The Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong invites applications from international and domestic candidates for the prestigious Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS). Established in 2009, this fellowship aims to attract the world’s best and brightest minds to pursue full-time doctoral research across Hong Kong’s top-ranked universities.
Scholarship Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Fellowship Name | Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) |
| Designation | PhD Fellow / Doctoral Researcher |
| Awarding Agency | Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong |
| Location | Hong Kong |
| Stipend | Up to HK$344,400 (approx. US$44,150) per year |
| Travel Allowance | HK$14,400 (approx. US$1,840) per year |
| Number of Awards | Up to 400 fellowships per academic year |
| Duration | Up to 3 years (university extensions available) |
| Application Deadline | Early December (annually; check participating universities) |
Designation
PhD Fellow / Doctoral Research Scholar enrolled in a full-time PhD program at one of Hong Kong’s participating universities.
Research Area
Applications are open across all major academic disciplines, categorized under two main selection panels:
- Sciences, Medicine, Engineering, and Technology: Computer Science, Engineering, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Clinical Medicine, Mathematics, and related fields.
- Humanities, Social Sciences, and Business Studies: Economics, Finance, Management, Law, Sociology, Education, Arts, Linguistics, and Cultural Studies.
Location
Hong Kong SAR, at any of the following 8 participating universities:
- 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)
Eligibility & Qualification
Applicants must satisfy the following criteria:
- Academic Excellence: Outstanding academic records and strong foundational background in the chosen field of study.
- Status: Seeking admission as a new full-time PhD student at one of the 8 participating universities in Hong Kong.
- Global Diversity: Open to candidates worldwide regardless of their country of origin, ethnic background, or prior work experience.
- Research & Leadership: Proven research potential, strong communication and interpersonal skills, and demonstrable leadership qualities.
Scholarship Description & Benefits
The HKPFS is one of the most generous doctoral fellowship schemes in Asia, offering comprehensive financial and research support:
- Annual Stipend: An attractive fellowship stipend of HK$344,400 (approx. US$44,150) per year for up to three years.
- Conference & Travel Allowance: A research-related travel and conference allowance of HK$14,400 (approx. US$1,840) per year.
- Extended Support: For fellows whose PhD programs require more than three years to complete, additional financial support and tuition subsidies may be provided directly by the host institution.
How to Apply
Applying for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme involves a two-step application process:
- Step 1 (HKPFS Initial Application): Submit an initial online application via the HKPFS Electronic System (HKPFSES) to obtain a unique HKPFS Reference Number.
- Step 2 (University Application): Apply directly to the chosen participating university (or universities) for full-time PhD admission, quoting the assigned HKPFS Reference Number before each institution’s deadline.
Last Date to Apply
The HKPFS electronic system typically closes in early December (around December 1, 12:00 noon HKT) each year. Candidates are strongly advised to check the exact admission deadlines of their chosen universities.
Apply Link
To register, obtain your HKPFS reference number, and read the complete program guidelines, visit the official portal:
Apply Online for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)
