Summary: The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS), established by the Research Grants Council (RGC), invites top-tier international students to pursue PhD studies at the City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK). The fellowship offers an attractive monthly stipend of HK$28,700, annual conference travel allowances, and an entrance scholarship covering tuition and accommodation for the first year.
Overview & Key Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Fellowship Scheme | Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) |
| Host Institution | City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) |
| Designation | PhD Fellow / Doctoral Researcher |
| Study Level | Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) |
| Location | Hong Kong |
| Monthly Stipend | HK$28,700 (~US$3,680) |
| Travel Allowance | HK$14,400 (~US$1,840) per year (up to 3 years) |
| Entrance Scholarship | HK$111,300 (~US$14,270) |
| Application Deadline | 1 December 2026 |
Designation
Successful candidates will be appointed as PhD Fellows / Research Degree Candidates at CityUHK.
Research Area
Fellowships are tenable across various academic departments and schools under the College of Science (CSCI) and broader CityUHK research degree faculties, including:
- Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Computer Science and Data Science
- Engineering and Technology
- Interdisciplinary and Applied Sciences
Location
City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK), Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong.
Scholarship Description
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme provides comprehensive financial support throughout the PhD journey:
- Monthly Stipend: HK$28,700 (approximately US$3,680) per month.
- Conference & Travel Grant: HK$14,400 (approximately US$1,840) annually for up to three years.
- CityUHK Entrance Scholarship: HK$111,300 (approximately US$14,270) covering the full-time tuition fee and university hall accommodation for the first academic year.
- Additional Financial Support: Eligible candidates may qualify for supplementary financial subsidies and awards from the RGC.
Estimated Yearly Cost of Study (2026–27)
| Expense Item | On-Campus Residence (HKD) | Off-Campus Housing (HKD) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee | HK$46,992 | HK$46,992 |
| Living Costs (Meals, Transport, Books) | HK$50,000 | HK$50,000 |
| Accommodation | HK$41,400 | HK$50,000 – HK$60,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost / Year | HK$138,392 (~US$17,650) | HK$146,992 – HK$156,992 (~US$18,746–$20,022) |
Eligibility / Qualification
Applicants must satisfy the minimum entrance requirements established by CityUHK:
- Hold a higher degree by research (or equivalent) from a recognized university; OR
- Hold a taught Master’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognized university; OR
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree with First Class Honours (or equivalent) from a recognized university.
English Language Proficiency Requirements
Candidates from institutions where the medium of instruction is not English must present valid test scores (valid for two years from the test date):
- TOEFL (iBT): Minimum score of 79 (tests taken prior to 21 January 2026) or 4.5 (tests taken from 21 January 2026 onwards).
- IELTS: Minimum overall band score of 6.5.
How to Apply
Applicants must follow a two-step application procedure:
- Step 1 (RGC Application): Submit an initial online application via the RGC Online Application System to obtain an official RGC reference number.
- Step 2 (CityUHK Application): Submit a full admission application with all required supporting documentation through the CityUHK Online Admission System, quoting the obtained RGC reference number.
Last Date for Apply
The closing deadlines for the 2027/28 intake are:
- RGC Initial Application Deadline: 1 December 2026 (12:00 noon GMT +8)
- CityUHK Full Application Deadline: 1 December 2026 (23:59 GMT +8)
Apply Link
Start your application process through the official portals below:
- Initial Portal: RGC HKPFS Application System
- University Portal: CityUHK Online Admission System
- Further Details: CityUHK School of Graduate Studies
