Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28 (HK$344,400 Annual Stipend)

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) was set up in 2009 by the Research Grants Council (RGC) to attract outstanding students from around the world to do a PhD at Hong Kong's universities. For the 2027/28 academic year, 400 fellowships will be awarded. At the 2026/27 rate, each fellow receives an annual stipend of HK$344,400 (HK$28,700 a month) and a conference and research travel allowance of HK$14,400 a year, for up to three years. If you need more than three years to finish, your university may give extra support. Applicants of any country of origin, work experience or ethnic background can apply. The application has two steps: an initial application to the RGC, and then a full PhD application to your chosen university. The initial application is open from 1 September 2026 to 1 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Hong Kong Time. This page was last checked against the RGC website on 7 October 2026. Last checked 8 October 2026 against the Research Grants Council website: 400 fellowships are offered for 2027/28. New full-time PhD applicants to the eight funded universities can apply, whatever their country, work experience or background. You submit one initial application in English with up to two choices of university and programme; duplicate applications are disqualified. The council charges no fee, but a university may charge its own. Selection looks at academic excellence first, then research ability and potential, communication skills and leadership. Results are announced in May 2027. The stipend and the travel allowance of HK$14,400 a year are the 2026/27 rates. After the initial application you must also apply to your chosen universities by their own deadlines.