Prestigious And Fully Funded: Apply For The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 2025/2026 -

About the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme

Are you a high-achieving student with a strong research vision and global ambition? The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 2025/2026 invites talented candidates from all nationalities and academic backgrounds to apply for one of the most competitive and well-funded PhD fellowships in Asia.

Established by Hong Kong’s Research Grants Council (RGC) in 2009, the HKPFS is designed to attract outstanding doctoral candidates from around the world to undertake full-time PhD studies at one of eight world-class universities in Hong Kong. The scheme offers a vibrant, multicultural research environment with generous financial support, mentorship by leading scholars, and access to cutting-edge research facilities.

Eligible Fields

The HKPFS covers all academic disciplines offered by the participating universities. Applicants can pursue doctoral studies in a wide range of fields, including but not limited to:

Science and Technology
Engineering and Computer Science
Health and Medical Sciences
Business and Finance
Education
Social Sciences and Law
Humanities and Philosophy
Creative Arts and Design

No matter your field of expertise or academic passion, if your goal is to contribute groundbreaking research with global impact, this fellowship is for you.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the HKPFS, applicants must:

Be seeking admission as a new full-time PhD student at a Hong Kong university for the 2025/2026 academic year.
Possess a strong academic track record with excellent performance in relevant coursework or research.
Show outstanding research potential and innovative thinking.
Demonstrate leadership qualities, communication skills, and a commitment to academic excellence.
Be from any country in the world — there are no nationality restrictions.

Selection Criteria

Applicants are evaluated based on the following core criteria:

Academic Excellence (primary consideration)
Research Ability and Potential
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Leadership Abilities and Personal Qualities

Applications are reviewed by selection panels aligned with the applicant’s field of study, including:

Sciences, Medicine, Engineering, and Technology
Humanities, Social Sciences, and Business Studies

Eligible Countries

The HKPFS is open to all nationalities. Whether you’re from Africa, Europe, Asia, the Americas, or Oceania, you are encouraged to apply.

Required Documents

When submitting your application, you will typically need:

A well-developed research proposal
Academic transcripts and certificates
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Proof of English proficiency (such as IELTS or TOEFL)
Letters of recommendation (usually two to three)
A personal statement outlining your motivation and research interests
Any other documents specified by the university of your choice

Benefits of the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme

Awardees of the HKPFS receive generous funding to support their studies and research:

Annual Stipend: HK$337,200 (approximately USD $43,230)
Conference and Research-Related Travel Allowance: HK$14,000 per year (approximately USD $1,790)
Duration: Up to 3 years (most universities offer additional funding beyond 3 years, if needed)

In addition to financial benefits, fellows gain access to a supportive academic community, professional development programs, and international networking opportunities.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply for the HKPFS:

Choose Your University and PhD Program:
Select your preferred program from among the eight participating universities in Hong Kong (see list below).
Submit an Initial Application through the HKPFS Portal:
Complete your preliminary application on the official HKPFS website
You will receive a HKPFS Reference Number after submission.
Apply Directly to Your Chosen University:
Submit a full PhD application to your selected university using the reference number. Each university has its own admission portal and deadline.

Participating Universities includes:

City University of Hong Kong (CityU)
Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU)
Lingnan University (LU)
The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)
The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK)
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)
The University of Hong Kong (HKU)

Application Timeline

Initial Application Opens: September 2025
Deadline: Varies by university, typically between November and December 2025
Tip: Check each university’s website for exact deadlines and admission requirements.

How Long Will the Award Last?

The HKPFS offers funding for the first three years of doctoral studies. If your program requires more time, most universities provide additional support to cover the remainder of your studies.

Final Thoughts

With its generous funding, international prestige, and access to cutting-edge research environments, the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) is a golden opportunity for future scholars ready to make a global impact. Whether you’re passionate about science, policy, culture, or innovation, this fellowship can be the launching pad for your academic career.

Apply now to take the next step toward research excellence and academic leadership in one of Asia’s most vibrant academic hubs.