waiver of the composition fee (listed at HK$49,500 a year), a cash award of HK$40,000 in the first year and HK$20,000 a year after that, and a travel allowance of HK$14,400 a year for conferences and research. Scholars are guaranteed a hall place in the first year, which may be renewed. Selected outstanding students may receive funding for one extra year, based on their research output and progress. There is no separate scholarship form. All applicants to HKU's full-time PhD programme are considered. The four-year PhD is for applicants with a good bachelor's degree with honours and/or a taught master's degree, and the three-year PhD is for applicants who already hold a research master's degree such as an MPhil. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an interview. The Main Round for 2027/28 admission runs from 1 September to 1 December 2026. HKU strongly encourages Main Round applicants to also apply for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme. Clearing rounds follow, but HKU says admission quotas are limited and it strongly encourages applying in the Main Round. This page was last checked against the HKU Graduate School website on 17 October 2026.